Embedded Files
DeShawn Brister
Ta'Marion Carter
Torrance Ellis
Torrance Ellis has learned that “As long as I keep trying, I will succeed.” He says, “I feel like what sets me apart from other students is my attitude. I know when to be focused and change myself for the better.” He credits football and family for helping him stay focused. He says, “Having my granny on my mind really helps me do what I have to do. I hope to go to a good college and play football. Even if it’s not the best college, I hope to make it with football and get a good education.”
O'vertus Franklin
O’vertus Franklin Jr. says, “My struggles with school have taught me not to give up when things get difficult. I’ve learned to manage my time better, stay focused, and keep working even when I don’t get things right the first time. When I put my mind to something, I’m going to keep working until I reach my goal. I also try to be a leader and encourage the people around me. Football has taught me discipline, leadership, teamwork, and how to push through challenges. My athletic ability has opened opportunities for me, but my work ethic is what keeps me moving toward my goals: to attend college and continue playing football at the next level. I want to work hard, earn my degree, and eventually make it to the NFL, while building a successful future for myself and my family – building that generational wealth.”
KeSean Hobbs
KeSean Hobbs holds the memory of scoring 17 points as a freshmen in his first high school basketball game. He believes his aura sets him apart and puts him on a different path from the rest of his classmates. He recognizes the importance of versatility and sees it leading to a better future. His goals are to graduate, get a full-ride scholarship, and grow physically and mentally.
Keshawn Jordan
Jaden Pringle
Jaylin Williams
Jaylin Williams says, “Playing football since Freshman year deeply impacted my high school experience. It helped me build strong teammate bonds, develop leadership, and learn discipline and dedication. From intense practices and pep rallies to Friday night games, these moments shaped my character and school pride. Jaylin believes that what sets him apart from other students is strong independence and self-direction. He says, “Instead of following the crowd or giving in to peer pressure, I stay true to my values and focused on my long-term goals. In school, this mindset drives me to make intentional choices – prioritizing my studies, actively participating, and choosing positive influences. By taking ownership of my education, I lead by example and build the discipline needed for future success.” After high school, Jaylin plans to join the U.S. Army to serve our country. He says, “This path aligns with my values of independence, a strong work ethic, and dedication to a greater purpose.”
Elliot Willford
Ameriah Chaney-King
Ri'hanna Green
Ar'nija Miller-Bridgeman
Ar’nija Miller-Bridgeman says her best memory from high school is “Cheering at games, getting to show the moves off.” She feels her hardest class is journalism, but as she listens and works, she is understanding. She says, “Cheer helped me achieve my goal of joining and keeping my mind cool. It also help me with my confidence, and grieving made me an overachiever.” Ar’nija wants to go to college to become a registered nurse and one day a judge.
Dream Sims
Dream Sims says her best memories are from cheerleading, performing at games, and spending time with her teammates. Cheerleading has taught her to stay patient, work hard, and never give up. She says she’s been successful because “I’m dedicated, hardworking, and able to balance school with cheer and work. Cheerleading has taught me discipline, teamwork, confidence, and commitment.” Dream says that after graduation, she wants to attend an HBCU, major in Early Childhood Education, and become a teacher.
Kimariana Christian
Kimariana Christian says, “My best memory from high school was meeting all my teachers, going to Washington, D.C., and going on college trips.” She feels that Honors Pre-Calculus was her hardest class, but it helped her become more comfortable with asking for help. Outside of school, she has learned to do hair, and it has helped her make money on the side. Kimariana wants to attend Grand Valley State University for nursing.
Daryl Dortch
Daryl Dortch says that “Joining band and becoming drum major” were his best memories from high school. He says, “I’m a boss, and no one can tell me otherwise.” His goals in life are to graduate with honors and become an emergency room doctor.
Ar'janiya Gray
Ar’Janiya Gray says her best memory from school is the love and support she received from her band family and friends, which made her feel safe. She remembers that “English was hard because of my dyslexia, but my teacher, Mr. Wolf, pushed me, helped me build confidence, and taught me to never give up.” Now, she says, “I see the world differently, believe in the impossible, and keep pushing forward to be a role model for my little sister.” She believes, “My corrections class helped me become stronger and more confident while showing me that criminal justice is the path I want to explore. I want to study Criminal Justice at Jackson State University and become a profiler, negotiator, or interrogator, while working towards the F.B.I. or C.I.A.”
Armani Hill
Armani Hill says her best memories from high school are “Upward Bound, the programs, the trips, just all the activities. I also love skipping with my T.” She says her hardest class was Ms. Karsen’s. “I didn’t think I’d make it. But, I passed. The struggle I had was speaking in front of people, and band helped me get out my shell as well. Everything about me makes me different: my style, my morals, and my life goals. I know what I want and where I want to be. I plan to go to LMC for 2 years in culinary arts, graduate, and go to Jackson State University for band, culinary, and business for real estate. Maybe I’ll get my CDL for a side hustle.”
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