The Delaware College Scholars program graduates 36 college-bound students

Thirty-six rising college freshmen from public high schools all over Delaware had a second graduation ceremony on June 16 — this time, for completing the high-achievement Delaware College Scholars program (DCS) for youth who are traditionally marginalized by the system.

For three summers in a row, starting from when they were rising sophomores, the DCS participants lived together for three weeks  at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, where they participated in academically rigorous college-style curriculum. The students also received individualized college search mentorship, test preparation, and financial aid and scholarship support.

“Each of you has truly accomplished something impressive,” remarked the graduation’s keynote speaker, Dr. Susan Bunting, Secretary, Delaware Department of Education. “You have proven that education is not a spectator sport. Your grit, combined with the skills and knowledge you receive in the DCS program, makes you unstoppable as you prepare for college success. You make Delaware proud.”

While the students have completed the program, DCS will continue to support them as they move on to their first year of college from DCS’ College Persistence Officers, who will continue to work with DCS graduates throughout their college career.

The 36 graduates and the colleges they’ll be attending are:

• Hadiatou Bah, Brandywine High School, Attending Capital University         
• Brenda Barron, Milford High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Alicia Bland, Caesar Rodney High School, Attending Delaware State University
• Mya Burrell, Appoquinimink High School, Attending George Washington University
• Miranda Burton, A.I. duPont High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Alyjah Callahan, St. Georges Technical High School, Attending Delaware State University
• Meisha Coles, Christiana High School Attending Coastal Carolina University
• Darwine Daniel, Seaford High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Cierra DePrisco, Lake Forest High School, Attending Missouri Valley 
• Youssouf Drame, William Penn High School, Attending University of Delaware
• A’Deja Farlow, Sussex Central High School, Attending North Carolina A&T
• Silya Filo, Concord High School, Attending Goldey-Beacom College
• Diana Flores, Hodgson Vo-Tech High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Jianna Fluellen, St. Georges Technical High School, Attending University of Delaware 
• Amani Griffin, Dover High School, Attending North Carolina A&T
• Marsha Hardin, Howard High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Abbrielle Henry, Concord High School, Attending Florida State University
• Nathaya Ingram, William Penn High School, Attending Delaware State University
• Cindy Lin, Milford High School Attending Boston College
• Daniel Maldonado, Delcastle High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Connor McNamire, Lake Forest High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Nasr Mohamed, Concord High School, Attending University of Delaware   
• Abena Nimako, Christiana High School, Attending Howard University
• Jason Nolasco-Menchaca, William Penn High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Charles Nyakundi, Christian High School, Attending U.S. Military Academy West Point
• Francia Olliver, Christiana High School, Attending Howard University
• Sara Parker, Laurel High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Elvis Perez-Mazariegos, Seaford High School, Attending Goldey-Beacom College 
• Ajah Quawiy, Delcastle High School, Attending Lehigh University
• Giovanna Reilly, A.I. duPont High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Talley Ridgeway, Polytech High School, Attending American University
• Kayla Rutherford, Indian River High School, Attending University of Delaware
• Savannah Willard, Caesar Rodney High School, Attending Ursinus College
• Aaliyah Wilson, Middletown High School, Attending Delaware State University
• Justin Yeung, Dover High School, Penn State University
• Tommy Zheng, Brandywine High School, University of Delaware