SALUTING OUR SENIORS

Class of 2023 gears up for life after DPS

s another school year comes to a close, seniors across Durham Public Schools are preparing for a new beginning. Over the years, our DPS family has watched them learn, grow, and persevere. We’ve witnessed them overcome challenges and explore new opportunities. Our school communities and the Durham community honor the work they have done to reach this milestone. Our seniors are to be celebrated. Whether college or career is their calling, the future is bright for the Class of 2023. As we congratulate them for their collective success, we are pleased to highlight a few members of this graduating class as we count down to caps and gowns.

Deniya El-Amin has achieved a 4.5 weighted GPA and will major in criminal justice after graduation. She’s maintained perfect attendance despite a house fire that totally consumed her home. It’s no wonder that her mantra is, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” And if you were to ask her what advice she’d give to younger DPS students, she easily offers, “The most important lessons are learned in the difficult times, not the easy ones.”

Academics and athletics have come naturally for Marcus Webb. So much so that the senior–ranked among the top 10 in his class– is entertaining college scholarships for both. Excelling in all of his school endeavors has served him well and he’s thrilled about what that means for his future. Marcus’ mantra is, “Finish it early/now so I don’t have to worry about it later,” which has carried him far. In that vein, his advice to his younger peers is, “Stay on top of your work and don’t let the distractions get to you.”

RUTENDO MUKELABAI RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

Rutendo Mukelabai’s philosophy on life is to try even if you fail. She’ll carry this belief with her to college when she matriculates at UNC-Chapel Hill to pursue a degree in nursing, where she may very well be able to give her patients an opportunity to restart their lives. She’s seen how effort can pay dividends by watching her parents accomplish much with humble beginnings after arriving in America with very few resources. They are the ones who give her the drive to succeed, she says. She thinks author, singer, and dancer Maya Angelou said it best, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Harmony Fairley The School For Creative Studies

Harmony Fairley wants to pursue a double major in political science and criminal justice from one of the eight universities that have offered her full rides, then pursue law school with the goal of becoming a civil rights attorney. She has earned the most scholarships in her senior graduating class of 65. “Being in an engaging environment with educators that have a desire and heart to not only educate but prepare you for the next [steps] is more than an amazing experience. It’s a lifetime achievement,” said Harmony. For her peers, she has wise counsel. “Make your school experience your experience! Don’t allow the input of others to stop you from engaging, evolving and being the best you! You are an original not a duplicate so radiate your atmosphere with your originality!”

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Sydney Hawkins City Of Medicine Academy

Everything Sydney Hawkins has done as a student has positioned her for the next level of success. After she graduates in the top five percent of her class, the City of Medicine Academy student plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill next year and continue her focus on health and medicine and major in chemistry on the pre-med track. Her ultimate goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon with a specialty in sports medicine. She specifically wants to work with athletes to treat their injuries and be a part of their total recovery. Her time at CMA has no doubt provided a solid foundation for her future endeavors. As she looks toward her future, Sydney wants to ensure that other DPS students have the opportunity to thrive in school as well. “I would tell younger students to advocate for themselves,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions, but also have fun and enjoy your time in school.”

Emma Cain Jordan High School

Emma Cain credits her DPS education for providing her with the best experiences of her life.

“I have spent all of my schooling in DPS and have grown, both as a student and a person, throughout elementary, middle, and high school,” said Emma.

“My best memories are the everyday memories I have of playing capture the flag at recess at Morehead, or learning in the glass house at Lakewood, or participating in open discussion in my classes at Jordan. The people I have met and the everyday hands-on learning have been the best.”

Fond memories also led to a lasting legacy of compassion and service within the Jordan High School community.

She and a friend established the JHS A Lotta Love Club, a partner club supporting local non-profit A Lotta Love which works to alleviate the trauma of homelessness by creating dignified, safe, and emotionally-inspired spaces for people living and working in shelters and crisis centers.

JHS A Lotta Love was active while many school organizations shut down during the pandemic. Once students returned to in-person learning, JHS A Lotta Love continued to flourish with an increase in membership and the tangible work they do to support those experiencing displacement - all due to Emma’s passion and organization.

Emma is driven by her future and the goals she hopes to accomplish. “I show up to school, ready to learn and excel so future [Emma] is able to achieve her dreams.”

Upon graduation, Emma will attend UNC Chapel Hill and major in journalism.

NICOLE ‘NIC’ MARTIN

Nicole Martin, who goes by Nic, says her Early College experience opened doors to a world of friendships and excellence.

“It is a very welcoming and supportive environment that allowed me to perform at my best and exposed me to many helpful resources…My fondest memory as a student is the experience of being able to meet new people and create amazing friendships with other students and faculty both in the J.D. Clement Early College High School and NCCU campus,” she said.

Her teachers and administrators agree that she is certainly a humanitarian.

Carrying forth her commitment to humanity, Nic plans to enter North Carolina Central University’s nursing program to earn a Bachelor of Science degree.

She repeats a quote that she says she’s heard from more than one influential person in her life: “‘Do not view challenges as problems but rather an opportunity to make you stronger.’ I think it is a very good mindset to have so you can continue pushing yourself and successfully arrive at your ultimate destination.”

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

YANICE GIBSON MIDDLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL AT DTCC

Middle College senior Yanice Gibson plans to travel the world and expand her impact on others after graduation. Through a program called Verto Education, she will travel to Spain to study business for a semester. After completing that program, she will enlist in the Air Force and earn a second associate degree. She then plans to return to school for her bachelor’s degree in business. While she plans to make many memories, she credits the ones she’s made as a DPS student with furthering her success and developing her character. She is particularly thankful for the impact her National Honor Society (NHS) experience has made. After she earned her membership into the NHS, she was intent on making her mark by prioritizing diversity within the organization. She became the chapter’s president.

Under her leadership, she said the chapter raised more than $1,100 to fight menstrual poverty thanks to a team that provided “amazing” support. The project’s goal is to create feminine hygiene care packages and donate them to a non-profit organization in need.

“I am proud to represent Durham Public Schools as a part of my mission to innovate, lead, and to make a change,” she said.

Senior Spotlight

ADRIEN JACOBS DURHAM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Purpose-driven. Humble. Mature. Genuine. These are the words that have been used to describe Durham School of the Arts senior Adrien Jacobs. He leads with his heart in everything that he does, and that has certainly contributed to his success inside and outside of the classroom. He will attend Dartmouth College and major in biology as he plans to pursue a career in research. He will also compete as a collegiate athlete as a member of Dartmouth’s track and field team where he hopes to achieve more personal goals and records.

Adrien says one of his fondest memories as a student in DPS was sharing his college acceptance with friends and teachers. He received the big news while in class last December.

“There was a lot of screaming, crying, and happiness that day,” he said. “Finding out I got into my dream college was amazing, but having people in my school who were thrilled with my accomplishment was truly breathtaking.” While the achievements continue to pile up for Adrien, he knows his greatest and hardest lessons are still to come. “If we never fail, how will we grow? Although failure can be disappointing and at times heartbreaking, it helps facilitate the journey. I believe that the purpose of living is to progress,” he said.

When Mikal Ali leaves DPS, he’ll be taking residence at a different address in the Bull City - Duke University. He is the recipient of the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship that connects talented students who may otherwise be marginalized to leading institutions of higher education. He was one of 1,755 finalists to be considered for the scholarship. The work he’s put in over the last 13 years is a testament to his determination to succeed.

Mikal is one of the top 10 students in his graduating class. His academic achievements have led him to the Young Scholars Summer Research Institute at Duke as well as research opportunities with professors at NC State University. Learning hasn’t always been easy for Mikal. In his youth, he struggled with reading. His grandmother, who was a retired educator, relocated to help him overcome his challenges.

Mikal says Hillside’s International Baccalaureate program, supportive teachers at the school, his parents, and other mentors have served him well as he prepares for college. He plans to major in psychology so that he can do his part to help maintain the well-being of Black males.

“I learned through Kamal Bell’s Sankofa program that the rewards in life are in direct proportion to the way you give back to your community. Do your best and give it back to the people,” he said.