Southland Report Summer 2020

The Southland

Report

Summer 2020

News and Information From Southland College Prep Charter High School, Richton Park, Illinois

Southland College Prep Stages Virtual Commencement; Graduates Earn Record of $60 Million in Merit-Based College Scholarships In a year of unprecedented challenges, Southland College Prep Charter High School continued to achieve its goals of students attending college and having the means to pay for their education.

leads the only charter high school in Illinois to earn the highest designation of exemplary.

All 136 seniors of Southland College Prep Charter High School’s seventh graduation class have been accepted by colleges and universities, with a record $60 million in merit-based scholarships. Collectively, all seven Southland College Prep graduating classes have been offered $200 million or more in scholarships, said Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, who

“When historians write about Southland College Prep’s class of Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO 2020, do you know what they are going to say? ‘They achieved everything, all of their goals,’” Davis said in May when the school announced that all seniors had been accepted to college.

“Despite the many challenges imposed to maintain the health and safety of all during this historic pandemic, our goals have remained the same — that every Southland senior graduate, is admitted to a four-year college or university and has the financial resources to attain a bachelor’s degree,” Davis said.

Members of Southland College Prep’s first seven graduating classes have been accepted by all eight Ivy League schools, all top 10 U.S. News & World Report national universities, including 46 of the top 50 national universities and eight of the top 10 ranked liberal arts colleges.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin delivered a virtual message to the class of 2020.

Construction of the new Athletic Center on Southland’s campus is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2020 fall semester. The floor of the building’s athletic court, featuring the school’s Eagle mascot at center court, has been laid down and construction workers are finishing the final touches on the interior and exterior of the 36,000 squarefoot building.

“What I’m most proud of is that in the midst of a pandemic you did everything that you were supposed to do. Whatever is going on in the world is temporary. But we’re going to come out stronger than ever.

Joshlin Small, 2020 Class President, strides across the stage of an empty Performing Arts Center to receive socially distanced congratulations from Dr. Blondean Davis.

Multi-Purpose Athletic Center Nears Completion for 2020 Fall Semester Opening

continued on page 2

The framework for a large Southland College Prep logo is in place on the campus’ new multi-purpose Athletic Center.

The multi-purpose addition, which is linked to Southland’s main building and Performing Arts Center via a connecting corridor, will include a competition-size court where basketball or volleyball will be played. The court also can be divided into two practice courts.

“The court will be ringed on the second floor by a three-lane, 133-meter indoor running track,” said Homer Thomas, Director of Athletics.

There also will be offices for the athletic department, a fitness center, physical education classrooms, locker rooms, restrooms, ticket booth and a concession stand, Thomas said.

The addition will be utilized by Southland College Prep and Matteson School District 162.

In addition to being used as a facility for Southland physical education classes, intramural competition and the school’s athletic teams, the new space will have the capability to be converted into a small theater with full audio, theatrical lighting and curtains, according to Mark Walczak, Director of Building and Grounds.

Message from the CEO

Commencement continued...

Merit-based scholarships of $1 million or more were offered to 24 members of the 2020 class, including Laniah Ephraim and Raúl Rosas, who received offers of $4 million and seven others who were offered $2 million or more.

Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO

As we begin the 10th anniversary of Southland College Prep’s founding next month, I reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments made by all who have helped create this place called Southland.

From our modest beginnings in a few unused classrooms of the O. W. Huth Middle School in Matteson, our footprint in Richton Park will soon be expanded with the opening of a functional multi-purpose Athletic Center to complement our versatile Performing Arts Center and the original repurposed educational school building that was transformed from a corporate insurance call center.

But Southland is far more than handsome and functional structures. It’s built on the foundation of a board, administration and faculty focused on providing the very best in academics, the arts and athletics that we can provide for our students. It is also built on the faith of families and community members who believed in a dream called Southland.

Our intention has always been not only to ensure our graduates are accepted to college but have the funds to do so and to graduate with a four-year degree.

The Class of 2020 has more than demonstrated what can be accomplished when students and their teachers agree on priorities and work together toward a common goal of excellence.

Today, the Southland family, like schools continued on page 8

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Among the top-ranked members of Southland College Prep’s class of 2020 were its three valedictorians, Micah Drigo, Anuoluwapo Ifeoluwapo Solola, who both intend to enroll at Stanford University and Tochi Ufomba, who plans to study medicine and political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Roderick Dixon, Elizabeth Norman rendered memorable music.

Preceded by airing a count-down of six days of the school’s previous commencements on YouTube Premier, Southland College Prep’s graduates and their families watched at home the school’s first ever virtual commencement on Saturday, May 30, at 4 p.m., at the same time the event was originally scheduled in the Harris Theater at Millennium Park Chicago.

The 2020 virtual commencement featured recorded greetings from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who also addressed the school’s first graduation in 2014. The class also received a video shout out from entertainer Jennifer Hudson.

Roderick Dixon, a renowned tenor who has performed on stages across the globe, opened the program with a patriotic tribute, “America the Beautiful” and later joined soprano Elizabeth Norman in an inspirational medley duet of “It’s Great to Believe.”

Monica Ni Jones glided gracefully in her performance.

An ensemble, comprised of members of the Southland College Prep Ambassador Marching Band, performed “See You Again.”

Ballerina Monica Ni Jones danced to “What a Wonderful World,” accompanied by Norman and a continued on page 8

Dr. Carl Cogar, Director of Fine Arts, conducts a virtual ensemble of the Southland band.

136 24 $60

Million

ALL seniors of Southland College Prep Charter High School’s seventh graduating class have

Number of graduates of the class of 2020 offered merit-based scholarships of $1 million or more, including two seniors, Laniah Ephraim and Raúl Rosas, offered $4 million and seven

Graduates of all seven Southland College Prep classes have been accepted by all eight Ivy League schools, all top 10 U.S. News & World Report national universities, including 46 of the top 50 ranked national universities and 8 of the top 10 ranked

others offered $2 million or more.

liberal arts colleges.

Collectively, the 136-member class of 2020 has been offered a school record of $60 million in merit-based scholarships to scores of U.S. colleges and universities.

Collectively all seven Southland College Prep graduating classes since 2014 offered $200 million or more in scholarships.

been accepted by colleges and universities.

Awards & Scholarships Illinois State Scholars Micah Drigo Malik Fountain Khalil Jefferson Autumn Johnson Anuoluwapo Solola

The Ronald Blackstone Memorial Scholarship Anuolouwapo Solola

PTSO (Parent Teacher Student Organization) Scholarship Alvalyn Dixon-Gardner Jordyn Hicks Cienna Kirk

Questbridge National College Match Scholarship Kailah Hester

The Timothy Barnes Athletic Scholarship Michael Humprey II The Lambda Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha “Hidden Figures” Award Mary Robinson Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship Malik Fountain

Illinois Network of Charter Schools Illinois Senior of the Year Niyela Garza

Matteson Rotary Scholarship Jordyn Hicks National Football League Players Association Scholarship Ashley Meeky Tim Bradford Memorial Scholarship Joshlin Small Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Scholarship Ashley Meeky

Raúl Rosas, Laniah Ephraim Offered $4 Million in Merit-Based Scholarships Two members of the Class of 2020, Raúl Rosas and Laniah Ephraim were offered more than $4 million in merit-based scholarships. Both graduates are first-generation college students.

Rosas plans to study agricultural engineering at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign in the school’s College of ACES -- Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

Raúl Rosas

Obsessed with finding the right school and being an attractive prospect for many schools, Rosas was accepted to over 50 colleges and universities and offered more than $ 4 million in scholarships.

Among Rosas top choices were Case Western Reserve University, Penn State University, University of Florida, University of California-Davis and Ohio State University.

Rosas has had a fascination of how things work since a child. His motto, “anything worth doing is worth overdoing,” is a mantra his grandfather instilled in him. Rosas believes his work ethic places him where he is today.

Ephraim plans to study biomedical engineering and fashion design at the University of Southern California. She was also accepted to over 30 colleges, among them Wellesley College, Georgia Tech, Emory University, University of California, University of Virginia and Fordham University.

Laniah Ephraim

A star volleyball player, choir member and fashionista, Ephraim was respected for being an intellectual giant at Southland. She also has a personal mission to help discover the cure for infertility someday.

Valedictorians Among the top-ranked members of Southland College Prep’s Class of 2020 are the three class Valedictorians, all with 4.82 GPAs. Micah Drigo plans to attend Stanford University. She has been accepted to 16 colleges and universities, among them Harvard University, University of Illinois, Swarthmore College, Pomona College, Smith College and Spelman College with total offers of $2 million in merit-based scholarships.

The daughter of a native Chicagoan and a native immigrant from the small island of Dominica, Micah’s interests include, architecture, music, chorus, mathematics and language. She is a Southland Choir section leader and vice president. Gifted at mastering multiple subjects and skills, Drigo has never earned anything less than an “A” her entire academic career.

Anuoluwapo Solola also plans to study at Stanford University where she will pursue a mechanical engineering degree.

Solola was accepted to 15 colleges and universities, among them Georgia Tech, University of Illinois, Harvey Mudd College, Cornell University, Emory University and Howard University and received offers of a total of $ 1.5 million in merit-based scholarships.

President of Southland’s National Honor Society chapter, Solola is an avid trumpet player and was one of the stars of Southland’s band. In the spirit of NASA’s human computer, the late Katherine Johnson of “Hidden Figures” fame, Solola wants to break barriers and help usher in ethnic and gender diversification in the engineering profession.

Tochi Ufomba plans to major in political science and is interested in a career in medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also was accepted to the University of Southern California, University of Michigan, Brown University, Washington University and the University of Notre Dame.

A prolific writer and thinker, Ufomba and his family are deeply committed to faith via the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He is most proud and inspired by his experiences visiting his native Nigeria. He, his family, and his church have helped engineer large humanitarian projects, delivering over $50,000 in medical supplies to Africa.

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Congratulations KAI ADAMI Illinois Institute of Technology

CARYN RIA BLAIR Kansas City Art Institute

ALVALYN DIXON-GARDNER Tufts University

GIA SIMONE FOX Miami Dade College

Lawrence Technological University University of Illinois at Chicago

California College of the Arts Columbia College Chicago School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts

Dickinson College Fisk University New York University University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Eastern Illinois University Florida A&M University Indiana State University Prairie State College

TAYLOR NICOLE ADAMS University of Louisville Ball State University Bradley University Fisk University Xavier University of Louisiana

CALEB ADDISON University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Lincoln College Marian University - Fond du Lac Northern Illinois University Wilberforce University

FAREEDAH ADEBAYO Indiana State University Illinois State University Iowa State University Texas Southern University Western Michigan University

OPEYEMI ABISOLA ADESIOYE University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign DePaul University University of Houston University of Illinois at Chicago University of Missouri-Columbia

EMEKA AJAERE Benedictine University Ball State University Eastern Illinois University Illinois State University Loyola University Chicago

AERIEL ADONAI ANDERSON Dominican University George Mason University Hofstra University University of Dayton University of Illinois at Springfield

JULI-ANNE RANKO ATWOOD University of Missouri Columbia Belmont University Hawaii Pacific University Ithaca College Pennsylvania State University

OLUWASEYE AYAMOLOWO University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ball State University Iowa State University Ohio University University of Missouri-Columbia

ABISOLA BADEJO Eastern Illinois University Hofstra University Loyola University Chicago University of Illinois at Chicago University of Louisville

KENNEDI ELISE BATES Knox College California College of the Arts Kansas City Art Institute Savannah College of Art & Design University of Illinois at Chicago

KAYLA BEAN University of Indianapolis Prairie State College Saint Xavier University Trinity Christian College

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FREDERICK J. BLATZ IV Harrisburg University of Science & Technology Pennsylvania College of Technology Wentworth Institute of Technology

TRINIYA TAJAHNAE BRACEY Illinois State University University of Alabama University of Iowa University of Louisville University of Missouri

MERCEDES ANN BRYANT Eastern Illinois University Chicago State University Otis College of Art and Design

PYARI BURNS Lewis University DePaul University Morgan State University University of Iowa Xavier University of Louisiana

RODERICK JEREMY CARBINS University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Eastern Illinois University Illinois State University Iowa State University University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

ARNISHA CLARK Kendall College Joliet Junior College Prairie State College Southern Illinois University Carbondale

JAYLEN DAVON COLLINS Lincoln College

MICAH JOI DRIGO Stanford University Harvard University Pomona College Smith College Swarthmore College

MICHAEL HUNTER FULTON University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ball State University Iowa State University University of Central Missouri University of Iowa

Dillard University Fisk University University of Missouri-Columbia University of West Florida

LANIAH JESSÉ EPHRAIM University of Southern California

CHANDLER FURNACE Marquette University

Iowa State University University of Iowa University of Louisville University of Missouri-Columbia

RYAN DAVIS University of San Francisco Arizona State University Fisk University University of Denver University of Houston

TRINITY A. A. DAVIS University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Miami University-Oxford North Carolina A&T State University Pennsylvania State University University of Houston

Spelman College University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Massachusetts University of Rochester

BRIANNA ALEXIS HAYES Prairie State College Harris-Stowe State University Lincoln College Parkland College Vincennes University

KAILAH A’JANAE HESTER Dartmouth College

JOSEPH DAIVON FARR THOMAS Langston University

JANIA ANN GARRISON Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Clark Atlanta University Eastern Illinois University Indiana State University Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Louisiana State University North Carolina A&T State University University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Missouri-Columbia

Carleton College Spelman College University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Iowa

DONNELL D. FARROW JR. Morehouse College

NIYELA UNIQUE GARZA University of Virginia

JEREMIAH HUDSON-DAVIS Joliet Junior College

Bradley University Clark Atlanta University Eastern Illinois University Georgia State University

Claremont McKenna College Colorado College University of Houston Xavier University of Louisiana

Eastern Illinois University Elmhurst College

ARIANNA LEA FERGUSON Illinois State University

ASHANTI MAESHAWN GROSS Lawrence Technological University

Brenau University Hofstra University Kentucky State University Southern Illinois University Carbondale

KAYLA MARIE FLETCHER University of Virginia

DANYÉ DAVIS Illinois State University

TRINITY K. HARRIS Drake University

Emory University University of California, San Diego University of Miami Wellesley College

JAZLIN N. COPELAND Illinois State University

Elmhurst College Niagara University

California College of the Arts Kansas City Art Institute Maryland Institute College of Art

Hampton University Hofstra University Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University of Kentucky

Moraine Valley College Prairie State College Vincennes University

ANTHONY E. CRUZ Moraine Valley College

Colorado State University-Pueblo Eastern Illinois University Indiana State University Saint Xavier University

AJAH IMANI EDWARDS Illinois State University

Eastern Illinois University Indiana State University Mississippi State University Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Clark Atlanta University Johnson & Wales University University of Illinois at Springfield University of Kentucky

APRIL FREEMAN Colorado Mesa University

LORIELLE S. HARRIS School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts

Macalester College University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Richmond Xavier University of Louisiana

Elmhurst College Prairie State College Southern Illinois University Carbondale University of San Francisco

KRISTOPHER MICHAEL GROSS Eastern Illinois University Indiana Institute of Technology Ripon College Saint Xavier University The University of Memphis

KYRA MICHELLE FLETCHER Oberlin College

AALIYAH HALFORD Michigan State University

Lawrence University Macalester College Marquette University University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

DePaul University University of Denver University of Missouri-Columbia Xavier University of Louisiana

REGINIEYA S. FOSTER Northern Illinois University Clark Atlanta University Indiana State University Kentucky State University Tennessee State University

MALIK J. FOUNTAIN Columbia University Brown University Carnegie Mellon University Johns Hopkins University University of Chicago

DERRICK HARPER-STEWART Bryant and Stratton College Fisk University The University of Memphis University of Kentucky University of Louisville

JAMIR ADAM HARRIS Parkland College Langston University Lincoln College Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Hofstra University Talladega College University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Missouri-Columbia

JORDYN ALEXANDRIA HICKS University of Virginia

JOSHUA MICHAEL HUGHES Howard University

KAYLA R. HUGHES Prairie State College Joliet Junior College Lincoln College Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City Wiley College

MICHAEL TORIANO HUMPHREY II University of Kentucky Asbury University Midway University Pennsylvania State University The Ohio State University

DANE PAUL HUMPHRIES II Eastern Illinois University Joliet Junior College Lincoln College Northeastern Illinois University Western Illinois University

QUARON AMIR HUNTER Kentucky State University Emporia State University Francis Marion University Langston University University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

CHINEMELUM C. ILOEGBUNAM Northwestern University Emory University Georgia Institute of Technology University of California-Davis University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

MALACHI H. JACKSON University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Governors State University Lincoln College Prairie State College Saint Xavier University

COURTNEY ELIZABETH JAMES Eastern Illinois University Blackburn College College of Southern Nevada Indiana State University Langston University

KHALIL JEFFERSON New York University Carleton College Occidental College University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Xavier University of Louisiana

LAUREN V. JENKINS University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Eastern Illinois University Marquette University St. Johns University University of Iowa

AUTUMN NICHOLE JOHNSON Johns Hopkins University Carleton College New York University Oberlin College University of California-Davis

SAVION SHEMARE JOHNSON Jackson State University Fisk University Hampton University Tennessee State University University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

PARNELL JAVAR JONES JR. Xavier University of Louisiana Alabama A&M University Clark Atlanta University Lindenwood University Texas Southern University

MICHAEL AMARIUS JORDAN JR. Alabama A&M University Central State University Iowa Wesleyan University Missouri University of Science and Technology Vincennes University

JALEN KENDRICK University of Rochester Hofstra University University of Missouri-Columbia University of San Francisco Woodbury University

CIENNA MARANDA KIRK New York University Hampton University Iowa State University Ithaca College University of Missouri-Columbia

to the Class of 2020 BRANDON LAWSON Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alabama A&M University Indiana Institute of Technology Michigan Technological University Southern University and A&M College

ARRIEL LEE Langston University Dominican University East-West University Missouri Western State University Wiley College

GENESIS C. LEE Saint Augustine’s University College of Southern Nevada Eastern Illinois University Marian University - Fond du Lac Tougaloo College

MARCELLA T. LEE Columbia College Chicago Lincoln College Maryville University of Saint Louis Northeastern Illinois University Western Illinois University

ISAIAH LEWIS Prairie State College Lincoln College Moraine Valley College Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City

JOSHUA L. LLOYD University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign DePaul University Loyola University Chicago University of Houston University of Missouri-Columbia

JAYLYN LOVE The University of Arizona Iowa State University Jackson State University Mississippi State University Xavier University

PRECIOUS MAMBO University of Illinois at Chicago Hampton University Marquette University The Ohio State University University of San Francisco

KENNETH ARMARI McCLAIN Syracuse University Morehouse College Texas A&M University University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Oregon

ELYAMIN McCLERKLIN University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign DePaul University Fisk University Illinois State University University of Indianapolis

TYLER LOVELL McKAMEY Tougaloo College Fisk University Lincoln College Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City St. Ambrose University

ASIA SIMONE McLEMORE Claremont McKenna College

THADDIUS JAHARI QUALLS Tennessee State University

JAYCE M. ROWELL Marquette University

Grinnell College Loyola Marymount University Spelman College University of Richmond

Alabama State University Fisk University Jackson State University The University of Memphis

University of Iowa University of Missouri-Columbia University of Nevada-Las Vegas Xavier University of Louisiana

ASHLEY SHANICE MEEKY Vanderbilt University

CALEB ISAIAH RAY Governors State University

Claremont McKenna College Emory University University of Michigan Washington University in St Louis

Langston University Lincoln College Saint Augustine’s University University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

ORA CLARICE SAWYERS Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

DAISHA ALEXIS MITCHELL Tougaloo College

JOSHUA A. REDFIELD Jackson State University

Bradley University Fisk University Hampton University University of Louisville

Alabama A&M University Clark Atlanta University Hampton University Texas Southern University

KENIDI AMIR MOORE-NOYS University of Illinois at Chicago

SOLOMON REDMOND Brookhaven College

Drake University Lindenwood University Northern Illinois University Western Michigan University

Eastern Illinois University Philander Smith College Prairie State College

ISAIAH ADAMS MORTON Illinois State University Columbia College University of Illinois at Springfield University of Iowa University of Louisville

MARCUS JAMAR MYRICK University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Coe College DePaul University Eastern Illinois University Illinois College

KENNETH K. NICHOLS Eastern Illinois University Clark Atlanta University Columbia College Chicago Lewis University North Central College

AYOTUNDE OLUFUNMILAYO OLADIPO Texas Southern University Alabama A&M University Eastern Illinois University Grambling State University Harris-Stowe State University

EMMANUEL OMOVIE DePaul University Knox College Marquette University The University of Arizona University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

JULIAN PEREZ Olivet Nazarene University Concordia University-Chicago Iowa State University Northern Arizona University University of Illinois at Springfield

JANIYA AAMIR PORTER Lewis University

JOHNATHON REYNOLDS Fisk University Hofstra University Miami University-Oxford University of La Verne Xavier University of Louisiana

JAALIYAH JADE RICHARDSON Knox College Coe College Hampton University University of Illinois at Chicago

KENJI RILEY Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Fisk University Michigan State University Morehouse College Texas Southern University

HANNAH NICOLE ROBERTS Texas Southern University Hampton University Jackson State University University of Missouri-Columbia University of New Orleans

DIONTE ROBINSON Lincoln College Harris-Stowe State University Kentucky State University Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

MARY ELIZABETH DARKOA ROBINSON University of Virginia Howard University Spelman College University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Pittsburgh

RAÚL IVAN ROSAS University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Fisk University University of Louisville University of Missouri-Columbia Western Michigan University

Case Western Reserve University University of California-Davis University of Florida University of Wisconsin-Madison

TRINITY ALEXIS PRICE Lehigh University

DANIEL ROSS Lincoln College

Howard University Marquette University Pepperdine University University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Central Michigan University Eastern Illinois University Iowa State University Western Michigan University

JOSHLIN PHILLIP SMALL University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Clemson University Morehouse College Tuskegee University Virginia Commonwealth University

SHALEM FAITH SMART University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign DePaul University Knox College Lawrence University North Central College

JORDAN A. SCOTT St. Coletta’s of Illinois Harold Washington College Lincoln College

CAMARI DENEE SMITH University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

MAYA SCOTT Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis

Indiana University-Bloomington Texas Tech University The Ohio State University The University of Alabama

Columbia College Chicago Hampton University Indiana State University Saint Xavier University

JAELIN JEVAUGHN SMITH Judson University

ARIANA SHELTON Kentucky State University Indiana State University Iowa Wesleyan University Philander Smith College Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

JAYDEN SHELTON Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alabama A&M University Alcorn State University Jackson State University Mississippi Valley State University

VICTOR SHOCKLEY II Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alabama A&M University Eastern Illinois University Indiana State University

Elmhurst College Shepard’s College

ANUOLUWAPO IFEOLUWAPO SOLOLA Stanford University

Joliet Junior College Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City Prairie State College University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Vincennes University

ROSHONDA ALEXANDRIA SIMMONS Dominican University Columbia College Chicago Joliet Junior College Prairie State College

Hampton University Hofstra University University of San Francisco Xavier University of Louisiana

TIARA YOLONDA SIMS University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ball State University Illinois State University Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University of Missouri-Columbia

JALIL WARD University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Lincoln College Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City Prairie State College

RODNEY WHITE Eastern Illinois University Fisk University Iowa State University The University of Arizona The University of Memphis

ALANA SIERRA WILLIAMS University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Fordham University Indiana University-Bloomington Louisiana State University University of Houston

CHANTEL WILLIAMS Western Illinois University Dillard University Hampton University Saint Xavier University University of Missouri-Columbia

SAVANNAH N. TAFFE University of Missouri Columbia

JAMIA JADE-LOUISE WILLIAMS University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Drake University Spelman College Syracuse University University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

JOSHUA DONTA TERRELL Moraine Valley College

JUSTIN THOMPSON University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Indiana University-Bloomington Marquette University University of Denver University of Missouri-Columbia

LLYJAH THOMPSON Saint Xavier University Arizona State University Illinois Institute of Technology University of Illinois at Chicago University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

AKIRA ALECIA SIMS Marquette University

Brown University University of Michigan University of Notre Dame University of Southern California

Cornell University Georgia Institute of Technology Harvey Mudd College Tulane University of Louisiana

Aurora University Clark Atlanta University Columbia College Chicago Saint Xavier University

JAYLEN SIMMONS Lincoln College

TOCHI OLUWATOBI UFOMBA University of Illinois at Chicago

JOSHUA ISAIAH TISDALE Indiana State University AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts Eastern Illinois University Prairie State College University of Illinois at Springfield

Ball State University Illinois Wesleyan University University of Illinois at Chicago University of Missouri-Columbia

NATALIA DIANE PATRICE WILLIAMS Lincoln College Moraine Valley College Prairie State College

ARIANNA ESSENCE WILSON Hampton University Clark Atlanta University Coppin State University Eastern Illinois University Talladega College

MICHAEL D. WILSON II Florida A&M University Clark Atlanta University Grambling State University Michigan State University Xavier University of Louisiana

MARQUON WRIGHT Ohio University Adelphi University Eastern Illinois University Eastern Michigan University Indiana State University

MCKENZIE MARILYN TURNER Bethune-Cookman College Clark Atlanta University Columbia College Chicago Eastern Illinois University Saint Leo University

Joliet Junior College Langston University Parkland College Saint Augustine’s University

Colleges and universities in bold face are schools where graduates plan to enroll.

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Faculty Focus with Cheryl Frazier SR: What is your educational background?

CF: Bachelor of Arts in Medical Technology from Drake University.

Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Governors State University.

Teacher Certification from Roosevelt University.

School Administration Certification, Type 75 from Concordia University.

SR: Initially you pursued a career in science, biology, what factors led you to become a speech and drama teacher?

CF: I started coaching speech at Thornwood High School, my alma mater in 1987. I loved working with high school students so much, that my former coach suggested that I consider changing careers. Twelve years later, I started teaching at Thornwood and have never regretted this decision.

SR: You also have other responsibilities at Southland College Prep. Can you please tell us about them?

CF: I originally began in 2011 as the Dean of Students and Director of Forensics and Theatre and then became an Academic Advisor and Director of Forensics and Theatre until my retirement in 2017. Presently, I am the school administrator who oversees all of the standardized testing. I am also the Commencement Coordinator.

SR: What interests do you pursue outside of your Southland College Prep responsibilities?

CF: I am a member of the Jeff Committee, an organization that evaluates professional theatre in Chicago and I am also pursuing acting. Recently, I was in a professional production of “A Raisin in the Sun.” ( Editor’s Note: Ms. Frazier played a lead role as the matriarch “Lena Younger” in Lorraine Hansberry’s classic drama about the effects of racism on Black Americans seeking better living conditions).

SR: What do you consider to be your most significant accomplishments here at Southland College Prep?

CF: Establishing a competitive speech and drama program here at Southland. In nine short years we are the only extra-curricular activity that consistently has qualified students for state competitions every year since 2012; the only activity that has earned state championships, five to date; also qualified students to compete in the National Speech and Debate tournament every year since 2013 with one national champion and three other national finalists.

In addition, I am responsible for revising and developing the Student-Parent Handbook and for developing many of the forms and policies used at Southland.

SR: Given the state of the world and our nation today, what do you believe are the greatest challenges young people face?

CF: Staying motivated to continue their education in an ever changing world as we adapt to the “new” normal of social distancing and facing systemic racism so that African-American young can fulfill their potential without fear of violence towards them because of the color of their skin.

SR: You have been successful in coaching and mentoring Southland College Prep speech students in delivering powerful presentations reflecting African-American history, culture and traditions. Could you please comment on why you believe it as important as ever to maintain that focus today.

CF: The only people who are capable of telling the African-American story are African Americans. So often, our history has not been told at all or told inaccurately. It is our duty as adults to make sure that our history does not die with us and that the truth of who we really are finally gets told.

Morgan Brown, SCPHS ’14; University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, ‘18, was Ms. Cheryl Frazier’s first Southland speech student to qualify for a national competition when she performed in the August Wilson Monologue finals on Broadway in New York City.

Cheryl Frazier is congratulated by Patricia Wozney, chairman, IHSA State Group Interpretation Drama competition and Dr. Blondean Y. Davis when she was named Outstanding Speech, Debate and Theatre Educator for the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Central Section.

Southland’s speech team won IHSA State championships for ( l. to r.) “Anansi the Spider,” an African folktale and “ We Were Just Children,” a dramatization of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama for Performance in the Round and for “Hidden Figures,” the story of Katherine Johnson and other NASA “human computers,” in Group Interpretation. Not pictured, Southland also set a statewide record in 2019 when it took its third consecutive Performance in the Round title for “Sarafina,” the story of a young Black South African woman struggling for her freedom during apartheid.

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And the Award Goes to…

Southland students who excelled in athletics and the arts were recognized in virtual awards ceremonies this spring.

Band

Speech

Choir

Athletics

Dance

Section Awards

Metamorphosis Lauren Jenkins

Kai Adami Outstanding Senior

Ashley Meeky Female Athlete of the Year

Mustapha Muhammad Eagle Dancer of the Year

Most Promising Carey Gidron

Laniah Ephraim Outstanding Senior

Oluwaseye Ayamolowo Male Athlete of the Year

Hailey Ivy Eagle Dancer of the Year

Lifesaver Kylie Hughes

Brennan Syas Outstanding Junior

MVPs

Favour Emiko Freshman Dancer of the Year

Versatility Ayuanna Anderson

Jada Bey Outstanding Junior

Basketball Wesley Woods

Marianna Mickey Sophomore Dancer of the Year

Anuolouwapo Solola Most Talented Trumpeter

Sportsmanship Hailey Ivy

Amira Jones Outstanding Junior

Boys Bowling Kyle Willard

Jessica Jenkins Junior Dancer of the Year

Joshua Redfield Most Talented French Hornist

Lionhearted Tyler Rapp

Phelin Feaster Outstanding Sophomore

Girls Bowling Kennedy Willard

Michael Humphrey II Senior Dancer of the Year

Savion Johnson Most Talented Trombonist

Most Dependable Trinity Price

Divine Ojeh-Odiboh Outstanding Sophomore

Cheerleading Nyla Smith

Four Year Seniors

Perseverance Savannah Taffe

Oscar Corsino Outstanding Freshman

Boys Cross Country Kenneth McClain

You Only Speak Once (YOSO) Johnathon Reynolds

Kharma Edwards Outstanding Freshman

Girls Cross Country Trinity Davis

Strongest Competitors Bri’Yon Watts, Isaiah Morton

Taylor Spiff Outstanding Freshman

Boys Golf Michael Humphrey II

Mentor Bri’Yon Watts

Sestina Oduro Outstanding Freshman

Girls Golf Jazlin Copeland

Phenomenal Freshman Hailey Love

Oluwaseye Ayamolowo Service Award

Tennis Ashley Meeky

Most Improved De’ja Mattison

Micah Drigo Service Award

Boys Track Oluwaseye Ayamolowo

Best Newcomer Joshua Tisdale

Stephen Ford Outstanding Soloist

Girls Track Mikala Dowling

Outstanding Speech Nyah Ware

Chezney Rowlett Outstanding Soloist

Volleyball Jaryn Houston

August Wilson Finalists

Michale Long Choreography Award

Nyah Ware Bri’Yon Watts

Tristan Smith Choreography Award

Seniors who earned six or more varsity letters

National Speech and Debate Association Finalist

Lillian Rucker Most Improved

Mary Robinson Most Talented Flautist Brittany Johnson Most Talented Clarinetist Estavan Ferrer Malik Fountain Most Talented Saxophonist

Muhammad Aboderin Most Talented Baritone Hornist Daniel Neal Most Talented Tubist Marcus Myrick Most Talented Batter Head Percussionist Cienna Kirk Most Talented Mallet Percussionist Brian Hayes Most Talented Auxiliary Percussionist Juli-Anne Atwood Outstanding String Orchestra Musician Hailey Love Outstanding String Orchestra Leader

IHSA Division I Band Solo Competition Donnell Farrow, percussion Brian Hayes, percussion Cienna Kirk, percussion Marcus Myrick, percussion Kenneth Nichols, percussion

String Orchestra Senior Awards

Bri’Yon Watts, Poetry

Dwight Taylor Most Improved

Four Year Seniors

Oscar Griffin Musicianship Award

Johnathon Reynolds Savannah Taffe

Laniah Ephraim Bowling, Track, Volleyball Malik Fountain Cross Country, Track Kris Gross Basketball, Cross Country, Track Ashley Meeky Tennis, Track

Michael Humphrey II

Jada Bey Micah Drigo Zoe Drigo Laniah Ephraim Phelin Feaster Stephen Ford Amira Jones Madison McArthur Chezney Rowlett Tristan Smith

Four Year Seniors

Savion Johnson

Trinity Davis Cross Country, Track

IHSA Division I

Juli-Anne Atwood Tyler McKamey

Joseph Farr Thomas Donnell Farrow Malik Fountain Chinemelum Iloegbunam Malachi Jackson Savion Johnson Cienna Kirk Joshua Lloyd Precious Mambo Marcus Myrick Kenneth Nichols Joshua Redfield Mary Robinson Anuoluwapo Solola

Phelin Feaster Maestro Award

Taylor Adams Abisolo Badejo Ajah Edwards Chandler Furnace Genesis Lee Joshua Tisdale Chantel Williams

Four Year Seniors Bri’Yon Watts

Hailey Ivy

Oluwaseye Ayamolowo Micah Drigo Laniah Ephraim Kayla Hughes Daisha Mitchell Kenidi Noys Trinity Price

Juli-Anne Atwood

Oluwaseye Ayamolowo

Chezney Rowlett

Ashley Meeky

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #130 Homewood, IL

Southland College Prep Charter High School 4601 Sauk Trail Richton Park, IL 60471 (708) 748-8105 www.scphs.org

- ECRWSS-

Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO Dr. Bryan D. Hale, Director of Operations Denise Faris, Editor B OA R D O F D I R EC TO R S

Ron Bean, President Dr. Barbara Radner, Vice-President Kevin Murphy, Secretary Dr. Barbara Meyer, Assistant Secretary Dr. Blondean Y. Davis Dr. Vinni Hall Felix Simpkins

Residential Postal Customer

CEO Message continued... across the globe, is challenged by an unprecedented worldwide disruption that gives a new meaning to “patience.”

For those of us who have lived to witness astronauts walk on the moon, to see the eradication of the devastating disease polio and to carry those small devices we call “smart phones” that connect us with anywhere in the world, I’m confident that scientists and scholars will conquer this virus and restore us to some form of our former lives.

And, I believe that we will be far better and stronger for the experience.

But to come out whole on the other side of what the world is experiencing, our young people will need to adopt another stance—one of “perseverance.” That’s the same tenacious trait that carried Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and so many others to surmount what appeared in their time to be insurmountable challenges to attain a free and equal society.

But perseverance also means that young people use the talents they’ve been given to absorb ideas and information from their teachers and families and to stand firm as they experience all that life may present in the coming years.

Members of the Class of 2020, who we herald in this issue of the newly framed Southland Report, have excelled in their studies not only to prepare for college but to become leaders who will guide and protect the future of our planet.

They will be the educators who prepare future generations. They will be the engineers and architects who design and create structures in which to live and work. They will create transport and technology to connect the world. They will be the artists, actors, writers, musicians and dancers who fulfill a society’s cultural needs. And, I believe that they will be the scientists and scholars who will conquer the world’s next critical challenges.

And even more so today when motivated young people are calling for justice and equality in our society.

Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO

Commencement continued... trio of Southland female singers and a small group of the choir, led by Director Dr. Stirling Culp and Assistant Director Elizabeth Norman, sang, “ Stand By Me.” After the ceremony, graduates, families and friends were able to see yard signs of the Class of 2020 graduates in front of the school facing Sauk Trail and a video truck displayed photos of the graduates.

“It was really nice that we were still able to celebrate this important moment in our lives,” said Class of 2020 graduate Malik Fountain, who will attend Columbia University in New York in the fall. “Although we were not able to be in the same room together at the same time, we were able to walk the stage to receive our diploma after four years of hard work and our school administrators did everything they could to make us feel special.”

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Dwight Taylor takes center square during the Southland choir’s ensemble virtual performance.