Graduates of 2020-Special Edition

SPECIAL EDITION HIGHLITING OUR GRADUATES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

EVERYDAY EVERYONE GRADUATES IN 2020!!!

Features students of 2020 from all over the U.S.

Arizona

Texas North Carolina

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MAGAZINE JUNE 2020

THE FUTURE PAGE 18

2021 GRADUATE INSIDER

New Jersey

Florida

MELANIN

PAGE 42

CLASS OF 2020 EXCLUSIVE!

High Honors,Key Club, Theater, and much much more

JADA ROBERTS

THE SMITH FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

EVERYDAYMELANIN

CONTENTS 03 A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR A special message from Ebony Johnson in hopes to uplift and motivate everyone affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

10 JADA ROBERTS-COVER Jersey Born, Florida Living H.S. Senior who received High Honors, and participated in much, much, more!!!

14 2020 GRADUATES

FROM STATE TO STATE

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Througout the magazine, we celebrate the graduates from states outside of the New Jersey Area.

JADA ROBERTS, HIGH HONORS,KEY CLUB, THEATER, AND MUCH MUCH MORE

20 THE FUTURE The children of today and tomorrow!!

05 & 2019 & 2021 PAST AND FUTURE 42 INSIDER Congratulations to SLOANE HUGHES & NIA JOHNSON

EXCLUSIVE!

32 THE SMITH FAMILY 2020 GRADUATES FROM STATE TO STATE

20 THE FUTUREÂ

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EVERYDAY_MELANIN_MAGAZINE

WWW.EVERYDAYMELANINMAGAZINE.COM

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FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

A Message from the Editor During the month of March, I've been thinking of new and clever ways to generate the perfect content that would remind the children of today why and how much they matter to us. Everyday Melanin Magazine puts an emphasis on creating a platform that enables just about everyone a safe space to use their voice.

Ebony Johnson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Covid-19 has been a tremendously horrifying virus that indeed has affected everyone across the world.

The class of 2020 felt it's wrath the most. While I cannot fathom nor share a relative story to help ease the tension, understand you all have persevered and paved a way for many of the upcoming students from pre-school to even adults.

Your strength to keep pushing forward and your determination to make it to the finish line was nothing short of amazing.

WE SEE YOU and WE ARE PROUD OF YOU ALL!!!

Pictured above: Jordan Orionn HS Senior Photos taken by her Mother and Brother.

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CONGRATULATIONS 2019

GRADUATE A BLAST FROM THE PAST WITH SLOANE HUGHES

Sloane recently graduated from the University of Bridgeport in December 2019 with her BS in Health Science and a concentration in Exercise & Fitness. Prior to UB, Sloane graduated from Hopewell Valley Central High School and attended Mercer County Community College for the following 2 years. She has been very active as a student-athlete all throughout her life balancing academics, soccer, and track. She ended her soccer career on a high note, as the women’s team at the University of Bridgeport won the 2018 DII Women’s Soccer National Championship. She is looking to further her education and study for her Masters in Strength & Conditioning to someday become a

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level.

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strength coach at the college/pro

PHOTOS BY @BEAUTIFULKHAOS_IMAGES

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SLOANE ENDED HER SOCCER CAREERON A HIGH NOTE UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT WON THE 2018 DII WOMEN’S SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

EVERYONE GRADUATES IN 2020 Prom; being one of the most highly anticipated events in High School, was one of the many events that had been cancelled in the 2020 lineup. School's all over the country have disclosed closures as early as April 15th. Quarantine has been the major focus as families stayed home to assure safety and healthy living.

Pictured above: Jordan Orionn HS Senior Texas Photos taken by her Mother and Brother.

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PROM IS CANCELLED!!! THAT IS THE ONE STATEMENT STUDENTS ALL OVER HAVE DREADED TO HEAR.

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Jada Roberts Cover Story

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Jada was a member of the Key Club and RCHS Elite Dance Company.

She also became the Senior Dance Officer and was a recipient winner of the RCHS dance program award in 2017 and 2019.

Before graduating, Jada participated as a varsity football and basketball cheerleader.

She has also performed and participated in her school's theater production such as "High School Musical"-Ensemble, "Beauty and The Beast"-Lead Dancer, "You Can't Take it With You"-Crew Member, and "The Wiz" as lead dancer.

In the future: Jada will attend Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, She will major in Business Marketing and minor in Dance.

In high school, Jada was a member of the Key Club and RCHS Elite Dance Company.

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All Photos of Jada are taken by Jada's Father Jimmie Roberts

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Cover Story: Jada Imani Roberts is a 2020, high school graduate of Ridge Community  High School located in Davenport, Florida. She graduated with high honors and a gpa of 3.7.

CIERRA J. B R O O K S

Cierra J. Brooks is apart of the student council and performing arts program (dance major) at Burlington County Institute of Technology (Medford Campus) with a 3.0 GPA. Outside of school, and apart of the competition dance team for Stewart Johnson Dance Academy in Hamilton, NJ. Cierra is a faithful member of the Macedonia Baptist Church, in which she is apart of the Nursery Committee and Praise Dance Ministry. Over the past couple years she has volunteered for the Summer Reading Program at Shiloh Baptist Church called Freedom School, in which she has accumulated close to 500 volunteer hours. Â She also volunteers at the local soup kitchens, daycare centers, and with her church with helping out the less fortunate.

She enjoys modeling and spending time with her family and friends. This fall she will be attending Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia to study Criminal Justice."

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JORDAN ORION A

graduate with both a high school and associates degree from Early College High School is quite amazing. For Jordan, attending

an academic driven school had its challenges

considering she has the gift of dyslexia. However, Austin, Texas

She is proud to announce that with hard work and perseverance, she maintained honor roll status.

Additionally, as a singer/songwriter and actress, Jordan was casted in a documentary 'One Chance' by director Alcee Walker that followed 5 teens for nearly 2 years in pursuit of their musical dreams.

The film was screened at the Pan African American Film Festival in February (2020).

Orion also played a major role in the film 'Friend Request' by director Kerry-Ann Fraizer last year that focused on child sex trafficking. She has been casted for several theater productions with the most recent production being 'Four Women' written and directed by Kerry-Ann Fraizer.

Jordan was accepted to Prairie View University, as well as, Texas Southern University, however as result of the pandemic, attending her college of choice has changed. "As of now, it looks like I will be attending Texas A&M University, a college closer to home to obtain my bachelor's degree."

"However, after receiving my degree, I plan to revisit the idea of transferring to a university not so close to home to study law."

Jordan's photos were taken by her mother and brother during quarantine

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“...AS OF NOW, IT LOOKS LIKE I WILL BE ATTENDING TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, A COLLEGE CLOSER TO HOME TO OBTAIN MY BACHELOR'S DEGREE.”

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THE FUTURE

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From: Scottsdale, AZ Active in: Acting Ballet and Track and field Graduated 8th grade and will be attending Horizon HS in Paradise Valley,AZ

WATLTER H A L L

JR.

BREELLE Breelle is 13 yrs. old and will be graduating from 8th grade at Fisher Middle School.

Breelle has made honor roll every year since elementary school and continues to excel in her academics. She was selected to take humanities during middle school and was recommended for all honor classes entering into high school.

Breelle has participated in track as well as softball as extracurricular activities.

Along with being a great student Breelle is a great big sister to a little brother that adores her and a great daughter to her mother and father that loves her beyond life. Middle school has not been peaches and cream for Breelle especially when it comes to peers, but she has been able to push past adversity and maintain her grades and morals.

Breelle has been recognized by community officials for her outstanding grades and was personally told that if she continues on her path she will quite possibly be able to attend any college of choice on full academic scholarships.

BREELLE HAS MADE HONOR ROLL EVERY YEAR

"We are very proud of you and pray that you reach your fullest potential in life. Your hard work, focus, tenacity, motivation, spirit, gracefulness, smile, and heart are never overlooked. We will always be your biggest fans Princess."

-Love, Mom

RECOGNIZED BY COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

JORDAN Jordan Walton, will be graduating from Burlington Township Middle School. Jordan enjoys track and field, playing basketball, practicing the piano, and is an avid video gamer.

Jordan loves computers and has been writing computer codes since 1st grade. He hopes to become a video game designer when he grows up.

ERIN Erin Upshur Graduate of: Fisher Middle School Activities: Loves Reading, Drawing, Tutoring, Odyssey of the mind and Theater.

Sports: Track Awards: Honor Roll, Student of the month.

"Erin is my bubbly ray of sunshine! She always has a smile on her face, is my lil fighter in spirit, and my second pair of hands. She impresses me each and everyday.

"Erin, remember to ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND YOU WILL BE UNSTOPPABLE. Also, Let no one cage who you were born to be....." Love always MOM

NEVAEH Nevaeh Warren will be a freshman attending Sunnyslope High school in Phoenix, Arizona, She has previously attended Madison #1 Junior High. Her greatest accomplishments this year were receiving the silver award for getting a 3.5 GPA or higher. Lastly, her next accomplishment came from making the varsity cheer team.

CHRISTINA

Christina E. Armstrong is a 10 yr. old, 5th Grade graduate from Charles Street Elementary School in Palmyra, New Jersey. She enjoys karate, playing drums, engineering, and basketball.

Christina loves spending time with family, cooking, baking, and telling jokes. She’s looking forward to more time to travel with her mom, and developing her skills in the things she enjoys, as she begins her 6th grade year homeschooling.

ADARIUS Adarius Johnson is moving up to Kindergarten from Carolyn Stokes Preschool in Trenton, NJ He is turning 5 in July

KAINE Kaine Warren Graduated from Kindergarten at Imagine Rosefield School in Surprise, AZ He is 6 years old

CONDUCTED NUMEROUS CAREER WORKSHOPS AND CAREER COACHING SESSIONS AUTHOR OF THE RÉSUMÉ PLAYBOOK

HE CURRENTLY WORKS AND LIVES IN DOHA, QATAR (HOME OF THE 2022 WORLD CUP).

RÉSUMÉS BY J. TYLER RÉSUMÉS BY J. TYLER WAS AN IDEA BIRTHED BY CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL RÉSUMÉ WRITER JUSTIN TYLER TO PROVIDE JOB SEEKERS A TRUSTED, EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE AND PARTNER WITH PROFESSIONALS. THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO UNLOCK THEIR RESPECTIVE PATHS TO CAREER AND LIFE SATISFACTION.

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM @RESUMESBYJTYLER CONTACT # +974 3395 6757 EMAIL: JUSTIN@RESUMESBYJTYLER.COM

WWW.RESUMESBYJTYLER.COM/

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MACHAYA WILLIAMS GRADUATED FROM EWING HIGHSCHOOL IN NEW JERSEY WHERE SHE ENJOYED PLAYING BASKETBALL AND RUNNING TRACK. SHE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED AND WILL BE ATTENDING MORGAN STATE UNIVERISTY IN THE FALL.

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M C N A I R

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VERQUAN

Verquan T. McNair graduated from Pennsbury High located in Pennsylvania. He played as point guard on the varsity basketball team for two years. Verquan also was the Suburban One League National Conference Champion from 2018-2019. He has been accepted into Virginia Union University which he hopes to attend in the fall.

YOUR CITY IS SO PROUD OF YOU! WE BELIEVE IN YOU AND WE WILL ALWAYS BE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US! BE THE CHANGE, SMITH FAMILY FOUNDATION JEREMIAH 29:11

2020- 2021 #IAMTHECHANGE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS IN ADDITION TO THEIR FINANCIAL AWARDS, GRADUATING SENIORS WILL RECEIVE A NEW LAPTOP, A COLLEGE CARE PACKAGE AND WILL BE INDUCTED TO THE PATHWAYS TO STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAM

Smith Family Foundation & Trenton Central High School Legacy Scholarship: $40,000 over 4 years

Charlene Richards George Washington University Major: Political Science Minor: Journalism “No one escapes pain, fear, and suffering. Yet from pain can come wisdom, from fear can come courage, and from suffering can come strength—if we have the virtue of resilience. The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.”

Ministry Scholarship: $5,000

Ciera Diggs Bowie State University "Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen"- Conan O'Brien

IEP Scholarship: $5,000

Felix Malave Hilbert College Major: Forensic Science/Criminalistics "It is only through labor and painful effort, by Grimm energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things." - Theodore Roosevelt

IEP Scholarship: $5,000

Mehki Simon Bloomfield College Major: Music Technology “When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go.”-by Carol Burnett

The Hazel and Ralph McMillan Scholarship: $2,500 This Scholarship goes to a sophomore or Junior attending a Historically Black College or University: This is also a NJ Statewide Scholarship

Keyana Brooks Lincoln University Major: Mass Communications Minor Visual Arts “We all have dreams. But to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” - Olympic Gold Medalist Jesse Owens

Nabia Evans University of Maryland Eastern Shore "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.

They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly you will find me." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Trade School Book Scholarship (2 Additional Scholarships Available) $500 plus $100 transportation voucher Derrick Clark Book Scholarship & Seamon and Jennifer Smith Book Scholarships are still available

Derrick Clark Book Scholarship

Sabourin Robert Stevens Institute of Technology Major: Mechanical Engineering 'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.' ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

#IAMTHECHANGE Book Scholarship, $500

Shalyssia Whittle North Carolina A&T Major: Biology “Be the light that helps many out the dimly lit path.

Be the heart that many seek to need. Be the shoulder that many need to cry on.”

#IAMTHECHANGE Book Scholarship, $500

Darrin Clark Rider University Major: Criminal Justice “Don’t take your eyes off of me for one second, you’ll miss me change history”

#IAMTHECHANGE Book Scholarship, $500

Rashel Gonzalez Montclair State University Major: Family Science and Human Development “When you become lazy, it’s disrespectful to those who believe in you.”

#IAMTHECHANGE Book Scholarship, $500

Jennifer Santiago Stockton University Major: Forensics Psychology “Just breath, as hard as some situations may look at the moment, you’ll be able to overcome and grow as a person.”

#IAMTHECHANGE Book Scholarship, $500

Ratasja Lyde Mercer County Community College Major: Business “Dare To Dream”

#IAMTHECHANGE Book Scholarship, $500

Kayla McKellar The College of New Jersey Major: Nursing “I would love to be a part of that. A part of the first steps to freedom...to equal rights...to the power we have as people. Being able to speak my voice and to fight for what is right.”

#IAMTHECHANGE Book Scholarship, $500

Maxianne Best College: Ramapo College of NJ Major: Political Science Minor: International Business."A closed mind don't feed and without soul food there is no growing"Reyna Biddy

JUNE 2020 | ISSUE 12

ZIANA THOMPSON

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Meet Ziana Thompson. She attended Mercer County Technical High School and specialized in Culinary Art as well as Criminology. She also attended Mercer County Community College part time during 10th and 11th grade and full time during the end of 11th grade and all of 12th grade. She majored In Criminal Justice and is a 2020 graduate of an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She plans on continuing to take summer classes at MCCC to transfer towards her bachelor degree. Ziana was accepted to 10 HBCU’s and has decided to attend Lincoln University of PA in the fall 2020 with junior status.

Ziana was awarded a Lincoln Leadership scholarship for this upcoming year. She also received the New Jersey Rising Star Scholar award. Ziana has had summer internships with Mercer County Department of Transportation as well as the Mercer County Prosecutors office. She has held a banker position through high school, working part time and also helping with her younger sister when needed. Ziana’s extracurricular activities included gymnastics during 11th grade as well as swimming prior to quarantine.

CONGRATULATIONS

GRADUATE A LOOK AHEAD WITH NIA JOHNSON

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2021

"My last goal would be to purchase my first apartment after graduation."

Nia Johnson is a resident of Trenton, NJ. Currently, Nia is studying Early Childhood Education at Delaware State University.

Below you will see all of her accomplishments through the past few years including the year 2020.

Accomplishments Freshman/ Sophomore Year are as follows: Freshman year Fall ‘17- Dean’s List Spring ‘18 - Inducted into National Society of Leadership & Success Honors Society Sophomore year Spring ‘19 Delaware State Education Association Aspiring Educators Club Sophomore year Spring ‘19Accepted into Teacher Education Program Junior year Fall ‘19 - Dean’s List

Accomplishments Junior Year Junior year Fall ‘19- Inducted into Women’s Senate Junior year Fall ‘19- Dean’s List Junior year Fall ‘19- Invited to Aspiring Educators Conference Junior year Spring ‘20- Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society Junior year Spring ‘20- Inducted into Fairy Godsister’s Junior year Spring ‘20- ECHS mentor program Junior year Spring ‘20- Fairy Godsister’s President of 2020-2021 academic school year Junior year ‘20- President’s List Nia's future goals and aspirations are to graduate Delaware State University. Upon Graduation, she would like to receive a teaching internship or begin as a kindergarten teacher. She also plans to begin working on her masters studying special education. "My last goal would be to purchase my first apartment after graduation."

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Serenity Stout

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Serenity Stout graduated from Nottingham High School in New Jersey. She has earned her Varsity letter playing Golf and also received a National Honorable mention in the PTA Reflections Contest for Literature. Serenity has was part of the Art Honors Society. She plans to attend University of Kentucky to study Psychology/Pre-Med

KYRIE MILLER Kyrie J. Miller graduated from Pennsbury High School. He is the son to Timothy & Tametrias Miller Kyrie has participated on the Varsity Basketball and was CoCaptain He has earned the 3D (Drive Desire and Determination) Basketball award, Fred Pickett Sportsmanship Award . While he accepted to Shaw University and Georgian Court University, he will be attending Delaware State University and will study Kinesiology.

SIERRAÂ CONDRY

Sierra Condry is a senior at Ewing High School. Her activities in school were drama, Track, and FBLA. In school she was nominated as best artist. Outside of school Sierra loves to dance and draw. She also helped teach Hip Hop at Body Language Dance Center.

SIERRA DECREE-RUSH

SIERRA JANAĂˆ Sierra Janaè DeCree-Rush graduated from Rolesville High Raleigh in North Carolina. She worked two jobs during her senior year. Although Sierra was accepted to 4 universities, she has decided to attend Wake County Community College in the fall. Sierra is the daughter of proud parents, Shakira DeCree and Duran Rush

BRIJON WARREN

BRIJON WARREN Brijon Warren graduated from Imagine Prep, Surprise AZ. He will be attending Houghton College next year. His biggest accomplishments are graduating High School, going to college and playing NCAA basketball.

MAKYIA SHAUNAE DECREE

Makyia Shaunae DeCree graduated from Rolesville High Raleigh in North Carolina. She will be attending Wake County Community College in the Spring of 2021. Makyia is the daughter of proud parents, Catriesha Atkins and Corey DeCree Sr

In loving memory of Makyia's father, Corey DeCree Sr.

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Everyday Melanin Magazine Issue 12 June 2020 Cover Image Jada Roberts Editorial Ebony Johnson Editor Contributors Kristin Little, Walter Hall Sr. Talaya Hawk, Smith Family Foundation, Justin Tyler, Chika Lenore, WTF Food Marketing BK Images and Media bkimagesandmedia1@gmail.com Advertising BK Images and Media bkimagesandmedia1@gmail.com Subscriptions Visit www.everydaymelaninmagazine.com or contact Ebony Johnson at Everydaymelanin@gmail.com

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www.everydaymelaninmagazine.com Everydaymelanin@gmail.com Next issue Published July 2020 by Bk Images and Media All Rights Reserved.

OUR MISSION IS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE EVENTS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY ALL WHILE REPRESENTING THE MELANIN CULTURE.