Alumni News

Recent College Graduates and Post Graduates

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

Jenae Lauren Andrews, Class of 2008 University of North Texas B.S. in Fashion Merchandising Clarke Wilson, Class of 2008 Purdue University B.A. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Currently an intern at Sovereign Pharmaceutical

Shelby Taylor Harris, Class of 2007 Prairie View A&M University B.A. in Mass Communications

Eric Hernandez, Class of 2008 University of North Texas B.A. in Marketing, Minor in Spanish Currently a marketing intern at Balfour Publishing in Dallas

Jamila Jenkins, Class of 2007 Howard University Professional Bachelor Degree in Architecture Currently working as a Project Engineer at Gilbane Building Company in Washington, D.C.

GRADUATE DEGREES

Jesse Hernandez, Class of 2001 The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas Doctor of Medicine Currently in his ER residency at Parkland Hospital Kudos: Jesse was honored at the EACH MOMENT MATTERS Luncheon in October, benefiting Faith Presbyterian Hospice!

Caleb Jackson, Class of 2005 University of California Los Angeles School of Law Juris Doctorate, Critical Race Studies Currently the 2018-2019 George R. Murphy Public Interest Fellow at Murphy Anderson, PLLC in Washington, DC

Germanii Nicole Murphy

University of Louisiana Monroe B.A. in Criminal Justice Pursuing M.A. in Criminal Justice at ULM

Michelle Thornton, Class of 2007 University of North Texas B.F.A. in Film Launched a production company, Harmony Jones Productions

<< Evan Bradford White, Class of 2008 Morehouse College B.A. in Psychology and Chinese Studies First Morehouse student to earn degree in Chiniese Studies Charles Smith, Class of 1995 University of Texas at Dallas MBA

Avia Wilkerson, Class of 2002 >> Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Doctor of Medicine Currently in her General Surgery residency at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH

FLYGIRL

Class of 2016 alumnae, Madison Conerly, has been taking flying lessons for two and a half years. The Hockaday Freshman has aspirations to major in aeronautical engineering, become a fighter pilot in the Air Force or Navy, and later work as an astronaut for NASA. She is now able to take the pilot’s seat in a Cessna 172R or 172RG Complex Engine Aircraft.

LIFE AFTER ST. PHILIP'S

Rickyl’ Wesson, Class of 1994

Rickyl’ Wesson, a bright and passionate Texas Tech graduate, has had a wonderful impact on hundreds of little minds. What started as a dream of being a sideline sports broadcaster soon became a fulfilling journey in Education.

Rickyl’ always wanted to be in Education but felt that it was expected of her because of the heavy comparisons to her mother, veteran teacher and current St. Philip’s Early Childhood Director, Telissha Wesson. However, she has

forged her own path and made a name for herself in the public school sector.

After college, Rickyl’ began her teaching career at a middle school in Keller ISD and then moved to another middle

school in Lancaster the following year. For the 2012-2013 school year, she was awarded campus Teacher of the Year and had the highest 7th grade Math STAAR scores in the district. The 2013-2014 school year was her first experience out of the classroom, as she served as the TAP Math Master

Teacher. She served in that role for 2.5 years. During that time, Ms. Wesson earned her Master's Degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas.

Her path to becoming a principal was lit by one of her former principals. In the middle of the 2015-2016 school year, she was selected to be the new Assistant Principal at Rosa Parks/ Millbrook Elementary. She credits that position for opening her eyes to so much and teaching her invaluable lessons about leadership. She says, “I always vowed to never forget what it was like being a teacher.”

In the spring of 2018, Ms. Wesson decided to interview for the Campus Principal position at Plummer Elementary in Cedar Hill ISD. She shares, “I love everything there is to love about Plummer. The staff is so hungry for success and the family atmosphere is outstanding.”

Her spirit and hunger for knowledge has always been one of enthusiasm and excellence. That drive was a seed planted very early on. “St. Philip's prepared me for life after St. Philip’s by equipping me with confidence. Equipping me with a spiritual base. Equipping me with words from the Creed that spoke life into my soul,” she explains. “The Creed equipped me with courage to be comfortable with exactly who I am. My experience at St. Philip's has been untouched. It is etched in my body and mind. In fact, I mimic a lot of things St. Philip's does on my own campus.”

She adores St. Philip's and is thrilled that her young son gets to walk the same halls (with the same teachers). She is also a passionate advocate for public schools, proudly stating, “I want my students to feel the way I felt at 1600 Pennsylvania. I want to pour into them all that I received as a young scholar.”

5th Grade Civil Rights Trip Plants Seed in St. Philip’s Alum

Alexis McDaniel, Class of 2012, vividly remembers visiting Montgomery, Alabama on the 5th Grade Civil Rights trip while a student at St. Philip’s. The many museums they toured and the walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, are highlights that come to mind as she reminisces about her experiences of learning about the Civil Rights movement. “Who would think that I would eventually attend college in the same city I visited years ago?” Alexis is currently a student at Alabama State University studying Political Science, with a minor in both Dance and African-American Studies. She

loves the welcoming environment at Alabama State, as it has been helpful when she starts to feel homesick.

In addition to her studies, Ms. McDaniel has immersed herself in several activities. At ASU, she is a member of F.L.Y. Girls – a mentoring program and group that stands for First Love Yourself. In this group, young women are mentored and offer mentorship to younger girls at public schools in Montgomery. She is also a member of the NAACP

where students recently encouraged people to get out and vote.

“I have had so much fun

and learned so much

about myself this first semester of college. I am very thankful that I am able to go to this amazing school but I also want to thank St. Philip’s for pushing me to be the best I can be because I still live by the very creed we used to recite with pride almost every day. I also want to thank St. Philip’s for encouraging me to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) because Alabama State University is the college for me,” Alexis proudly states.

WE ACHIEVE

Our Alumni are shining in the arts and culinary worlds!

ON BROADWAY – Class of 2005 alumnae and Juilliard graduate, Amber Pickens, was featured in a celebrated production of DON’T BOTHER ME, I CAN’T COPE in New York’s 2018 Encores! Off-Center season earlier this year.

VIRTUOSOS – Class of 2002 alumni, Bianca McClure and Jean Paul Barjon, are making a name for themselves in California’s music scene as professional musicians and arts educators.

BON APPETIT - Congratulations to our very own Class of 2004 alumnae, Gabrielle McBay, on a wonderful feature in the Dallas Observer. Remember her name because she is going places – as the article headline stated: “Chef Gabrielle McBay Has the Grit to Become Dallas’ Next Big Restaurateur”!

Photo courtesy of Jaren Collins

Alumni, YOU STILL BELONG!

Share your life stage events with us and let’s stay connected!

Be sure to engage with us on social media and register with us on our website at www.stphilips1600.org/alumni or email philanthropy@stphilips.com.22 WINTER MAGAZINE 2018 www.stphilips1600.org