2016 Yearbook / UMD Incentive Awards Program

2016 YEARBOOK

MESSAGE BOARD

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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM

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hortly after former President C. D. Mote Jr. began his tenure at the University of Maryland in 1998, he noticed an alarming trend: Few students from Baltimore City public high schools applied to and subsequently matriculated at the state’s flagship university. Of particular concern was the fact that the overwhelming majority of students came from three city high schools: Baltimore City College, Baltimore Polytechnic and Western. There was little or no representation from the other high schools in the city.

Mote had encountered a similar situation when serving as vice chancellor for university relations at the University of California, Berkeley. Berkeley initiated a highly successful program aimed at students from underrepresented areas.

Indeed, it was a program for which he raised $22 million. In 2000, Maryland created a program based on the Berkeley model. The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program is designed to recognize and promote scholarship, leadership and community responsibility among students from select high schools, and to make it financially possible to matriculate at the University of Maryland. The program identifies and selects students who have demonstrated uncommon persistence, ingenuity and maturity by maintaining good academic performance in the face of challenging circumstances.

Launched as a pilot program in Baltimore, the program expanded to select schools in Prince George’s County in 2006. A generous gift in 2012 allowed further expansion to KIPP public charter schools in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Each student has been awarded financial support for four years and will benefit from a strong, nurturing community of advisors, mentors and administrative staff while at Maryland.

The program is not defined by its scholarship component, however.

The distinguishing characteristic is its focus on developing character, critical

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thinking skills and leadership in the context of an intimate community of peers.

The student cohort is the core of the program and the identifying mark around which the program is constructed. This “community within a community” is what sustains students and challenges them to develop the skills that will benefit them and their home communities. In addition to the advising network, the camaraderie provided by the peer group encourages students to persist. Students have been empowered to assume leadership roles within the group and exercise autonomy in planning social and community-building activities. They are encouraged to shape the culture of the group, with each new cohort making its unique impression on the community.

The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program values a spirit of reciprocity. Scholars embrace this spirit by maintaining strong ties to their home and school communities, regularly returning to their high schools to serve as role models for younger students. Throughout the year, they engage their peers in discussions, sharing with them their own Maryland experiences and the importance of proper academic preparation for college. The intent is for their success—attained through hard work—to be an incentive for others to persist toward high school graduation, pursue higher education and achieve in the face of adversity.

Sixteen years after the program’s inception, the university’s commitment continues under the leadership of President Wallace Loh. “The Incentive Awards Program is a vital part of the University of Maryland, providing opportunities for some of the state’s most talented and dedicated students to excel academically and professionally,” he says. “Ultimately these students give back to their communities, inspiring another generation of high-achieving leaders.

The combination of service and achievement is what makes this program so exceptional.”

As students graduate and the alumni base continues to grow, the positive impact will be even more profound on the communities that these students call home. Throughout all future endeavors, they will hone those skills nurtured through the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program and use them in every aspect of their lives.

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� CLASS OF 2005

CLASS OF 2006 �

� CLASS OF 2013

CLASS OF 2014 �

� CLASS OF 2007

CLASS OF 2008 �

� CLASS OF 2015

CLASS OF 2016 �

� CLASS OF 2009

CLASS OF 2010 �

� CLASS OF 2017

CLASS OF 2018 �

� CLASS OF 2011

CLASS OF 2012 �

� CLASS OF 2019

CLASS� OF 2012 CLASS OF 2020

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SCHOOL PARTNERS AT EVERY PARTICIPATING HIGH

SCHOOL, AT LEAST ONE STAFF PERSON ASSISTS THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM WITH ITS OUTREACH EFFORTS AND THE NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESSES. THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING STUDENTS REALIZE THEIR DREAMS OF A COLLEGE EDUCATION AND HAVE PROVEN TO BE INVALUABLE PARTNERS IN THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM. LISTED BELOW ARE THE PRIMARY COORDINATORS AT EACH SCHOOL. WE WHOLEHEARTEDLY THANK THEM FOR THEIR SUPPORT. Baltimore City College RODNEY JOYNER

National Academy Foundation School of Baltimore

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

SHALEWA HARDAWAY

PAULA DOFAT

LAURA RICHARDSON

Baltimore Polytechnic Institute

Northwestern High School (Baltimore City)

KATHRYN WICKHAM ANTHONY HAROLD

Baltimore School for the Arts ABBY MCKELVEY

New Era Academy

JOHN ROGERS

Northwestern High School (Prince George’s County)

Benjamin Franklin High School

CARLY FINKELSTEIN

RHONDA WALLER

KRISTEAL CUNNINGHAM

Oxon Hill High School

Central High School

Parkdale High School

CHARLENE WARNER

MARSHA BASTIEN

INTRODUCING

THE CLASS OF 2020

Another cadre of outstanding high school students has been selected to participate in the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program, designed to recognize and promote academic excellence and leadership among exceptional students from our partner high schools. In this, the 16th year of the program, we are proud to welcome this new cohort of scholars.

Maya Adams

Gyan Kadariya

Suitland High School

Digital Harbor High School

Oluwatobi Ajide

Karim Kambo

Paul Laurence Dunbar High School

Fairmont Heights High School

Olivia Bankole

Janae McClendon

Central High School

KIPP DC College Preparatory

Issmatu Barrie

Camilla Obasiolu

High Point High School

Parkdale High School

I’Shea Boyd

Taylor Smith

Baltimore Polytechnic Institute

Baltimore Polytechnic Institute

Digital Harbor High School

Patterson High School

PAMELA WAINWRIGHT

KIMBERLY McINTOSH

Karen Hernandez

Shamon Thomas-Green

O’NEIL ROBINSON

Paul Laurence Dunbar High School

Western High School

Joelle Inoma

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

High Point High School

AISHA WATSON

ISLAMIYAT ADEBOHUN

Potomac High School

KIPP

CAROLYN MURRELL

KAMILAH HOLDER

Renaissance Academy High School

Fairmont Heights High School

INDIA LEACH

Mergenthaler VocationalTechnical High School

JOHNNY GORMAN

MIVALRIE DUNCAN

GEANITA EVERETT

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

Miguel Turcios High Point High School

De’ja James

Liana Wyatte

Central High School

Northwestern High School (Baltimore City)

Casey Jones Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School

Suitland High School Western High School

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LEE GRIFFIN

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Maya Adams SUITLAND HIGH SCHOOL

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Family Science

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Oluwatobi Ajide

SPECIAL HONOR: College Park Scholars

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL

PEOPLE SAY: “Maya is in an elite class of students with drive and integrity. She works hard, and the presentation of her work reflects a pride of authorship and ownership. I have found Maya to be consistently accommodating, well organized, highly motivated and an advocate for the rights of all groups—qualities that will get her far in her college goals. I have no doubt that Maya will strive tenaciously toward the goals she sets and make a great name for herself. She is a mature and accomplished individual who would be an asset of tremendous value to University of Maryland.”

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Computer Science SPECIAL HONOR: College Park Scholars PEOPLE SAY: “Oluwatobi is one of the most aca-demically capable students I have had in my 11 years of teaching. While some psychological concepts came quickly and naturally for him due to his prior experience, he welcomed the challenge of newer concepts. His work ethic is unmatched and he served as an example for his peers. He completed his work in a timely fashion, sought assistance when needed, engaged in thoughtful dialogue, and kept pace with outof-class assignments. Oluwatobi’s commitment to his family, his education and his future has contributed to the person he is becoming, and I look forward to seeing him thrive in the future.”

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Issmatu Barrie HIGH POINT HIGH SCHOOL

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Letters & Sciences PEOPLE SAY: “Issmatu’s dedication to education is evident: She always completes her work on time, participates in discussions and debates, and cares about the quality of her work. In addition, she is a well-mannered, mature young woman who communicates extremely well with peers and adults. She is a leader within the classroom. I have always found her to be respectful and understanding of people. Her amicable demeanor and attitude allow her to work well with individuals of all ages. She knows when to participate in discussions and meetings, and when she does, she has profound and wise thoughts to add to the conversation. It has been a privilege to have her in my classroom.”

Olivia Bankole CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Biological Sciences SPECIAL HONOR: Honors College PEOPLE SAY: “Olivia is the exceptional student that teachers wish for at the beginning of their careers. She is the complete package: academics, athletics, service and leadership. From the moment Olivia steps into the classroom, she is able to motivate others with her glowing and encouraging personality. She is consistently among the top grade earners, and she exhibits the special skill of thinking critically on diverse and complicated subjects. Olivia has done well, but she is always eager to learn more. She attacks challenges head-on with grace and poise. She has all the tools of success and just needs the opportunity to present her ultimate potential on the next academic level.”

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Karen Hernandez WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL

I’Shea Boyd

BALTIMORE POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Electrical Engineering SPECIAL HONOR: First-Year Innovation and Research Experience PEOPLE SAY: “I’Shea is just the student you would want on campus.

She is a calm, yet assertive leader who is much larger than her stature. She rises to each challenge and is highly successful in some of the most demanding and advanced courses. She enjoys giving to her community, manages her time well and maintains a great focus on achieving her goals. Her sense of service to her school community is commendable. She’s an excellent public speaker and an introspective person, and we value her leadership and perspective on student issues. This well-balanced young lady is one of the most respectful and focused young women we have encountered. She receives our highest recommendation.”

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ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Biological Sciences SPECIAL HONOR: Honors College PEOPLE SAY: “In the years I have known Karen, she has impressed me as a focused, persistent and dedicated young woman who is looking to improve herself and our learning community. She exhibits a true passion and excitement for learning while displaying a level of intellectual curiosity and spirit not often found in someone so talented. She is always eager to discover new things, motivated to think critically about subjects and determined to understand difficult concepts. She works tirelessly and consistently pushes herself to constantly ask “Why?” and “How?” Despite her many talents and accomplishments, she remains the same levelheaded, mature-beyond-her-years student who entered our doors as a freshman. She will be an outstanding choice for the Incentive Awards Program.”

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De’ja James CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Letters & Sciences PEOPLE SAY: “De’ja has been a vital part of the Central High School community. She has blossomed into a positively aggressive and focused young lady who is determined to succeed. I have never seen anyone else facing obstacles exhibit so much will and commitment. De’ja’s drive for perfection and her diligence to attain it are admirable. I have found her to be not only an exceptional student but also mature, responsible and creative. She has a free spirit and infectious humor yet is also a leader and a devoted scholar. She has all the tools of success and now just needs the opportunity to present her ultimate potential.”

Joelle Inoma

BALTIMORE LEADERSHIP SCHOOL FOR YOUNG WOMEN

Dorrian Gross

Baltimore Polytechnic Institute

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Letters & Sciences PEOPLE SAY: “Joelle has all the qualities of an advanced and mature student. She constantly contributes in a positive way to the classroom environment as she motivates others and is a dynamic and responsible group member during collaborative projects and presentations. Joelle never seemed to leave the school building: She was either gathering deeper and expanded knowledge about a particular topic from a teacher, participating in after-school activities, or talking with younger students about positive habits to be successful. It is my hope that Joelle will not only continue to grow and mature as a young woman, student and active member of her community, but also that she will continue to translate her passion for helping others to represent our nation in whatever endeavors she may embark on.”

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PEOPLE SAY: “Dorrian is an admirable student with an amazing sense of humor. He can converse with his teachers on academic and personal levels.

He often spent time discovering and learning new information in class, working at a problem until he grasped it, then joked with his teachers afterward.

Through dedication and hard work, Dorrian has become a role model for other students. He is a well-rounded student who can adapt to challenging situations and utilize the resources around him to reach his highest potential.

This priceless attribute will serve him well at the next level of education and beyond.”

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Gyan Kadariya

DIGITAL HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Letters & Sciences

Casey Jones

PEOPLE SAY: “Gyan is an exceptional, multifaceted young man. I saw countless examples of his maturity and analytic mindset at work. His education has taken him from Nepal to college in the United States. He fully understands that his education is part of the long journey toward becoming an active, productive global citizen.

Gyan’s strongest quality, though, is his insistence on his own success. Since coming to the U.S., he has found a love for computers and science and is determined not to let any obstacles, including a language barrier, stop him from studying engineering in college. Gyan has already embarked on a pathway to a new life, and with the Incentive Awards Program he can truly make his life goals a reality.”

MERGENTHALER VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Engineering PEOPLE SAY: “I was immediately impressed by Casey’s maturity and eagerness to learn. Having worked with students for many years, I have rarely seen a young man so mature, dedicated and persistent when it comes to both his academics and involvement with extracurricular activities. He is a pleasant, confident, polite, articulate and organized young man. He is passionate about doing his best and being successful, and about bettering those around him and making this world a better place. He has big aspirations for himself, and his determination and perseverance will allow nothing to impede upon his dreams. His quest for knowledge is insatiable, and his desire to achieve is commendable. His participatory spirit and social consciousness will gain the respect and admiration of his future peers.”

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Janae McClendon KIPP DC COLLEGE PREPARATORY

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Behavioral and Community Health PEOPLE SAY: “There is no task that Janae will not complete, no challenge she will not conquer. She has earned the respect of her peers and her teachers. None would deny that she is the most industrious student we’ve got. And yet, to focus on her indefatigable work ethic is to perhaps imply that Janae is a mere worker bee, unceasing in her efforts but recognized for little else. This could not be further from the truth. Her efforts are motivated by a drive to make her work excellent—and frequently it is.”

Karim Kambo

FAIRMONT HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Public Health Science SPECIAL HONOR: Honors College PEOPLE SAY: “From the first meeting with Karim, I could see that he was a leader, taking on the toughest assignments. He has been a role model for other students in our school. Students look up to Karim for guidance in helping them with their assignments, and he never backs down. He is an extraordinarily talented student who undoubtedly is destined for greater academic and personal success. He is dedicated to giving his best in all aspects of his life, and he shows diligence in his studies. These are but a few of his qualities that will serve him well both in academia as well as in the professional workplace.”

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Taylor Smith

PARKDALE HIGH SCHOOL

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Criminology and Criminal Justice PEOPLE SAY: “Taylor lights up the room and brings a smile to all around her. She’s articulate, thoughtful and insightful. She displayed higher order thinking skills and gave thought-provoking critical analysis to any scenario presented. Taylor worked well alone but truly thrived in group settings, being a revered group leader and ensuring all group members were on task to complete the assignment. Her tenacity, work ethic and strong family support will allow her to make wise decisions at college, to give her best effort and to stick to a game plan that will lead her to a successful finish.”

Camilla Obasiolu PARKDALE HIGH SCHOOL

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Nutrition and Food Science SPECIAL HONOR: Honors College PEOPLE SAY: “With her intrinsic motivation, intellectual curiosity and warm demeanor, Camilla models excellence for her classmates.

Indeed, she is consistently one of the students who does more than asked. These students, even among the most talented, are rare. Camilla, however, is no doubt such a student, and I expect her transition to college to be as seamless as this transition can be. She has evolved into a well-mannered, self-assured young lady, an exceptional aspiring academician and a credit to any organization or community she is affiliated with. I am confident that she will be successful and, more importantly, that she will give back and help others.”

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Miguel Turcios HIGH POINT HIGH SCHOOL

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Letters & Sciences PEOPLE SAY: “Miguel has displayed exemplary behavior in and out of the classroom. He is a remarkable young man who has demonstrated academic excellence, admirable time management skills, a strong commitment to hard work and an ability to overcome difficult circumstances. He works equally well independently and in a group setting, exhibiting superior interpersonal skills. He is the first to volunteer an answer in class, but just as willing to allow another classmate to have the floor. Both peers and teachers respect Miguel, who has prepared himself for the academic rigors of college. He will be an asset to both life and academics at the University of Maryland.”

Shamon Thomas-Green

BALTIMORE LEADERSHIP SCHOOL FOR YOUNG WOMEN

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Letters & Sciences PEOPLE SAY: “Shamon has continually shown tenacity in academics and the utmost respect for her peers, teachers and others around her.

Whenever I see her interacting with peers, she is extremely kind and loyal. She is willing to help them when they are in trouble or need and guides them in the right direction. She is also extremely respectful when she communicates with her teachers and takes responsibility for her actions. Shamon is mature for her age and eager to take her next steps toward her goals. She is exemplary in words, thoughts and deeds. Her leadership abilities will be an asset at the university.”

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STUDENT LIFE

Liana Wyatte

NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL (BALTIMORE CITY)

ANTICIPATED MAJOR: Sociology PEOPLE SAY: “I have seen Liana blossom into one of the most incredible, unselfish, motivated and brilliant scholars I have encountered in my time at Northwestern. Her insatiable quest for knowledge carries her beyond the scope and sequence of the assigned task. Even when her workload is tremendous, she works through the barriers to achieve her goals. To say she is college-ready is an understatement. This is evident in the drive she exhibits during classroom discussions, adding insightful and thought-provoking connections that increase her classmates’ understanding. She has a desire to bring people along, to help them see what she sees. Liana is an ideal candidate for the Incentive Awards Program.”

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TO OUR DONORS IT IS THE POWER OF EDUCATION AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MANY THAT WILL HELP TRANSFORM STUDENTS‘

ADVISORY BOARD

Rahn V. Barnes

Chuck Daggs ’69

Gloria Aparicio Blackwell ’92

Barbara Gill ’85

D. Stuart Bowers ’81

Barry Gossett

Karmen Walker Brown

Dan Millman ’84

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. University of Maryland

DST Brokerage Solutions Community Volunteer

LIVES AND SECURE THE FUTURE

Michael F. Canning ’84

OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE FRIENDS WHO HAVE JOINED WITH US THROUGHOUT THE YEARS TO MAKE

Manis Canning & Associates

University of Maryland Gossett Group

CHAIRPERSON Turner Impact Capital, LLC

C.D. Mote, Jr.

Whiteford, Tyler and Preston LLP

HONORARY CHAIRPERSON National Academy of Engineering University of Maryland

Mary Graham-Fisher

J. Keith Scroggins ’79

Danista E. Hunte

Kumea Shorter-Gooden

Sheila D. Jones ’74

Craig Thompson ’92

University of Maryland Child First Authority

Law Office of Sheila D. Jones

Baltimore City Public Schools University of Maryland Venable, LLP

Leronia A. Josey

Law Office of Leronia A. Josey

Ovetta Moore

The Commercial Group

Yolanda Pruitt ’78

Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation

Robert B. Schaftel ’62

Riggs, Counselman, Michaels & Downes Inc.

Donald C. Scheeler ’85

FOR OUR STUDENTS A REALITY

Baltimore City Public Schools

AND OTHER SUPPORT. THANK YOU.

KIPP Bay Area Schools

Jonathan E. Claiborne, Esq. ’77

THIS LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY THROUGH NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS

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SELECTION COMMITTEE

Learn It Systems

J. Keith Scroggins ’79 Kathy Keys Waymmann ’81 Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County, Inc.

Timea Webster

University of Maryland

James Wheeler Ayers Saint Gross

Jack Wilen ’72

Raymond James & Associates

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MESSAGE BOARD

INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM SUZANNE G. AND MURRAY A. VALENSTEIN BALTIMORE INCENTIVE AWARDS PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY INCENTIVE AWARDS 1103 Cole Student Activities Building 4090 Union Drive College Park, MD 20742

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