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EDUCATION

Table of Contents

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What parents and students need to know and when- about college

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Prepare yourself

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Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit: Empowering Youth through arts education

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S.W.A.G. Award recipients

Hiram E. Jackson

Publisher, Michigan Chronicle Education is the key to success because it opens doors for people of all backgrounds. A challenge most parents face could be sifting through all of the options, choosing the best environment for their child and making sure their child meets all of the educational requirements.

Now, more than ever, making the right decisions early is crucial to academic achievement in the future.

Experts say it’s never too early to begin thinking about and preparing for college. In this special edition of ACHIEVE! we explore ways in which parents and students can prepare for higher education.

In this edition, we celebrate 25 extraordinary students. For the first time, the Michigan Chronicle and Talmer Bank present the Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness Scholarship (S.W.A.G.) Awards. Scholarships totaling $25,000 will be awarded to Detroit high school seniors to attend college in the Fall.

Congratulations to all of the scholarship finalists. We salute them on their achievements as they enter a vast world of possibilities and begin their road to becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

A special thank you to the chairman of Talmer Bank, Gary Torgow, for investing in their futures and partnering with the Michigan Chronicle.

I hope you enjoy this edition of ACHIEVE!

Coordinator Olga Hill-Ford Assistant Tatiana Wheeler Contributors: Donald James • Dr. Gail Parker • Brittany Banks Graphic Design Raymond Allen

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Welcome to Achieve! As the school year wraps up, many families reflect upon the prior year and start to consider what goals they have for their child’s future. As you determine what can best help set your child up for a lifetime of success, I’d encourage you to consider how a National Heritage Academies education might be right for your child.

National Heritage Academies is proud to offer Detroit parents a school choice option dedicated to preparing students for success in high school, college, and beyond.

All 13 NHA-Detroit schools are founded on four pillars: academic excellence, moral focus, parental partnership, and student responsibility.

When it comes to academic excellence, NHA schools set high standards and place a strong emphasis on math, reading, science, and social studies. Our teachers will focus Todd McKee on each child’s unique abilities so they can reach their full Chief Academic Officer potential.

A program that sets NHA-Detroit schools apart from other schools is our Moral Focus curriculum. Virtues such as respect, integrity, and compassion are central to the school culture and community. Teachers integrate moral focus lessons into every school day to support what our parents teach at home. In fact, students will study a new virtue each month.

We want our students to grow academically and emotionally. Learning the virtues outlined in the Moral Focus curriculum helps students think about their actions and how they impact others. It has a trickle-down effect that leads to well managed classrooms and better interactions between students and their peers.

Parental partnership is a vital part of our school culture. When parents, teachers, and students work together, they form a powerful triangle of success. For this reason, parents are always welcome to stop by our schools and join us in the classroom. Teachers also make a point of being available to discuss a child’s progress or address concerns.

All NHA schools also stress the importance of student responsibility in all grades. This means completing assignments, participating in classroom discussions, and behaving respectfully.

NHA schools provide a safe and structured environment that allows students to stay focused on learning and the results are amazing. Our schools are successful because what is best for our students comes first. We are proud to be investing in future leaders in Detroit.

To learn more about an NHA school near you, call 313-202-4174.

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What parents and students need to know – and when –

By Donald James Special to the Chronicle James C. Mays and his late wife, Dr. Janet L. Mays, raised five children, all of whom are products of metro Detroit schools. The Mays’ three oldest children earned college degrees from Wilberforce University, Western Michigan University and Ferris State University respectively, while the younger two are beginning their senior years at Michigan State University.

For James and Janet Mays, the decision for their five children to earn college degrees was determined long before each child entered kindergarten.

“You have to start early,” said Western Michigan University alum James Mays, who teaches supply chain management and entrepreneurship at Wayne County Community College District and is president of JCM Global, an international natural resources corporation.

“You have to instill in their minds that they’re going to college so that it becomes automatic. We constantly talked to our children about the vast importance of receiving a college education, beginning when they were probably two years old. And we prepared financially. My wife was a major proponent of education, having received her Doctor of Philosophyfrom La Salle University in Louisiana.”

Many experts agree with James Mays that it’s never too early for children and parents to begin thinking and preparing for college. Yet, some in the field of education believe a good time to begin is in middle school or the first year of high school.

“I suggest to begin in the ninth grade,” said Orlando Bogins, assistant principal of Cass Technical High School. “However, it’s never too early because getting familiar with college requirements will help to make sure that when the time comes

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for students to apply for college, they and their parents will know exactly what’s required.”

Bogins said the cost of college is enormous, but there are some things that students and parents can do to help defray, or at least better manage higher education costs.

“At Cass, we have eight counselors, one in particular specializes in college and special college programs,” said Bogins, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English education from Clark Atlanta University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Wayne State University. “We all work with students to make sure that they are constantly applying for scholarships and programs and anything that can lead to scholarships.”

Amy Finley, director of student success at University of Michigan-Dearborn, agreed that scholarships are important in order to drive down, or possibly eliminate undergraduate costs.

“Parents must encourage their child to get the best grades possible, and as much experience as possible that will make them attractive for scholarships,” Finley said.

“Typically, higher GPAs coming out of high school, along with good SAT or ACT scores, will make students more attractive for scholarships.”

If scholarships are not forthcoming, other alternatives, such as out-of-pocket payments by parents, are options to foot college expenses. Additionally, applying and securing federal loans and grants are options as well.

Federal loans and grants require a signed promise to pay back borrowed funds at a certain time after graduation.

“I always tell students that even if they are taking out loans, they are investing in themselves,” said Finley, who is completing her Ph.D. in higher adult and lifelong education at Michigan State University. “The long- term outcome for completing college means to significantly earn a greater income than those with just high school diplomas. So it’s a real good return of investment when you invest in yourself.”

Thrift-minded parents with a penchant for saving are also options to help pay for college. A classic example is, if parents saved $200 per month at the time of their child’s birth, after 18 years, the parents would amass almost $80,000 by the time the child heads to college. If $400 per month were saved, the amount would be about $160,000. Difficult to do, but not impossible.

There are other saving programs in Michigan, such as the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP), which is a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged 529-college savings plan that helps families prepare financially for higher education aspirations.

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Funds saved through MESP can be used for a lot more than just tuition, including required fees, certain room and board costs, books and supplies as well as computers and related technology costs. There are numerous advantages to saving through MESP, but families should research the program to make sure promised deliverables are right for them.

If parents are not able to make such a long-term saving commitment, the route that many parents, and their college-bound child are taking is to apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). If students are eligible, it opens the door for federal loans and grants. Many experts in the field say that even if students/parents don’t believe they qualify for federal loans and grants, apply anyway.

“You should definitely complete the FAFSA, even if you think you won't qualify for federal aid," said Kelly Tanabe, author of “Get Free Cash for College: Secrets to Winning Scholarships.” In financial aid, there are many factors taken into consideration, including income, assets and number of students living in your home. While you may think that one of these factors is too high for you to receive aid, when the financial aid officer looks at your entire financial picture, you may have more need than you think."

There’s no doubt that the dream of

earning a college degree can be an expensive investment. Based on calculations by CNN Money, a four-year college education, including in-state tuition, fees, and room and board, can run well over $100,000 for many state-supported universities, even higher for private institutions.

CNN calculated examples are: Wayne State University ($108,960), Florida A&M University ($149,276), Harvard University ($257,968) and Howard University ($165,796).

Keep in mind that at a state-supported university, such as Florida A&M, out-of-state fees are an additional $17,726 per school year.

For some African American students, the decision on whether to attend one of the approximately 107 HBCUs (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) across the nation, or a predominately white university, can be daunting.

“I believe it’s a personal preference,” Bogins said. “When I was in high school, my parents sent me on the HBCU college tour.

They told me when I left I needed to come back with a school in mind. I fell in love with Clark Atlanta University because I wanted a small college experience. The professors at HBCUs reach out to students on a personal level. They don’t want to lose you as a student or as a human being. They go beyond

just teaching classes. They teach life skills.”

In essence, making the college experience a dream come true is possible, regardless of where students choose to go for undergraduate studies. Parents, however, should encourage their high schoolers to take the ACT or SAT as many times as possible, with the hope of securing higher scores each time. Students should first consult with school counselors about the number of times both tests should be taken and for any associated ramifications.

Parents must also take the early lead in helping their child understand the big picture of what a college education really means, socially, personally and economically, and the associated sacrifices and costs involved.

“First, have a conversation with your child because college is not for everyone,” Bogins said. “Help your child understand that if he or she is not interested in college, there has to be another plan for his or her future, and it must be a plan that can be executed.”

However, if it’s clear that the child will be college bound, Finley says, “The first step is talking about college at an early age, so the child has the expectation that he or she is going to college. The child may not know what they are going to study, or what type of career they want, but at least the expectation of going to college has already been established by the parents.”

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National Heritage Academies (NHA)

Partner Schools in the Detroit Area National Heritage Academies (NHA) partner schools in the Detroit area provide parents with an opportunity to take advantage of what is known as the K-8 model, which means students stay in the same building for nine years.

Several school districts throughout the United States have switched back to the K-8 model including Milwaukee and Baltimore. Those districts conducted studies and found there are several benefits when students stay in one building for elementary and middle school including better attendance, lower dropout rates, and higher test scores.

All 13 NHA-Detroit schools make a nine-year commitment to incoming kindergarten students. The students can experience the stability of familiar surroundings through eighth grade.

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The K-8 model allows students and their parents to become comfortable with the school’s academic and behavior expectations. It removes undo stress associated with switching schools when a child enters middle school, just to switch again for high school. Students also experience a strong academic program, complete with a Moral Focus curriculum, dedicated to preparing them for success in high school and college.

Another advantage of the K-8 model is that it fosters positive personal growth. Older students can develop leadership skills through various service learning projects, while the younger students have someone to look up to as a mentor.

All students take part in community service activities so they can fully experience the importance of giving back.

NHA-Detroit schools offer a variety of activities for middle school students to keep them on the path to college readiness including after school tutoring, homework clubs, and technology clubs. They also offer a variety of sports depending on the interest level at the individual school. Students in a K-8 building develop a very strong bond with each other which is supported through NHA’s alumni department after they move on to high school. NHA alumni maintain a 96 percent high school graduation rate compared to 83 percent nationwide.

By challenging students to achieve their best, NHA schools are helping children become academically, emotionally, and socially strong and prepared for high school, college, and life.

Prepare yourself

By Dr. Gail Parker Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you.

And though they are with you, they belong not to you.

You may give them your love, but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

— Kalil Gibran

The a cappella gospel group Sweet Honey in the Rock adapted this poem in their song called “Of Children.” If you haven’t already heard it, it’s worth a listen and worth contemplating its meaning. If your children are not your children, then whose are they?

Preparing your children to grow up, move forward and live their best lives is one of the most significant responsibilities of parenting.

Prepare yourselves. Your children are real people. They are individuals. They may share some of your characteristics, but they are so much more than mere extensions of you.

They are not your possessions. They have bodies of their own, feelings of their own, minds of their own, preferences of their own, unique gifts and talents of their own that deserve to be honored, validated and nurtured.

They are not here to serve your needs, or to make up for what you may have missed in your own childhood, or what you are missing now.

Recognizing this is one of the best gifts

you can give to your children.

Giving them the gift of themselves begins at conception.

Parenting begins the moment you become aware of the life forming in the womb. This is not just for mothers, but for fathers too.

If you are an adoptive parent, as I am, it begins the moment you decide to adopt.

It is not so much an action as it is a mindset that comes from your awareness that this precious new life is a life unto itself.

Your job as a parent is to love, nurture, guide and attune to this new life as it forms and takes shape. The most important job you have as a parent is to get to know your child in all of his/her glorious uniqueness and then reflect that back to them through the eyes of love.

We strengthen our children in their capacity to self-actualize by loving them first, and then as they grow toward independence, even if we don’t agree with their choices we continue to show them respect and offer them comfort and solace.

When I was a child I used to ask my mother, “Mom, what should I do when I grow up?” She always gave the same answer. “What I think you should do isn’t as important as finding what’s right for you.”

“But how will I know?” I asked. Her answer was always the same. “Choose something you're good at, something you love, and something you can commit to. Then think about how you can use your gifts and talents to help others. What really matters is that you give of yourself from your heart.”

How do you prepare your child for college?

By remembering as you raise them that your children want to be who they are, not who you want them to be. Giving them the gift of themselves is the best preparation of all.

Dr. Gail Parker is a Ph.D., E-RYT 500, psychologist, educator, author, thought leader and media personality.

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“A Midsummer SOULstice” Photo credit: Studio Lumumba

Empowering Youth through arts education

By Brittany Banks Children are our leaders of tomorrow, but today, we must fight for their future. The Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, led by its president and founding artistic director, Rick Sperling, is dedicated to fighting for Detroit’s youth.

Mosaic is a critically acclaimed performing arts company with a mission of “Empowering young people to maximize their potential through professional performing arts training and the creation of theatrical and musical art that engages, transforms and inspires.”

Located in Detroit, Mosaic provides a safe haven for children to develop socially, academically, personally and professionally.

In its inaugural year of 1992, Mosaic, which consisted of 25 young artists, performed in

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the metro Detroit area. Today, Mosaic provides opportunities for over 300 youth each year and tours internationally, having performed in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

At first glance, Mosaic is simply a performance group, developing artistic qualities and providing artistic opportunities, but it exceeds that notion. Mosaic has produced exceptionally talented youth who have performed on Broadway, national television and also received nominations for Tony, Grammy and Emmy awards.

However, the program has also produced successful individuals in non-artistic fields including social work, law and education.

To assess Mosaic’s powerful influence on youth development, the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychology and School of Social Work studied Mosaic from 2004 to 2007.

By conducting focus groups and surveys of the students, parents and alumni, the study showed that Mosaic significantly improved the student’s “21st century skills,”

which are key to performing in the “real world.” This includes professional behavior, effective time management, creativity, stress management, public speaking, acceptance of feedback, engagement in community service, leadership qualities and the ability to work in teams.

Ninety-five percent of Mosaic members graduate and are admitted to college. According to U.S. Department of Education statistics, nationally only 20 percent of students with similar backgrounds leave high school “college-ready.”

Also, despite the time dedicated to the program, data from transcripts showed that grade point averages improved as well as the ability to develop effective study skills.

To enhance their experience, youth are mentored by professionals such as directors from local theaters, members of the original Vandellas and Paul Riser, Motown musical arranger. Mosaic also offers a youth support program in which volunteers can serve as mentors to help with issues at home or in

school.

Ensuring students are prepared for life after Mosaic is also a priority. Mosaic hosts an annual College Invitational where seniors showcase their talent and interview with a plethora of colleges such as Wayne State University, The Julliard School and New York University. Many of the teens are granted immediate acceptance and receive scholarships as a result of their participation. In addition, volunteers continue to assist with college preparedness and the transition into college life.

While Mosaic charges a modest fee, scholarships are available so that participation isn’t denied due to financial challenges.

The youth must audition to place into Mosaic’s intermediate and advanced programs and be enrolled in Detroit Public Schools. It is also required that GPAs are maintained or improved upon acceptance.

Auditions this year will take place June 8, 9 and 12.

“No one should feel as though they do

not have enough talent to audition,” said Mr. Sperling. “We provide the training and polishing. Just come in with the basic talent and passion for performing.”

If youth do not place at intermediate or advanced levels, participation in Mosaic’s First Stage Introductory Programs are encouraged.

This program is free and auditions are not required.

With its 25th anniversary approaching, I was curious to hear of Mr. Sperling’s plans for Mosaic over the next quarter century. To my surprise, he and the Mosaic program are against expanding outside of Detroit.

“We do not want to dilute the mission of impacting Detroit’s youth… they get the short end of the stick so often,” he said.

The plan is to grow within the city of Detroit and create more opportunities to tour the world. While it has every potential to become a national or even international program, Mosaic finds it much more imperative to expose the rest of the world to the talented gems hidden within the city of Detroit.

The first planned step is to begin a residency in various Detroit middle schools. The purpose is to introduce arts to more youth who may

not have access to Mosaic Youth Theatre, not necessarily due to lack of talent but lack of resources.

It is not surprising that receiving messages of gratitude have become tradition.

When faced with a dilemma, many students said they referred to the Mosaic way of thinking — “Only the best, nothing less” — and were able to push themselves to reach their full potential and for that, they are grateful.

Mr. Sperling added that this time of year is especially rewarding because he also receives cap-andgown pictures which says, “job well done.”

As a former member of the youth ensemble, I truly believe it has been a “job well done” and can attest to the positivity the organization breeds. With a mission to engage, transform and inspire, it is clear that by engaging the youth of this organization in rigorous training, high-level performance and the positive belief system of the Mosaic program, children are transformed into disciplined, hard-working and optimistic youth, inspired to seek success wherever their passion lies.

More Mosaic Youth Theatre information is available at www.mosaicdetroit.org.

Grand Valley’s Charter Schools Office located at 163 Madison in downtown Detroit.

Grand Valley State University is committed to providing quality education for students. Whether it’s as Michigan’s fastest growing public university or as the authorizer of 71 charter schools serving over 34,000 K-12 students, Grand Valley is shaping the future with access to high quality education. In fact, Grand Valley State University authorizes 39 high-performing charter schools in Southeast Michigan.

To learn more about the high quality of teaching and impressive level of academic achievement in our charter schools, visit www.gvsu.edu/cso or call (616) 331-2240.

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The Michigan Chronicle and Talmer Bank & Trust congratulates the 2016 Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness (S.W.A.G.) finalists. The S.W.A.G Awards’ goal is to build confidence and ensure a better future for Detroit teens, provide a village of support for parents and educators and together build strong future community and business leaders. We salute the future leaders being awarded scholarships but also celebrate the hard work and dedication to success conveyed by all that applied for our inaugural award.

To these students, thank you for sharing your stories of aspiration, community service and academic success.

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Papia Aziz University of Detroit Biological Sciences “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

– Steve Jobs My family, teachers, and my ­passions are what motivates me to succeed.

Alana Crawford Xavier University of Louisiana Biology/ Pre- Med “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”

– Nelson Mandela The person who motivates me the most is my Grandpa. He passed away May 18th, 2007. Growing up he was always there for me and supported me when I needed support. He’s my motivation on becoming a doctor because he was also a doctor. I grew up around him mostly and just the connection with him was amazing. I’m working hard and chasing my goals for him.

Lisbeth Garcia- Leon University of Detroit Mercy Pre- Dental- Biology

“If you want to see a rainbow, you have to learn to see the rain.”

– Paulo Coelho In order to succeed, I believe one must stay confident and strong, humble and dedicated. My parents taught me these values, two of the most hard-working people I know.

They taught me to persevere and they motivate me to be successful.

Raheida Khalique Ejiro Enajero Jalen Barney Omar Salih Saginaw Valley State University Pre- Medicine “If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.”

– Paul Bryant

College for Creative Studies Transportation Design/ Fine Arts “It matters not how straight the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the ­ captain of my soul.”

– William Ernest Henley

Michigan State University Theatre and Broadcast Journalism “If you want somethin’, go get it.

Period.”

- Christopher Gardner (The Pursuit of Happyness).

My fellow peers motivate me to succeed. Whenever I see an inner-city teen accomplish their goal, I feel as if I have accomplished my goal. Their success drives me to succeed, and be the best person I can be through Christ.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Environmental Engineering

“I don’t want to protect the environment. I want to create a world where the environment does not need protecting.”

–Unknown My motivation to succeed is driven by my parents, who have made countless sacrifices to help me follow my dreams. They have taught me that the harder one works, the better the results are.

The person who motivates me the most is my Grandpa. He passed away May 18th, 2007. Growing up he was always there for me and supported me when I needed support. He’s my motivation on becoming a doctor because he was also a doctor. I grew up around him mostly and just the connection with him was amazing. I’m working hard and chasing my goals for him.

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Lucy Arias

Wayne State University Biology “Focus more on your desires than your doubt and the dream will take care of itself.”

– Mark Twain My father motivates me from the moment he wakes up at 6, to the moment he comes home from a 10-hour shift. He came here for a better life, and better opportunities for his family. My father is an immigrant who didn’t get the chance to go to school because of lack of support. I’m doing it for him, all for him. Every time I want to quit, I think of him and all he has done for me to be at this point. Thanks Dad.

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Terria Davis

Clark Atlanta University Chemistry “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

– Francis of Assisi There are a lot of things that motivate me in what I do every day; I am motivated by constant progress. I find it exciting to implement new ideas and see them through to fruition. I love to be challenged academically and desire the opportunity to utilize my skills and talents.

Alyson Grigsby

University of Michigan Ann-Arbor Political Science “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”

– Oscar Wilde I do not receive my motivation to succeed from simply one source.

Rather, I collect motivation and inspiration from everyone I see, as they all inspire me in different ways: my parents, my teachers and mentors, and even my fellow peers, as I can learn from different experiences.

Lord’Amani Cooper

Kentucky State University Music Education “Life is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside of you.”

– Author Unknown My grandmother always expressed the importance of obtaining an advanced education and being successful. In her days, she was unable to afford college but she knew the importance of a college degree. When she passed, it immediately became a must to become a successful individual. I know she will be smiling down on me, as I take progressive steps in fulfilling her dream, mine, and keeping my family proud.

Rashard Thomas

Bowling Green State University Supply Chain Management

Jonae Maxey

Paige Sims

Leonard Rowe University of Michigan Chemistry “I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.”

– José N. Harris The biggest motivation in my life is my mother. She is the driving force and support in my life to succeed with my ambitions. Through all my struggles she has been there for me, and I know she will continue to do so.

Michigan State University Biology/ Pre Med “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”

– Colin Powell My motivation for success stems from my family and those who have and will assist me in accomplishing my goals. Success is bigger than just me and my personal gratification. My motivation to succeed is driven by the desire to repay the people who invested in me and my future.

University of Michigan Ann Arbor Marketing / Management “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

– Mark Twain My dreams motivate me to succeed.

“There is no elevator to success.

You have to take the stairs.”

– Author U.nknown My mother, for 18 years, has been raising me by herself. She has also made many sacrifices that have helped me become the young man I am today. She has taught me many life lessons and skills that will help me in my future. I want to show her that all her sacrifices and teachings were worth it.

She, my mother, Cynthia Thomas, is my motivation to succeed.

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Krishana Castro

University of Houston Architecture “I am strong because I know my weaknesses, I am beautiful because I know my flaws, I am fearless because I can tell reality from illusion, I am wise because I learn from my mistakes, I am a lover because I have felt hate and…I can laugh because I have known sadness.”

–Author Unknown Two things that motivate me is my family and my city. My family motivate me to dream big and work hard for anything I want and need.

While my city inspires me to be the diference and change in society for a full revitalization of Detroit.

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Akia Hewitt

Michigan State University Human Biology “If you live long enough, you’ll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person. It’s how you handle adversity, not how it affects you.

The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.”

– William J. Clinton My family is by far my biggest motivation to succeed. They have invested so much in me to ensure my success. It’s never an easy road and they’ve sacrificed so that I am able to reach my full potential.

I without a doubt owe my success to them.

Daria Bailey

Howard University Psychology and English

Shahera Khandaker

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

– Proverbs 31:25

“Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.”

– John Quincy Adams

My dreams motivate me to succeed. Imagining myself 10 years from now working as a prosecuting attorney or opening my own private practice as a developmental child psychologist and starting my own non-profit organization to help the homeless is the vision that keeps me pushing.

University of Michigan Major Undecided

Knowing that if I keep trying and working hard, I will surely reach my goal.

Kala Coston

Lori Goodwin

Michigan State University Chemistry

Kiryn Swain

Chyna Ross

Michigan State University Biology “If the road is easy, most likely you’re going the wrong way.”

– Unknown Out of every influential person in my life that has motivated me to become the person I am today, I would say that my aspirations are what motivates me the most. Although they have been there for me through everything, without my own determination, I wouldn’t be able to succeed.

Michigan State University Journalism “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

– Maya Angelou There is so much love and support around me and that’s what pushes me to do my best. The road to success is never an easy route, but with my love ones always being there for me, I know I can make it.

“Always believe you can be successful in anything you truly want.”

– Alessandra Ambrosio Being able to graduate from high school will help me attain many of the possibilities that life has to offer motivates me to succeed. Each day I put 100% effort into being successful so that I can enjoy a life that includes community activism, gainful employment and a healthy body and mind.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Biology “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Apostle Paul of The Holy Bible.

What motivates me to succeed, is seeing people in the Medical Field who love their jobs. I have always wanted to become a doctor, preferably an OB/GYN. When I visit hospitals or medical schools, I get a sense of excitement. I immediately remind myself of my goal and it pushes me to strive for greatness.

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Ricardo Cummings University of MichiganAnn Arbor Computer Engineering

“Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.”

– (Oscar Wilde) What motivates me to succeed is the possibility of my future. My future goals and aspirations, such as bridging the gap between different kinds of people through technology, helps keep me encouraged that I will be able to exceed in this world, which is why I selected computer engineering as my major of choice.

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Jay’la Logan

Western Michigan University Political Science “Your life is your story and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.”

– Kerry Washington Losing my older brother, Julian, is what motivates me most. I say that because I don’t want to lose another person that is close to me. Therefore I work hard so that hard work can pay off in the future. I cannot only remove myself from Detroit but I can also take my family with me. My life experiences motivate me to want better for myself. I know what it feels like to not be safe in your own home, to lose somebody, to feel lost, to feel hurt, and to only have yourself at one point in your life. These things motivate me to want better for myself and to never let things to get that bad.

My mother also motivates me to work hard.

I say that because my mother works hard.

She comes home every night tired, aching, and in pain because she’s trying to provide for her family. She has faith and she lifts me up on my worst days. It lets me know that your going to have bad days, but it gets better.

George Washington Carver Academy Enrolling Students George Washington Carver Academy (GWCA), widely considered the “Pride of the Park” here in the Highland Park, MI community, is currently enrolling students. Our student enrollment ranks represent the widespread diversity of the entire Metropolitan Detroit area, and enrollment slots are available in grades Pre K-8, on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Visit our school’s website c/o http://www.gwcarveracademy.org/ or stop by and register your children for the 2016-2017 school year.

GWCA is committed to each of our students’ achievement of academic excellence and we are proud to continue a proud, 17-year tradition of providing: high-quality instruction, leadership, guidance and positive mentorship to the scholars of today recognizing that they will become the trustees of tomorrow.

Our school boasts of a 100% highly qualified and certified teaching staff; a research-based, Common Core aligned curriculum; a vibrant after-school program; 1-to-1 student technology ratio; early care & latchkey program; FREE round-trip, bus transportation; Two full day Pre-Kindergarten classrooms and Smart Boards in every classroom!

Our PK-8 scholar students benefit from a handson, technology savvy, STEM inspired introduction to Robotics and a research-based curriculum including: a wireless campus atmosphere, a state-of-the art Computer and Science lab and MI State Common Core curriculum offerings such as: English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.

In addition, we offer elective classes such as: Musical Arts Education, Computers, Spanish - Foreign Language, Physical Education, African-American History and the following extra-curricular activities: Girls’ & Boys’ Varsity Basket-

ball; Cheerleading; Choir; Drum & Dance team; Academic Games and a Middle School Student Council.

Applications for enrollment are available online @ www.gwcarveracademy.org or in hard copy format in the main office, from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., M-F. Our school location is in the heart of Highland Park at 14510 Second Avenue (between Sears and Manchester).

Open enrollment is ongoing from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, or call (313) 865-6024 for more information.

The 2016 Summer program begins on July 5th, 2016 with full day classes, weekly field trips and service learning projects for all students in grades PK-8. All Summer School classes will be held Monday-Friday with six weeks of targeted, standards-based instruction from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

GWCA Elementary and Middle School enrollment spaces are filling up fast…so contact us today to reserve a spot for your child to become a coveted member of the George Washington Carver Academy family!

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800.456.1500 | Telephone Banking: 800.405.9997 | talmerbank.com

800.456.1500 | Telephone Banking: 800.405.9997 | talmerbank.com 800.456.1500 | Telephone Banking: 800.405.9997 | talmerbank.com

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