KHALIS MUHAMMED

North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Khalis M. Muhammad is a distinguished scholar-athlete from Homewood-Flossmoor High School, with a 4.61 GPA. She will attend North Carolina A&T State University to study elementary education. Khalis balances academics, leadership roles, and early childhood education experience while actively serving her community. She aims to create inclusive classrooms and aspires to be a transformative educator and school administrator.

 

 

 

MADISON OLIMENE

Cornell University

PRE-MEDICAL STUDIES

Madison Olimene, a Morgan Park Academy graduate with a 4.33 GPA, is an Illinois State Scholar and Cum Laude inductee. She served as President of the Diversity Council and National Spanish Honor Society, and captained three varsity sports teams. Inspired by her health journey, she founded the Olimenate Scoliosis Foundation, raising over $2,000 for research and awareness. Madison plans to study biological sciences on a pre-med track at Cornell University, focusing on community advocacy, equity, and education.

 

 

 

KENDALL PACE

University of Dayton

BIOLOGY

Kendall Chance Pace is a graduating senior at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School, where he has upheld a 4.0 unweighted and 6.02 weighted GPA while serving as Vice President of the National Honor Society and captain of the award-winning mock trial team. A focused and service-driven leader, Kendall has completed over 100 hours of community service, is actively involved in Spanish National Honor Society, student government, You Matter 2, and the National Order of Trailmasters, and works as a Youth Apprentice for Advocate Health. This fall, he will begin his studies in biology with a minor in education, with the goal of becoming a pediatric dentist dedicated to increasing access to healthcare for underserved communities.

 

 

RION ROBINSON

University of Illinois-Chicago

MUSIC

Rion Robinson is a passionate student from Willowbrook High School, preparing to study Jazz Studies—and potentially Music Education—at the University of Illinois at Chicago. With a deep love for music, particularly jazz drumming, Rion finds joy in using rhythm as a form of emotional expression and connection. Known for his warmth and outgoing nature, Rion credits his supportive family and inspiring music teacher, Mr. Rendak, for shaping his commitment to both personal growth and a future in music.

 

 

 

AMARI SAILS

Howard University

MEDIA, JOURNALISM, AND FILM

Amari Sails is a Media, Journalism, and Film major at Howard University, proudly representing the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago. Deeply inspired by the everyday people and rhythms of her community—from neighbors to commuters to street artists—Amari is passionate about telling authentic stories that celebrate Black life and creativity. Her ultimate goal is to create films that amplify the voices of African Americans, honoring their cultural innovation and impact across generations.

 

 

 

JOSHUA TERRY

Trinity College-Hartford

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Joshua Terry is a senior at Kenwood Academy and a proud Posse Scholar, preparing to attend Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut to study Electrical Engineering. Deeply committed to both academics and service, he is a member of the National Honor Society, founder of Academic Ambassadors—a peer tutoring initiative—and an active volunteer with the 4th Ward Youth Advisory Council and Prince Hall Grand Lodge. A passionate squash player since the fifth grade, Joshua is currently Athlete of the Year and a certified middle school coach, aiming to merge his leadership and technical expertise to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry

 

 

 

TY TOWNSEND-FORD

Harold Washington College

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Ty Townsend-Ford is a rising leader and political science student at Harold Washington College, where he serves as President of the Student Government Association. With roots in a working-class household, Ty is passionate about equity, civic engagement, and uplifting underrepresented communities through education and public service. From leading campus-wide initiatives to writing for The Herald and participating in Model UN, he’s committed to amplifying student voices and shaping institutions for lasting impact.

 

 

 

KADEN WASHINGTON

DePaul University

VISUAL ARTS

Kaden Washington is a visual arts student at DePaul University, majoring in Anime and known for his bold creativity and introspective storytelling. Standing at 4’3”, Kaden embraces his unique stature as a source of perspective rather than limitation, using his art to redefine strength, identity, and self-expression. Guided by the mantras “imagination has no limits” and “every disadvantage brings an advantage,” Kaden channels his lived experiences into a vibrant artistic voice that uplifts, inspires, and transcends expectations.

 

 

 

 

NINA WASHINGTON

Hampton University

JOURNALISM

Nina Washington is a multifaceted community advocate, entrepreneur, actress, poet, and reigning 2024 Miss Black Illinois Talented Teen USA. With a passion for Speech and Theater, Nina excels academically and is actively involved in clubs like National Honor Society and Student Council. Nina attends Hampton University to major in Journalism at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.

 

 

 

 

PATRICIA WASHINGTON

Kennedy-King College

PRE-MEDICAL STUDIES

Patricia Washington is an accomplished student who completed a rigorous four-year biomedical program with top marks, earning a white coat. She excelled in AP Biology, AP Psychology, and Honors Forensics, honing critical thinking skills and mentoring peers. With over 13 years of violin experience, she combines creativity with scientific discipline. Aspiring to be a forensic pathologist, she is committed to her research and academic success while navigating financial challenges in her pre-medical studies.

 

 

 

 

AARON WILLIAMS

Northern Illinois University

COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Aaron is a driven scholar and community advocate with a passion for education, engineering, and civic leadership. As the 2025 Valedictorian of William J. Bogan High School, he graduated with a 5.111 GPA and will study Computer Engineering at Northern Illinois University. He founded Amplified Minority Perspective (A.M.P.) to uplift youth voices and is dedicated to mentoring Black boys and advancing equity.

 

 

 

 

KAYLYN WILSON-HILL

University of Michigan

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Kaylyn Wilson-Hill is a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan, currently majoring in international studies. She plans to apply to the Ford School of Public Policy in the spring of 2026. Her academic and extracurricular journey has been shaped by my passion to uplift my community and bring positive change to others.

 

 

 

 

 

WILLIAM “JAX” JOHNSON

North Carolina A&T State University | INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

William “Jax” Johnson is a student at North Carolina A&T State University, where he is pursuing a degree in Information Technology. With a deep interest in the evolving landscape of tech, William is focused on using his skills to create innovative digital solutions. Off campus, he enjoys playing basketball, listening to music, and connecting with friends over shared passions and sports. His love for teamwork and strategy mirrors his approach to both academics and life. William is determined to bridge technology and human connection in impactful ways.

JORI JOHNSON

Howard University | ENGLISH

Jori Johnson is an English major at Howard University with a powerful voice rooted in storytelling and self-expression. She is a poet at heart, using her words to reflect her experiences and uplift others through rhythm and emotion. When she’s not writing, Jori finds joy in music, binge-watching her favorite shows, and curating her personal style through fashion. She aspires to craft a literary legacy that resonates with readers around the world. Her future is one of bold narratives and cultural influence.

JON JOHNSON

Xavier University of Louisiana | COMPUTER SCIENCE

Jon Johnson studies Computer Science at Xavier University of Louisiana, where he combines logic, curiosity, and innovation to build his technical expertise. A strategic thinker, Jon enjoys playing chess, investing in the stock market, and expanding his knowledge through constant learning. Music serves as both inspiration and motivation in his daily routine. Jon is committed to using technology as a tool for advancement and empowerment, particularly within underserved communities. His vision is to lead in the digital future with purpose and precision.