Students honored for scholastic achievements
Standing on the stage clutching his certificate and flashing a smile that beamed with pride, Jeffrey Alan Jenkins II was living the dream. The senior from Laurel Highlands High School joined about 40 other students from area school districts on Tuesday for the 25th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance program at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
Traditionally, the program seeks to honor African-American high and middle school students for their achievements in academics, performing arts, athletics and community service. The Fayette campus holds the program in conjunction with a King program each year.
Chancellor Dr. Francis Achampong welcomed the students, family members and school staff in the Maggie Hardy Magerko Auditorium.
“As we go through this day, I ask you to remember what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for,” Achampong said. “I challenge you to think about what kind of impact your life will have on humanity.”
Fayette County Commission Chairman Vincent Zapotosky also addressed the students, asking them to “dream big and carry the torch.”
“At a time when our nation is most divided, remember what King stood for. The hope. The optimism. The chance for a better tomorrow,” Zapotosky said.
Fayette County Commissioner Vincent Vicites then read a proclamation and the certificates were given to the students by Dr. Susan F. Crampton-Frenchik, coordinator of the King celebration on campus.
“This is a major achievement,” said Jenkins, who plans to attend college and study psychology. “I guess I’m really growing up.”
Lafayette Middle School student Tyajah Monaite McCargo, was also recognized for her achievements in community service. McCargo’s father, Robert, said it was a proud day for him.
“I’m blessed to have a daughter like her,” he said. “It’s such a good thing that there is stuff like this to recognize the students. It shows that they are doing things and gives them more motivation to go forward.”
Following the recognition, a multimedia performance paying tribute to King’s life and legacy was presented by Key Arts Productions. King’s Dream includes video footage and digital photography, live musical performances and commentary. This year’s stop makes the fourth at the campus for the company, which tours nationally.
Students honored were:
Albert Gallatin North Middle School
Grade 7: Angelina M. Palmer, academics; Xavier I. Stephens, athletics.
Grade 8: Kayla Gladman, academics; Darius E. Pratt, athletics.
Albert Gallatin South Middle School
Grade 7: Cameron King, athletics; Latasha S. Hagner, performing arts.
Grade 8: Alexyss Richay Coles, academics; Rachael Lowery-West, community service.
Albert Gallatin Senior High School
Grade 12: Deon McKoy, academics; Grayling Leonard Sanders, athletics; Jaylyn Edward Smith, community service; Samantha J. Arrington, performing arts.
Connellsville Area Junior High West
Grade 7: Cedar M. Brunache, performing arts.
Grade 8: Dylan McCrae, academics; Dylan Knopsnider, athletics; Saiah Mickens, community service.
Connellsville Area Senior High School
Grade 12: Ameesha Mickens; Tre Alan Coles, athletics; Tamika Rachel Barnett, community service; Melissa Lynn Baker, performing arts.
A.J. McMullen Middle School
Grade 7: Cilena Shandek Francis, athletics.
Grade 8: Ravein Symone Fitzgerald-Price, academics.
Benjamin Franklin Middle School
Grade 8: Jonee Monique Shannon, academics; Juniata Lanay Harris, athletics; Ayzia Unique Winfrey, community service; Tatiana Valerie Lawson, performing arts.
Lafayette Middle School
Grade 8: De’Loleik Marie Wells, academics; Jamar Rashad Dues, athletics; Tyajah Monaite McCargo, community service; Tiana Marie Lacunza, community service; Jzai’liih N. Franks, performing arts; Rebecca Lynn Colgan, performing arts.
Uniontown Area High School
Grade 12: Jonathan Edward Jones, academics; Daryl Ricks, athletics; Tyler Noel Thomas, community service; Jessica Lynn Reddington, performing arts.
Laurel Highlands Middle School
Grade 8: Abigail Burden, academics; Dontay Jacobs, athletics; Amber Jo Pitts, community service; Falyn Arielle Davis, performing arts.
Laurel Highlands High School
Grade 12: Divonte Marvin Walton, academics; Amanda Rose Parker, athletics; Jeffrey Alan Jenkins, II, community service; Clairesa Mailyn Johnson, performing arts.