SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month
2009
Diante' H. - December 2009
Diante' H. is a 10th grade student in Washington, DC. He is a member of Crazee Praise Performing Arts Ministry, Vice President of the Youth Ministry and member of the Audio/Visual Ministry at Greater Saint John Church. Diante' plays bass guitar in the school band, speaks fluent Spanish, and received the Citizenship Award for the 10th grade class for displaying leadership skills amongst his classmates.
Diante' attends the "Don Quixote Cafe'" social gathering where participants share cultures, music, and poetry. He has also participated in several community service opportunities through the Community Action Project (CAP). Diante' was selected as a Student Ambassador in the People to People Program based on leadership and citizenship, desire to learn about diverse cultures, and willingness to venture into the world in the name of peace, friendship, and understanding. Through the People to People Program, Diante' will be a part of a European Odyssey traveling to Paris, Greece, and Italy in the summer of 2010.
Diante' enjoys skateboarding, poetry, reading and performing arts (dancing). He has been certified in computer technology by completing the Computer IT Whiz Kids course. He is a Jr. Trainer and currently training to become A+ Certified in computer technology which will prepare him for training and teaching others. Diante' believes that "To whom much is given, much is expected". Diante' plans to attend college to study music and psychology.
Olivia J. - November 2009
Olivia J. is a high school junior in Cuyahoga, OH. She is an athlete, activist, and scholar. Olivia dedicates a great deal of her personal time to assisting others and excels academically at her high school. Olivia is a member of Student Senate, an Alter Server, a Parish Volunteer, a hospital volunteer, a member of her Parish's Pro-Life Club, and a Spanish Club member.
Olivia is starting catcher for MC Madness Fastpitch Softball Tournament. She is know to her fellow teammates as "OJ". She placed 5th at the ASA Eastern nationals in 2009. Olivia's fastpitch coach is amazed by her strong moral character, ethics, and values. The coach says that Olivia is gracious when winning or losing and describes Olivia as the epitome of the concept of team. Olivia serves as a role model for all teens in the Parma area as well as to those she has met through her tournament fastpitch softball team.
Olivia is an outstanding young woman with a very bright future. She is considering a career in the medical field.
Denean E - October 2009
Denean E. is a senior at Oxon Hill High School. She has been a member of the JROTC, Air Force for the last three years. She has earned a White belt in Tae Kwon Do under the teachings of Master Sonny Ponders. Denean loves music and talking to friends. Her Mom is one of her best friends.
Some of Denean's hobbies include playing basketball, writing, reading, cooking, shopping, and rapping. Denean takes initiative and believes she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.
Denean recently attended the Young Women's National Conference held in Washington, DC with young ladies from around the country. The event helped inspire her and reconfirmed her commitment to pursuing her dreams. Denean enjoys making new friends and met young ladies at the conference that she will remain in contact with over the years.
In addition to being a faithful member of Carolina Missionary Baptist Church, Denean is an active participant in The Teen Toolbox, LLC youth development activities and For Girls Only, leadership program sponsored by Butterfly Cares.
Marquaesha S - September 2009
Marquaesha S. is a sophomore in Prince George's County, MD. Her hobbies include band dance and modeling. She loves fashion an platform heels! Marquaesha has participated in fashion shows and plans to become a member of her high school modeling team.
Marquaesha enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, listening to music, ad dancing. Her favorite foods are seafood and steak. She enjoys various types of music including R&B, country, rock, and hip hop. She previously worked in the children's church ministry at church as a teacher assistant.
Marquaesha is outspoken, outgoing, very personable, and responsible. She is a great help to her family. She prepares full course meals and helps out with her brother and sisters while her moms works or attends school.
Marquaesha believes in the value of education. Her favorite subjects are math and social studies. She plans to attend college after high school and is considering University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She is considering becoming a chef or a pediatrician.
Marquaesha strives to put God first and believes that everyone should be themselves and love the person they are.
Alejandra V. - August 2009
Alejandra V. is a rising junior in Prince George's County, MD. She was born in Mexico. She is a hard worker who is very committed to her family and her culture. She is fluent in Spanish and English and even knows a bit of Latin.
Alejandra believes that you should help others as you would want them to help you and that all people should be treated with respect. She has earned over 200 community service hours volunteering in her local library between fifth and eighth grade, assisting with International Nights at her middle school, working with an integrated behavioral service group in Washington, DC, assisting in her guidance office with new non-English speaking students and their parents, and assisting teachers with computer programs. Alejandra's favorite subject is math. She is entering Advanced Placement Language and World course this fall. Her athletic goals for the school year are to join a soccer or volleyball team.
Alejandra believes that all things are possible and plans to to go college at University of Maryland. She is a compassionate young lady that wants to make a difference in the world. She is considering a career as an Interpreter, Consular, or Office Administrator, which will allow her to help bridge cultures and make life easier for immigrant families.
DeRon Y. - July 2009
DeRon is a rising eighth grade student. He is a committed student who earns good grades and has won first place in two Science Fair competitions and won numerous awards for Excellent and Superior accomplishments in Math, Speech, and Art.
Even at his young age, DeRon is a powerful public speaker. He was the recipient of an Executive Citation award for his speech at the Memorial Tribute to Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s remembrance service at Anne Arundel Community College. He was also the recipient of Bible Prose awards for ACSI Fine Arts competitions. DeRon was selected as Speaker on Behalf of Youth of Prince George's County at the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable and speaker at the National Recruitment Program at Thomas Shockley Youth Theological in Nashville, Tennessee.
DeRon enjoys chess, singing, playing drums, drawing, and playing sports - especially football. He earned the lead role of 'Charlie' in the play Willy Wonka and 'Bo Jackson' in American Idol at his school. DeRon has also held several speaking parts in numerous other school productions.
DeRon believes that a person can overcome any obstacle in his or her life if he or she has faith to believe that they can. DeRon has delivered numerous sermons in churches around the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan areas. He aspires to pastor his own church and continue to make a positive impact on the world.
April I. - June 2009
April I. is a recent high school graduate with a 3.42 GPA. She plays the clarinet and is also a dedicated employee. April was accepted into Ferrum College in Virginia where she will begin the fall semester to pursue her goal of becoming an IT Specialist. April never wants to settle for less. She believes that the more education she has the further along in life that she can move. She is also looking forward to college for the experience of independence and being able to make her own decisions based on what she was taught as a child.
According to April, her peers describe her as having a sense of humor, always smiling, and being a good person to talk to. April's advice to a teenager who may not be sure what direction they want to go in after high school is that "It's OK to not be sure at first, but you really should begin to think about life after high school. Everything is not just going to fall into your lap. You don't want to graduate not knowing what's next. Also, if you're not sure pray and ask God about it."
April is very involved in her church. She is a member of A Chosen Generation choir, involved in the Nursing Home Team as well as the Praise Team. These three ministries allow April to minister to people and even be looked upon as a leader. April is aware that she has to remember that people are watching her and her lifestyle. She takes this to heart and believes that is is important for her to keep ministering and shining her light even while attending college in the fall.
Takisha T. - May 2009
Takisha T. is a senior at Laurel High School. She is an honor roll student with a 3.69 grade point average and the mother of a one-year old daughter, Chastity. Takisha has been described as smart, focused, and determined. She meets all challenges with courage and confidence. In addition to her academic career and full-time job as a parent, Takisha works part time at Giant Food Stores.
Takisha is constantly striving to reach new heights and in March 2009, she became a mentee with M.E.L.L. Inc. After graduation in June, Takisha will attend Bowie State University for one year and then transfer to University of Maryland to major in Family Law. Takisha enjoys playing games and helping others. She is a caring person who encourages her friends never to give up. According to Takisha, her daughter Chastity is her inspiration to keep striving to accomplish her goals.
Lenin V. - April 2009
Lenin V. is a student in the top 5% of his District of Columbia charter school class. Lenin currently has a 3.8 grade point average and is currently a member of the debate team at his school. Lenin is an accomplished athlete and artist. He has won several art contests and his art work has been displayed at the Phillips Collection Gallery. Lenin has played soccer for nine years and currently participates in a USA Boxing sanctioned boxing program at Sugar Ray Leonard Gym. Lenin is a patient, helpful young man who has also volunteered his time at the Columbia Heights Senior Citizen Home as well as Food and Friends.
Dae'Jah G. - March 2009
Dae'Jah G. is a seventh grade student in Prince George's County, MD. Dae'Jah takes great interest in her work and has made honor roll every quarter this year. Dae'Jah plans to attend law school and own and teach at her own academy. Dae'Jah is a skilled artist who has been painting since she was a little girl. She has a canvas and easel in her room.
Dae'Jah has a great relationship with her grandmother which has fueled her passion for helping senior citizens. she is founding a program called LIFE that will engage seniors in activities and field trips and assist with grocery shopping and errands to take some of their daily pressures away and add to their quality of life. She is passionate about her belief and leaves a powerful impression upon those that she comes in contact with. She has a faith in God that encourages adults and ministers to her peers. Dae'Jah took part in a class at her church called "I'm Worth Waiting For". She took this message to heart and signed a document proclaiming that she is worth waiting for.
Dae'Jah is a social butterfly. She came up with the idea of Mommy/Daughter Days for H.E.A.L. Massage and Bodywork as a way to give busy parents and children more time together. Mommy/Daughter Days allows mothers to have concentrated time with their daughters and give them more attention, more affection, and more affirmation. The Mommy/Daughter Days will feature local and overnight family field trips and once a month Dae'Jah Graves Spa Days for parent and their children ages 10-16. Families will enjoy spending time together while engaging in a unique activity provided by a guest and hosted by Dae'Jah herself.
Aneisha J. - February 2009
Aneisha J. is a ninth grade student in Prince George's county, MD. Aneisha loves to read and write poetry and short stories. Her writings include a portfolio of at least 30 poems. Aneisha sings in the gospel choir at her high school and the youth choir at her church. Aneisha is also a member of the liturgical dance ministry at her church. Her talents have given her the courage to audition for admission to a performing arts high school literary media program in the fall of 2009.
Aneisha believes that anything is possible as long as you set your goals high and strive to achieve them. Aneisha is a diligent student and loves to do things for her community and participate in community outreach groups. Aneisha aspires to be a social worker and work with disadvantaged children.
Thomas M. Jr. - January 2009
Thomas M., Jr. is a high school senior in Prince George's County, MD. His high academic pursuits began in kindergarten and have continued throughout his educational career. Thomas currently has a 4.22 GPA. His educators are proud of him and constantly offering support and encouragement.
Thomas is outgoing and has a great sense of humor. he is the oldest of three boys. According to his mother, Thomas declared at age 10 that he would not be another "statistic". He has lived up to his promise and become a positive role model to his siblings and peers. When asked to write a short essay on his "Super Hero", Thomas chose to honor his mother and her accomplishments of raising three sons alone, running a business, and helping the community.
Thomas is a talented musician who composes music and plays the saxophone, mellophone and keyboard. he enjoys tennis, music, and choreography. Thomas is Jr. VP of the Knights of Camelot (Male Teen Outreach Program), Section Leader and Drum Major of his high school marching band, member of the "Saxophone Trio", and received Special Recognition in Music and Honor Roll.
Thomas plans to continue to maintain a high GPA and attend Morehouse College in the fall. His career goal is to become an Anesthesiologist. Thomas is very grateful to God for his present accomplishments and those to come.
