Grace A Stanley ( Pensacola, Florida)
Grace is a gifted 15-year-old freshman attending West Florida High School in Pensacola, Florida. At West Florida, Grace majors in Biomedical Sciences and plans to become an Obstetrician. She was a member of the freshman Volleyball team and was selected as the team’s “Most Inspirational” member. Grace was elected Freshman Student Body Representative by her peers and is a member of the International Thespian Society (ITS) and Drama Club. She was selected to represent West Florida in the ITS county monologue competition in 2018. Grace is also a member of the Escambia County All-County Orchestra where she plays violin, the Key Club, and the Biomedical Sciences Academy.
This multi-talented young lady has had published several articles in newspapers and magazines and is co-author of The Worst First Day: Desegregating Central High with Elizabeth Eckford, member of the Little Rock Nine and her mother, Dr. Eurydice S. Stanley. The book shares Elizabeth’s challenges as an African American student desegregating Central High School in 1957, and has strong messages against racism, discrimination, and bullying. The book will be available on Amazon in December, 2017.
Grace has known Ms. Eckford since she was a toddler, and even won the Escambia County History Fair as a youth for her portrayal of Ms. Eckford’s life in the Individual Performance competition. Since then, Grace has advanced to the State Finals of National History Day for the past three years in a row, advancing to the state semi-finals in videography last year and winning the World War II award for her documentary about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion from Florida State University.
A budding entrepreneur, Grace is CEO of Missing Petals, a division of The Transition Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising human trafficking awareness “Until Every Child Comes Home.” She has given numerous presentations throughout the state of Florida outlining safety strategies and awareness messages to keep youth safe. She founded Missing Petals in 2014 after 500 girls were stolen from their school in Africa while before she attended the year-long Pensacola Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA). Grace chose Human Trafficking Awareness as her focus for her YEA project. Missing Petals became her method of addressing an international issue that has a striking impact in the United States. Grace received third place overall in the YEA competition and was awarded the highest level of funding from the “Shark Tank” investor panel. Grace hopes to spread her message globally.
Grace has received many prestigious awards, to include the White House Presidential Award of Merit from President Obama for academic excellence (2014), and was the 2015 NAACP Gloster P. Current Youth Leadership Award Recipient, which is the organization’s highest national youth leadership award for her outstanding community leadership and academic excellence. Her Odyssey of the Mind team advanced to the state finals in 2015, and she was a state finalist in the State Parent Teacher Association Reflections literature competition, middle division, in 2015, in recognition of her beautiful poetry.
Grace has had the honor of placing two years in a row in the Florida Commission on the Status of Women’s Essay Competition (2nd place in 2016 and 1st place in 2017), sponsored by the Florida Office of the Attorney General. Last year (2016), she was selected to participate in the Harvard University Mock-Trial Association debates, competing with some of the best young minds in the country. Grace served as “The Closer” for her legal team, representing the Rusty and River Foundation in the national competition.
Grace is currently the 2017 Orlando Regional Miss Cinderella Teen title holder and won “Most Talented” in the subsequent state finals. She previously represented Arkansas as a National American Miss pageant National Cover Model. She was invited to participate in the 2017 “Peace Jam” in Tallahassee, Florida, an international leadership program that promotes service, allowing students to meet and be mentored by Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. She has benefitted significantly from mentorship. In 2017, she graduated from the “Emerging Young Leader” program developed by the Delta Iota Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the “Rites of Passage” from the Progressive Black Women Coalition, Inc.
An “Army Brat,” Grace has travelled the country extensively, moving almost every two years prior to her current residence in Pensacola. She benefitted from the special opportunities afforded in each location, to include earning two black-belts in two separate Taekwondo leagues and dance training in ballet, Flamenco, modern dance and hip-hop and has won awards for Praise Dances with her family.
When Grace isn’t travelling or competing, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Already a “Rattler” at heart, Grace hopes to attend Florida A & M University as her first educational institution on her path to becoming a medical doctor. A member of her family has attended FAMU since its inception, and Grace hopes to continue that legacy of love
Grace is a gifted 15-year-old freshman attending West Florida High School in Pensacola, Florida. At West Florida, Grace majors in Biomedical Sciences and plans to become an Obstetrician. She was a member of the freshman Volleyball team and was selected as the team’s “Most Inspirational” member. Grace was elected Freshman Student Body Representative by her peers and is a member of the International Thespian Society (ITS) and Drama Club. She was selected to represent West Florida in the ITS county monologue competition in 2018. Grace is also a member of the Escambia County All-County Orchestra where she plays violin, the Key Club, and the Biomedical Sciences Academy.
This multi-talented young lady has had published several articles in newspapers and magazines and is co-author of The Worst First Day: Desegregating Central High with Elizabeth Eckford, member of the Little Rock Nine and her mother, Dr. Eurydice S. Stanley. The book shares Elizabeth’s challenges as an African American student desegregating Central High School in 1957, and has strong messages against racism, discrimination, and bullying. The book will be available on Amazon in December, 2017.
Grace has known Ms. Eckford since she was a toddler, and even won the Escambia County History Fair as a youth for her portrayal of Ms. Eckford’s life in the Individual Performance competition. Since then, Grace has advanced to the State Finals of National History Day for the past three years in a row, advancing to the state semi-finals in videography last year and winning the World War II award for her documentary about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion from Florida State University.
A budding entrepreneur, Grace is CEO of Missing Petals, a division of The Transition Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising human trafficking awareness “Until Every Child Comes Home.” She has given numerous presentations throughout the state of Florida outlining safety strategies and awareness messages to keep youth safe. She founded Missing Petals in 2014 after 500 girls were stolen from their school in Africa while before she attended the year-long Pensacola Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA). Grace chose Human Trafficking Awareness as her focus for her YEA project. Missing Petals became her method of addressing an international issue that has a striking impact in the United States. Grace received third place overall in the YEA competition and was awarded the highest level of funding from the “Shark Tank” investor panel. Grace hopes to spread her message globally.
Grace has received many prestigious awards, to include the White House Presidential Award of Merit from President Obama for academic excellence (2014), and was the 2015 NAACP Gloster P. Current Youth Leadership Award Recipient, which is the organization’s highest national youth leadership award for her outstanding community leadership and academic excellence. Her Odyssey of the Mind team advanced to the state finals in 2015, and she was a state finalist in the State Parent Teacher Association Reflections literature competition, middle division, in 2015, in recognition of her beautiful poetry.
Grace has had the honor of placing two years in a row in the Florida Commission on the Status of Women’s Essay Competition (2nd place in 2016 and 1st place in 2017), sponsored by the Florida Office of the Attorney General. Last year (2016), she was selected to participate in the Harvard University Mock-Trial Association debates, competing with some of the best young minds in the country. Grace served as “The Closer” for her legal team, representing the Rusty and River Foundation in the national competition.
Grace is currently the 2017 Orlando Regional Miss Cinderella Teen title holder and won “Most Talented” in the subsequent state finals. She previously represented Arkansas as a National American Miss pageant National Cover Model. She was invited to participate in the 2017 “Peace Jam” in Tallahassee, Florida, an international leadership program that promotes service, allowing students to meet and be mentored by Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. She has benefitted significantly from mentorship. In 2017, she graduated from the “Emerging Young Leader” program developed by the Delta Iota Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the “Rites of Passage” from the Progressive Black Women Coalition, Inc.
An “Army Brat,” Grace has travelled the country extensively, moving almost every two years prior to her current residence in Pensacola. She benefitted from the special opportunities afforded in each location, to include earning two black-belts in two separate Taekwondo leagues and dance training in ballet, Flamenco, modern dance and hip-hop and has won awards for Praise Dances with her family.
When Grace isn’t travelling or competing, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Already a “Rattler” at heart, Grace hopes to attend Florida A & M University as her first educational institution on her path to becoming a medical doctor. A member of her family has attended FAMU since its inception, and Grace hopes to continue that legacy of love
Ayanna Amari Albright (Knoxville,Tennessee)
Ayanna Albright, 14, is a native of Knoxville, TN. She is a Freshman at L&N Stem Academy with a 3.625GPA. She is a member of the Key Club, Teens for Christ, Fruved, and Power Save Energy.
Ayanna is a local gymnast and has been on the Tumbling and Trampoline Team at Premier Athletics Knoxville North (PAK) since 2009. Since joining the team, Ayanna has competed in local, regional and national competitions and she is a member of USA Gymnastics.
Currently, Ayanna is Junior Elite in power tumbling and Level 10 on the Trampoline. On September 8, the USA Gymnastics Selection Committee selected Ayanna to represent the USA Tumbling and Trampoline Team for the 2017 World Age Group (WAGS) competition. She will be competing at WAGS in Sofia, Bulgaria, November 12-20, 2017.
Ayanna is active in her community and she attends Mount Olive Baptist Church where she serves as a Youth Usher, is a member of LIT (Living in Truth Youth Choir), serves on the Welcome Committee and attends Sunday Morning and Wednesday Night Church School. Ayanna takes advantage of College and Career readiness programs in her community by participating in the Girls Inc., 1st Annual Stream Conference (science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts and math), the Future Vet Program at Asheville Highway Animal Hospital, the HBCU Expo, the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy/Jeanne Noble Delta Gems Program, and the ACT Prep Sessions Kickoff this October at UT Knoxville. Ayanna is an avid reader, a conservationist at heart who encourages others around her to recycle, reduce and reuse, whenever possible and she is a registered volunteer with Volunteer East TN.
Ayanna Albright, 14, is a native of Knoxville, TN. She is a Freshman at L&N Stem Academy with a 3.625GPA. She is a member of the Key Club, Teens for Christ, Fruved, and Power Save Energy.
Ayanna is a local gymnast and has been on the Tumbling and Trampoline Team at Premier Athletics Knoxville North (PAK) since 2009. Since joining the team, Ayanna has competed in local, regional and national competitions and she is a member of USA Gymnastics.
Currently, Ayanna is Junior Elite in power tumbling and Level 10 on the Trampoline. On September 8, the USA Gymnastics Selection Committee selected Ayanna to represent the USA Tumbling and Trampoline Team for the 2017 World Age Group (WAGS) competition. She will be competing at WAGS in Sofia, Bulgaria, November 12-20, 2017.
Ayanna is active in her community and she attends Mount Olive Baptist Church where she serves as a Youth Usher, is a member of LIT (Living in Truth Youth Choir), serves on the Welcome Committee and attends Sunday Morning and Wednesday Night Church School. Ayanna takes advantage of College and Career readiness programs in her community by participating in the Girls Inc., 1st Annual Stream Conference (science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts and math), the Future Vet Program at Asheville Highway Animal Hospital, the HBCU Expo, the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy/Jeanne Noble Delta Gems Program, and the ACT Prep Sessions Kickoff this October at UT Knoxville. Ayanna is an avid reader, a conservationist at heart who encourages others around her to recycle, reduce and reuse, whenever possible and she is a registered volunteer with Volunteer East TN.
Tierra Gwinn, (Knoxville, Tennessee)
Tierra Gwinn, the daughter of Sandie Johnson and Eric “Tiko” Gwinn. Tierra is a 16-year-old rising Junior at Austin-East Magnet High School where she is a 3rd year cheerleader while remaining an honor student and participating in many organizations such as Project GRAD, National Achievers, Delta Gems and the University of TN AIM academy. It doesn’t stop there, Tierra has also given her time to participate in the East Knoxville Community Clean-Up and Race Against Racism. Tierra feels it is important to give back to her community and is proud to be a part of these organizations. Tierra plans to attend a University and major in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting. Tierra enjoys cheering, dancing, and shopping and attends Foster Chapel Baptist Church.
Tierra Gwinn, the daughter of Sandie Johnson and Eric “Tiko” Gwinn. Tierra is a 16-year-old rising Junior at Austin-East Magnet High School where she is a 3rd year cheerleader while remaining an honor student and participating in many organizations such as Project GRAD, National Achievers, Delta Gems and the University of TN AIM academy. It doesn’t stop there, Tierra has also given her time to participate in the East Knoxville Community Clean-Up and Race Against Racism. Tierra feels it is important to give back to her community and is proud to be a part of these organizations. Tierra plans to attend a University and major in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting. Tierra enjoys cheering, dancing, and shopping and attends Foster Chapel Baptist Church.
Essynce Moore ( Passaic, New Jersey)
13 year-old Essynce Moore was named Teenpreneur of the year by Black Enterprise. The Teenpreneur of the Year award recognizes entrepreneurs ages 19 and under. Essynce is a Fashion Designer and Spa Owner. Her official Clothing line is Essynce Coutor LLC with the motto “A child’s passion for fashion” She also has a natural body product and expended her brand by launching the Essynce Coutor Spa and Boutique exclusively for children, tweens, and teens.
Read more Here
13 year-old Essynce Moore was named Teenpreneur of the year by Black Enterprise. The Teenpreneur of the Year award recognizes entrepreneurs ages 19 and under. Essynce is a Fashion Designer and Spa Owner. Her official Clothing line is Essynce Coutor LLC with the motto “A child’s passion for fashion” She also has a natural body product and expended her brand by launching the Essynce Coutor Spa and Boutique exclusively for children, tweens, and teens.
Read more Here
Krystion Pegues (Memphis, TN)
Krystion is a 15 year old honor student rocking a 3.95 GPA at Middle College High School in Memphis TN. She is a painter and one of her pieces was displayed at the West TN Student Art Show. She is a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church, and sings in the youth choir. Kystian was submitted by her grandmother, Krystal Askew out of Memphis TN.
Krystion is a 15 year old honor student rocking a 3.95 GPA at Middle College High School in Memphis TN. She is a painter and one of her pieces was displayed at the West TN Student Art Show. She is a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church, and sings in the youth choir. Kystian was submitted by her grandmother, Krystal Askew out of Memphis TN.
Zaevion William Dobson (Knoxville, TN)
Zaevion was a 15 year-old sophomore attending Fulton High School. Zaevion was a promising football player, Project GRAD scholar with aspirations of attending college and continuing football. He was also a Mentee of the 100 Black Men of Knoxville among other positive activities. He was known to always look after others. He is described as being contagious and well liked by his peers. The Mayor of Knoxville called him a "success story". Thursday, December 19th, Zaevion was shot by random gunfire as he attempted to shield others. Zaevion has been recognized across the county as a true hero and definitely is acknowledged as a top teen.
Zaevion was a 15 year-old sophomore attending Fulton High School. Zaevion was a promising football player, Project GRAD scholar with aspirations of attending college and continuing football. He was also a Mentee of the 100 Black Men of Knoxville among other positive activities. He was known to always look after others. He is described as being contagious and well liked by his peers. The Mayor of Knoxville called him a "success story". Thursday, December 19th, Zaevion was shot by random gunfire as he attempted to shield others. Zaevion has been recognized across the county as a true hero and definitely is acknowledged as a top teen.
Ana Guiterrez (Knoxville, TN)
Ana Guiterrez is a 17 year old senior student at Fulton High School. With a 3.16 GPA, Ana has worked hard to pave a path toward a successful future. She was not born in the U.S. therefore, does not have a social security number. Unfortunately, this means that Ana is not eligible for any State or Federal Aid. Ana is diligently looking for scholarship options.
Ana is devoted to seeking ways to assist the Hispanic community. She is particularly interest in helping with the process of accessing options for college attendance. Ana has started collaborating with Project GRAD Knoxville to assist in starting a Latino Student Alliance. She is definitely worthy of being a top teen as she is committed to excellence and facilitating change and opportunities in her community.
Ana Guiterrez is a 17 year old senior student at Fulton High School. With a 3.16 GPA, Ana has worked hard to pave a path toward a successful future. She was not born in the U.S. therefore, does not have a social security number. Unfortunately, this means that Ana is not eligible for any State or Federal Aid. Ana is diligently looking for scholarship options.
Ana is devoted to seeking ways to assist the Hispanic community. She is particularly interest in helping with the process of accessing options for college attendance. Ana has started collaborating with Project GRAD Knoxville to assist in starting a Latino Student Alliance. She is definitely worthy of being a top teen as she is committed to excellence and facilitating change and opportunities in her community.
Connor Thomas (Goshen, Ohio)
Connor Thomas is a 16 year old honor student with over a 4.0 GPA. Connor is dedicated to activities that support veterans and the armed forces. He started a military club when he was a freshman and serves as its president. In addition to being smart and involved with the community, Connor is an All-Conference athlete playing football and running track. Connor has many many accomplishments, so I will highlight a portion of these to give you just a taste of how special he is. Connor runs a large and unique website www.myclermontmilitaryheroes.com that honors veterans in many different ways and helps promote his charity events. His favorite form of volunteerism is for military charities. Connor has creatively raised a ton of money to support these charities. He received numerous accolades, awards and honors. Connor's family has a long military history. He plans to go to a military service academy.
Connor organized a Polar Plunge in February and raised $1,368 for The Disabled American Veterans and held a 5K for The Joseph House of Cincinnati, a homeless veterans shelter, and raised over $10,000. In July, he is hosting a Benefit Car Show for The VA Hospital of Cincinnati (money earmarked for homeless vet treatment) and organized He most recently negotiated a quick charity event called “The Joseph House Veteran's Valet Day”, where some of his recruits will serve as valets for a day as the vets have to wait turns due to limited golf carts to shuttle them.
Awards and Honors (among many): Citation from the Army Chief of Staff for exemplary service of disabled American veterans, Athletic All-Conference Track and Field (2015), Sophomore Class President, Football Leadership Trophy (2013), "Buzz Aldrin" Future Scientist and Technologist Award of Excellence, Keynote speaker for Rotary Club banquet, Daughters of the American Revolution Youth Citizenship Award, Volunteer Civilian for Soldier Care Package Program, Finalist for Ohio Medal of Merit, Freedom Medal, American Legion Certificate of Appreciation for Service to God and Country,
Governor's letter of appreciation for support and dedication to Ohio's veterans, National Society of High School Scholars, and Archie Griffen Award for Sportsmanship.
Dijon Andrews (Knoxville, TN)
Dijon Andrews is the son of Kendra Tate and Willie Andrews. This 18 year old recently graduated from the L&N STEM Academy and will be attending Morehouse College this fall majoring in business administration with a concentration of management. Dijon loves to spend time with his family and friends, to read, and to cook. When he isn't cooking or reading, he's typically finding ways that he can better his community. Growing up in East Knoxville, Tennessee, Dijon has served his community very well by participating in programs such as the Knoxville Area Urban League's National Achievers program, the Emerald Youth Foundation, the Odd Fellows Scholars Program, 100 Black Men of Greater Knoxville, and many other organizations. Being in these organizations have caused him to earn recognition both digital and print media. Just recently, Dijon was featured on the local news stations as a planner for an inaugural sons summit that was held by the city of Knoxville focusing on improving opportunities and perceptions of young men of color. It is these types of events that gives Dijohn’s heart its pulse. He hopes to one day own several different businesses and would love to restore Knoxville College. He is prepared for the world and knows that it won't be easy pursuing his dreams, but he knows that with prayer, dedication, and hard work his dreams will become his reality. Dijon lives by the bible verse Matthew 10:16, "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." He knows that with a tough mind, a tender heart, and Christ himself he knows that only the sky is the limit.
Dijon Andrews is the son of Kendra Tate and Willie Andrews. This 18 year old recently graduated from the L&N STEM Academy and will be attending Morehouse College this fall majoring in business administration with a concentration of management. Dijon loves to spend time with his family and friends, to read, and to cook. When he isn't cooking or reading, he's typically finding ways that he can better his community. Growing up in East Knoxville, Tennessee, Dijon has served his community very well by participating in programs such as the Knoxville Area Urban League's National Achievers program, the Emerald Youth Foundation, the Odd Fellows Scholars Program, 100 Black Men of Greater Knoxville, and many other organizations. Being in these organizations have caused him to earn recognition both digital and print media. Just recently, Dijon was featured on the local news stations as a planner for an inaugural sons summit that was held by the city of Knoxville focusing on improving opportunities and perceptions of young men of color. It is these types of events that gives Dijohn’s heart its pulse. He hopes to one day own several different businesses and would love to restore Knoxville College. He is prepared for the world and knows that it won't be easy pursuing his dreams, but he knows that with prayer, dedication, and hard work his dreams will become his reality. Dijon lives by the bible verse Matthew 10:16, "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." He knows that with a tough mind, a tender heart, and Christ himself he knows that only the sky is the limit.
Brianna Michelle Greenlee (Knoxville, TN)
Brianna Michelle Greenlee is the daughter of Dr. Stephanie Taylor and Mark Greenlee. Brianna is a scholar athlete at Bearden High School and a rising senior with a 3.8 GPA. Her obtained by taking rigorous AP and Dual Enrollment courses. Brianna is a 2-year member of the National Achievers Society with the Knoxville Area Urban League, as well as a member of the National Honors Society at Bearden High School. Brianna was a member of Emerging Young Leaders led by Alpha Pi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated throughout her middle school years. Brianna has lettered in volleyball for 3 years at Bearden High School and lettered in basketball her freshman year at Fulton High School. She started playing basketball at the age of 3 years old. However, during her sophomore year at Bearden, she developed a passion for volleyball and decided to play club volleyball. In order to play club, she had to forego basketball. She knew then that she wanted to play Division 1 volleyball and is currently being recruited by Georgia State University. She is an active member of Foster Chapel Baptist Church where Rev. Joe Tolbert is the pastor.
Brianna enjoys shopping, playing with her dog, and hanging out with her friends. Brianna's future plans are to major in criminal justice and work for the FBI.
Brianna Michelle Greenlee is the daughter of Dr. Stephanie Taylor and Mark Greenlee. Brianna is a scholar athlete at Bearden High School and a rising senior with a 3.8 GPA. Her obtained by taking rigorous AP and Dual Enrollment courses. Brianna is a 2-year member of the National Achievers Society with the Knoxville Area Urban League, as well as a member of the National Honors Society at Bearden High School. Brianna was a member of Emerging Young Leaders led by Alpha Pi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated throughout her middle school years. Brianna has lettered in volleyball for 3 years at Bearden High School and lettered in basketball her freshman year at Fulton High School. She started playing basketball at the age of 3 years old. However, during her sophomore year at Bearden, she developed a passion for volleyball and decided to play club volleyball. In order to play club, she had to forego basketball. She knew then that she wanted to play Division 1 volleyball and is currently being recruited by Georgia State University. She is an active member of Foster Chapel Baptist Church where Rev. Joe Tolbert is the pastor.
Brianna enjoys shopping, playing with her dog, and hanging out with her friends. Brianna's future plans are to major in criminal justice and work for the FBI.
Kariah Cook (Knoxville, TN)
Kariah is 13 years old and will be entering the 9th grade at West High School this upcoming school year. While attending Holston middle school, Kariah received straight A’s for the entire three years she was in attendance. In addition to being a straight A student, Kariah participated in the school’s show choir and was in the musical Shrek playing the role of Donkey. She was also in the TN Southern Belles majorette dance group and is currently in gymnastics. She ran track and was on the student council. Kariah has already made the cheerleading team at West High School. She is the daughter of Karen Dragg and the later Brian Cook. Kariah’s future plans include attending a performing arts college to major in film production or acting.
Kariah is 13 years old and will be entering the 9th grade at West High School this upcoming school year. While attending Holston middle school, Kariah received straight A’s for the entire three years she was in attendance. In addition to being a straight A student, Kariah participated in the school’s show choir and was in the musical Shrek playing the role of Donkey. She was also in the TN Southern Belles majorette dance group and is currently in gymnastics. She ran track and was on the student council. Kariah has already made the cheerleading team at West High School. She is the daughter of Karen Dragg and the later Brian Cook. Kariah’s future plans include attending a performing arts college to major in film production or acting.