The Urban League of Rochester’s Black Scholars Early Recognition Program honors seniors and underclassmen who are well on their way to achieving at least a “B” average throughout high school. A certificate presentation ceremony was held for scholars on November 5 at Nazareth College. Certificates were distributed to those unable to attend at the Churchville-Chili Performing Arts Center with guest Taurian Uthman from the Urban League.
In June, graduating seniors will be honored at the annual Salute to Black Scholars Dinner. Approximately $2.5 million in college scholarships are awarded at this event.
The Black Scholars Program provides high school students with assistance applying to college, academic recognition, and scholarships. The program supports students in the Greater Rochester metropolitan area (the City of Rochester and the six surrounding counties) who achieve a cumulative GPA of “B” (80) or better in high school. Workshops are held every spring and fall to prepare college-bound students and their parents for the college selection process, admissions testing, completion of college applications, financial aid paperwork, and other “college survival” tools and tips.
The program also features the Black Scholars Endowment Fund, which provides assistance to help college students who have exhausted all other sources of financial aid to remain in school. The program is funded through corporate sponsorships, committee fundraising activities, and general funds. The program reaches approximately 1,800 students each year.
Churchville-Chili High School Early Recognition Black Scholars are: Olufemi Akinpelu, Isabella Akins, Paige Bagley, Enouph Bennett, Juanita Bishop, Jordan Bracey, Malachi Brown Tomaszewski, Tristan Bryant, Elijah Burnley, Jace Carter, Phillip Clark, Jaxxon Cody, Madeleine Dingus, Akossiwa Dossou, Rudolph Fahnbulleh, Anisa Flowers Thompson, Myiah Garcia, Jason Gibbs, Amya Gibson, Jayden Gourdine, Samuel Grant, Zoria Hughes, Levi Jackson, Serenity Jager, Emma Jenkins, Kolby Jones, Sarai Jones-Langston, Destiny June, Ricardo Lagares, Omari Leach, Giavanna Leuci, Jehzara Lewin, Miguel Martinez-Gilbert, Ambar Montilla Rubio, Ay’rianna Moore, Karia Musabandesu, Eric Neal, Amani Nur, Sydney Parker, Ava Peevey, Sydney Postell, Antonio Rivera, Calyse Russell, Salina Salters, Jayden Sanza, Nevaeh Starks, Keanu Thompson, Mikenna (Chris) Tolliver, JaQuia Williams, and Ajani Wilson.
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