FRIENDSHIP COLLEGIATE ACADEMY
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SEVENTEENTHNINETEENTH ANNUAL ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
FRIDAY, MAY 28,FRIDAY, 2021 | 10MAY A.M. 31, 2019 | 9 A.M. PEGGY JONES, PRINCIPAL | DONALD L. HENSE, CHAIRMAN | PATRICIA BRANTLEY, CEO AUDI FIELD & FRIENDSHIPGEORGE VIRTUAL WASHINGTON AUDITORIUM UNIVERSITY LISNER AUDITORIUM | WASHINGTON, D.C. 20Congratulations Class of 2021 21 from the Chairman
Congratulations Class of 2021
Year after year, I watch our impressive graduates walk across the stage with proud, beaming smiles to receive the diplomas that you have justly earned. The opportunity to present these diplomas is a highlight of the year - for me, your teachers, your families, and the Board of Trustees of Friendship Public Charter School.
Even though that is not happening in person this year in the unsettling times that have affected the whole world, we celebrate this important moment in your life with the same pride, optimism, and joy.
You are graduating in a time of uncertainty. That means it is also a time of opportunity. Your next steps will require more of you – more effort, more creativity, and more leadership. But you will persevere because you have persevered and you will succeed because, as this special day acknowledges, you have succeeded!
The day will come some years in the future when you will say that you were part of the historic class of 2021. It will happen as part of the recognition as to how the world had to adjust to a pandemic, to tragedy, and to unrest. And you will be among those celebrated as the ones who launched a new era of peace and prosperity.
We celebrate you with congratulations for today and with confidence for the future. The road forward will not be easy but we are in a time of renewal. We want you to know how very much your lives matter to all of us.
Sincerely,Sincerely,
Donald L. Hense Founder and Chairman from the CEO
Be the Change We Seek
Friendship Collegiate Graduates:
True greatness calls for courage and good judgment. Sometimes it seeks patience, sometimes speed. It always requires respect and deep determination.
The graduates you see before you today know something about greatness. Each one of them has earned his or her way to the podium, through no easy path but by learning, understanding and practicing the principles of greatness.
At Friendship, our graduates have had the opportunity to see the world through many lenses. They have been exposed to the extraordinary and the uncomfortable. They have learned to communicate, both by speaking up and by listening. They have built bridges they had never imagined and built bonds for life.
Always, they have had to work hard. And along the way, these young men and women have laid the foundations for a lifetime of learning and leadership.
Knowledge is power, never more so than in the hands of the bright, fearless, educated leaders who stand before you today.
Friendship has prepared these graduates not just for college but for all that lies beyond — careers of their choosing. Confidence to face challenges head-on. Contributions to their communities. Most of all, the passion, courage and capacity to chase their dreams.
And that is truly great.
Congratulations Collegiate Academy 2021 graduates. We applaud YOU!
Patricia Brantley CEO from the principal
Graduate, Parents, Members of the Board, esteemed Faculty & Staff, and Guests: It is my greatest pleasure to welcome you to the 19th Annual commencement exercise for the Friendship Collegiate Academy Early College Campus. I have had the awesome task of sending our young people into the world with what I hope is practical advice, words of hope and optimism that carries the weight of the daunting responsibility that lies ahead. It is a privilege and honor for me to be one of the last voices that our scholars will hear as high school students, because this year graduation is in fact a celebration of our scholars’ entrance into college and the adult world. Although it came neither quickly nor easily, and although our scholars ended this school year with many unprecedented challenges, there is no moment more valued than that which comes with tireless dedication and resilience in the face of hardship. On behalf of the Friendship Collegiate Academy Early College Campus faculty, please allow me to extend my warmest congratulations to the graduates and their families as you celebrate the successful completion of your high school career. I applaud you for the consciousness and dedication, while I commend the commitment and perseverance you have shown throughout the last four years and in ending this school year strong even in a virtual space. Though I applaud your accomplishments and encourage you to savor the sweet moments of your success, I do not in any way believe this ceremony symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement. Rather, this ceremony inaugurates you into the demands of the adult world and hand you the mantle of leadership for which your instructional leaders have spent four years grooming you. My charge to the Class of 2021 scholars is to take the eight essential core values—persistence, commitment, patience, compassion, responsibility, confidence, integrity, and respect—the values that you have spent the last four years mastering, and let them guide you during your successes and your failures to come. Demonstrate to the world the raw intellectual and ethical power a Collegiate Academy Knight scholar holds: Remember what we have taught you about patience, persistence, commitment and responsibility when you are struggling with a course or a concept as you adjust to the rigors of university; exercise compassion, patience, and respect when you are faced with challenging people and unfamiliar circumstances; show confidence and integrity when confronting difficult moral quandaries and ethical dilemmas. This is the path that you have been groomed to follow; this is the path you must choose to create your most authentic life. It is the gift you must give to yourself and then to the world. As Barak Obama has taught us, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” So in this rich and troubling world, in this time of inequality and disparity, hope and fear, in this time of a pandemic, I ask you who will you be? How will you serve? How will you use the education that transformed your life to transform the world? As you look toward this iconoclastic future and all the rewards it offers, I encourage you to cast a glance backward to see all that you have become here at the Friendship Collegiate Academy Early College Campus- and the legacy of achievement you leave in your wake. “Collegiate – You Know Knights!”
Dr. Peggy Jones Principal commencement speaker
Tyrell Holcomb, ANC Commissioner
Commissioner Tyrell M. Holcomb is a fourth generation Washingtonian and proud alumnus of HD Woodson Senior High School. A devoted uncle, activist, and change agent, Commissioner Holcomb began his legacy of service at an early age, as a participant of the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, he’d go on to serve as Youth Mayor of the District of Columbia & Chair of the DC Youth Advisory Council. Defying the odds of a broken home, poverty, and an
absentee father, Commissioner Holcomb learned the value of mentorship, service, and being a change-maker. Over the years he’s served as a mentor to many and on various local boards. Commissioner Holcomb has quickly established himself as a progressive voice in Ward 7 serving the constituency of the Minnesota Ave (Downtown Ward 7) corridor, championing advocacy for jobs, economic development, responsive government, equity in education, an equitable health care system East of the River, eliminating Ward 7’s food desert, and issues effecting youth and seniors. Commissioner Holcomb was first elected in 2016, since 2018 he’s served as Chair of ANC 7F, under his leadership to date the Commission has put over $75,000 toward community initiatives, grants and scholarship and negotiated over $500,000 in community benefit investment funds. Of note is his work to hold Safeway accountable for their Ward 7 stores and his advocacy in opposing a Church’s Chicken from opening on Minnesota Ave. Commissioner Holcomb’s unwavering commitment to public service is evident through his current work in non-profit leadership as he currently leads Advocacy efforts for Don’t Mute My Health a movement in DC to reclaim community health from outside influences and interests. When not fighting to end food injustice or working for his constituents; Commissioner Holcomb enjoys a good run in his neighborhood and rooting on his hometown sports teams. Most importantly Commissioner Holcomb is dedicated to building a #SAFER7 for all who live, work, shop, or worship in Ward7. NINETEENTH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Mistress & Master of Ceremonies Lauren Johnson, Upper School Academy Director & Darryl Womack, Dean of Students
Class of 2020 Processional “Pomp & Circumstance”
The National Anthem | Gabriel Quick, Class of 2012
Welcome | Qitorah Washington, FCA Senior Guidance Counselorr
Introduction of Speaker | Cierra Wright, Class of 2021 President Commencement Address ANC Commissioner Tyrell Holcomb
Musical Tribute | Vivian Onyeka-Ben, Class of 2021 | FCA Faculty
Knight Forever Recognition | Darryl Womack, Dean of Students
Community Spirit Award | Dr. Calvin Green, FCA SSST Coordinator
Perseverance Award | Dr. Peggy Jones, Principal
Presentation of Valedictorian & Salutatorian | Dr. Peggy Jones, Principal
Valedictorian Address | Ugomma Ugorji, Class of 2021 Valedictorian
Conferring of the Diplomas | Naomi Shelton, DC Public Charter School Board Member
Presentation of Class of 2021 | Dr. Peggy Jones, Principal
Awarding of Diplomas | Naima Wallace, Class Sponsor | Kaiee Hooper-Pommells, Class Sponsor
CEO Charge & Acceptance | Patricia Brantley, CEO, Friendship Public Charter School
Musical Selection | FCA’s Choir
Senior Class Charge & Special Presentation | Cierra Wright, Class of 2021 President
Recessional Collegiate Class of 2021
Ali Abdul-Hakim Brucionna Cook Morgan State University, Kent State University, Slippery Wingate University, Norfolk State University, Indiana Rock University University of Pennsylvania Layla Adams-Muñoz Darren Cook Prince George’s Community College, Allen University, Prince George’s Community College, Allegany College of Southern University at New Orleans, Livingstone College, Maryland, Delaware State University Bethune-Cookman University David Cooper Jordan Anderson Prince George’s Community College, Hargraves Military ASA College Miami Academy, North Arkansas College Kimani Armstrong Neal Cox Jr. Prince George’s Community College, Langston University, Prince George’s Community College, Northern College of Southern Maryland Community College
Akiya Bagley Su’Coy Crews Prince George’s Community College University of the District of Columbia
JáNiyah Bates Davon Cunningham Benedict College, Arkansas Baptist College Prince George’s Community College
Janiyah Cook ArJahnae Curtis Benedict College, Coppin State University, Livingstone Prince George’s Community College, Carroll Community College, Morgan State University , Norfolk State College University Marquez Davis Briana Bell Allegany College of Maryland, Fisher College Benedict College, Delaware Technical Community College, Morgan State University DeMarjae Dobbins Prince George’s Community College, University of the Rayonna Bell-Barnes District of Columbia Talladega College Kenneth Dudley JáNiyah Berry Prince George’s Community College, University of Coppin State University, Stevenson University, Virginia Massachusetts Amherst Union University, Kent State University, College of Wooster, Langston University, Wittenberg University Kamora Dunbar Arkansas Baptist College, Benedict College, Bluefield State Miracle Brown College, Wilberforce University Prince George’s Community College Sky Ebron DéJon Cash-Waters Morgan State University, Edward Water College, Johnson Clark Atlanta University, Delaware State University C. Smith University, Benedict College, Arkansas Baptist College Avery Coleman Virginia Union University Nyzjae Evans Benedict College, Prince George’s Community College, Alabama A&M University, Bennett College, West Virginia State University, Arkansas Baptist College Angelle Fair Serenity Greene Prince George’s Community College, Southern Maryland Hood College, Washington Adventist University, San Community College, Virginia Union University Diego Christian College, Alabama State University, Benedictine College, Talladega College, West Virginia Ahmed Farooq State University, Ripon College, University of Kentucky, Bowie State University, Morgan State University Alabama State University, Prince George’s Community College, Calflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Cequawn Faulkner Cleveland University, Jackson State University, Lincoln Allen University University, Fisher College Demarcus Ferguson Salia Hardy Prince George’s Community College, Coppin State Washington Adventist University, Miles College, Bennett University College, Allen University Tamia Flegler Damari Harleston Prince George Community College, Southern Maryland Stillman College Community College Latrice Harris Aniyah Flythe Philander Smith College, Arkansas Baptist College, UMD, Prince George’s Community College, Northern Virginia Benedict College, Clark Atlanta, Hood College, Morgan Community College, Morgan State University State Ariana Flythe King Herring Prince George’s Community College Alleghany College OF Maryland Quanne Foster Karmelo Holley Mary Baldwin University, Langston University Prince George’s Community College, University of the District of Columbia Brandon Garcia Prince George’s Community College, Morgan State E’nya Hunter University Shaw University, Delaware State University, Virginia State University Breelyn Goodwin Northern Virginia Community College Malik Ingham Morgan State University, Claflin University Shaniya Gorham Prince George’s Community College, Morgan State Jaylen Inman University, Claflin University, Arkansas Baptist College Talladega College, Livingstone College Arjaé Green Keontaye Jackson Norfolk State University Wingate University, Philander Smith College, Washington Adventist University, Morgan State University, University Dorien Green of the District of Columbia, Lebanon Valley College Allegany College of Maryland, Benedict College, Jackson State University, Morgan State University, West Virginia Aaliyah Jones State University Virginia State University Carl Jones Prince George’s Community College, Northern Virginia Community College
Listing of a student’s name does not indicate completion of all graduation requirements set forth by the District of Columbia. Collegiate Class of 2021
Dominique Jones D’nari Massey Philander Smith College, Fayetteville State University, Old Dominion University, Radford University, Virginia Radford University, Morgan State University, Virginia Union University, Marshall University, Virginia State Union University, Lincoln University, Benedict College, University Norfolk State University Zion McCall Jaeveon Jordan Mary Baldwin University, North Carolina Central George Mason University, University of Memphis, University, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Virginia State Morgan State University, Arkansas Baptist College, Ohio University University, Kent State University, Western Michigan University, Livingstone College, Claflin University, Joseph McCray Radford University, West Chester University, Grambling Prince George’s Community College State University, Central State University, SUNY-Oswego, Montana State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Katelyn McGee Wingate University Norfolk State University, Marshall University, Bethune- Cookman University, Philander Smith College Kevin Keys Jr. Prince Georges Community College Mychael McNair Prince George’s Community College Michelle Latimore Maryland Eastern Shore, UDC Chy’na Miller Virginia Union University, University of Kentucky Keevan Lawrence Bloomsburg University, Morgan State Mikhail Minor Morgan State University, Benedict College, University of Jada Lee Maryland Eastern Shore, Talladega College Prince George’s Community College, Northern Virginia Community College Zy’Juan Mungro Prince George’s Community College, Allegany College of Shamaria Lewis Maryland Benedict College, Philander Smith College, Norfolk State University, Shaw University, Langston University Justin Nixon Prince George’s Community College, Hagerstown Kemarie Lightbourne Community College, Stillman College, Jackson State, Prince George’s Community College Alcorn State, Lincoln University
Marzhané Mabry-Fitzhugh Vivian Onyeka-Ben Fort Valley State University, Albany State University Livingstone College, Kent State University, Virginia Tech University NiKale Martin Prince George’s Community College, Wesley College, Nakijah Pace Marshall University, Wheeling University, University of Penn State University, Stevenson University, Jackson State Buffalo, Morgan State University University, Wingate University, Delaware State University, Mt. Saint Mary College, Albion College, Morgan State Aaron Mason University Morgan State University, Benedict College Darvell Perry Prince George’s Community College, Northern Virginia Community College, Lincoln College of Technology Thomas Peterson Armani Robinson Philander Smith College, Johnson C Smith University, Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College, Shippensburg University, Talladega College, Wiley College, Wingate University, Benedict College, Livingstone College, Livingstone College, Morgan State University, Delaware Virginia Union University, Jackson State University, Mary State University Baldwin University, Harris- Stowe State University, Norfolk State University Destinee Pinkney Prince George’s Community College Trana Rozier Livingstone College, Arkansas Baptist College, Morgan Dj Poston State University, Delaware State University, Alabama A & Prince George’s Community College, Morgan State M University, Prince George’s Community College University D’Cari Ruff Kameron Powell Prince George’s Community College, Northern Virginia Old Dominion University, Marshall University Community College
Tyler Powell Jaleya Scott Jackson State University, Miles College, Norfolk State University of the District of Columbia, Prince George’s University Community College Orlando Preston Kevon Scott Prince George’s Community College Philander Smith College, West Virginia University Potomac State College, Jackson State University, Norfolk State Antione Redman University Prince George’s Community College Makayal Starke Jalen Richards-Alleyne Philander Smith College, University of Maryland Morgan State University, Talladega College, New York Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Hood College, Institute of Technology, Lourdes University, SUNY- Washington Adventist University, Jackson State University, Oswego, Virginia State University, St. Mary’s College, Livingstone College, Trinity University, Talladega Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University University, Hood College Rezin Richardson Christian Taylor West Virginia State University, Morgan State University, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Prince George’s Kentucky State University Community College Andrew Robinson Rashad Taylor Mount St. Mary’s, Langston University Norfolk State University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Philander Smith Angel Robinson College, New England College, Virginia State University Arkansas Baptist College, Prince George’s Community College, University of Eastern Maryland Shore, Morgan Ugomma Ugorji State University, Central State University, Mary Baldwin, University of Minnesota, University of Maryland Baltimore Livingstone College County, Penn State University, University of Rochester, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Listing of a student’s name does not indicate completion of all graduation requirements set forth by the District of Columbia. Collegiate Class of 2021
Christian Venable Prince George’s Community College, Northern Virginia Community College Jacquez Wagner Allen University Mackenzie Waldon-Taylor Morgan State University, Benedict College, Jackson State University, Arkansas Baptist Keymonie Walker Bethune-Cookman University, Philander-Smith College, Morgan State University, Benedict College, Livingstone College Kesontia Washington Prince George’s Community College, Northern Virginia Community College Ahkmel Whitley Prince George’s Community College, Garrett Community College Dylon Williams West Virginia State University, Shaw University, Talladega College, Mary Baldwin University Cierra Wright Langston University, Susquehanna University, Central State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Radford University, Hood College, Philander Smith College, Virginia State University, Norfolk State University, Morgan State University, University of Eastern Maryland Shore, Clark Atlanta University, Jackson State University, Mary Baldwin University, Virginia Union University, Lincoln University, Delaware State University Taylor Zigler Morgan State University, Prince George’s Community College, Jackson State University, Arkansas Baptist College
Listing of a student’s name does not indicate completion of all graduation requirements set forth by the District of Columbia. 2021 Scholarship awards
1,000 Niche Student Loan Hero Scholarship $1,000 Montana State University $32,000
Albion University Commitment Scholarship $16,600 Morgan State University $99,345
Albion University Ferguson Scholarship $25,000 Mount St Mary’s University $80,000
Arkansas Baptist College $18,760 Mount St Mary’s University Dean’s Scholarship $100,000 Benedictine University $48,000 Nazarene University $71,200 DC Cap $10,000 New England University $100,000 District of Columbia Tuition Assistance $256,000 New York Institute of Technology $96,000 Dean College $96,000 Norte Dame University $30,750 Delaware State University $108,249 Ohio State University Excellence Scholarship $4,000 Delaware State University GAP $24,000 Ohio State University Trustee Award $16,000 Economic Scholarship $20,000 Ohio State University Promise Award $8,000 Financial Aid Federal Student Aid $11,995 Pace University - Resident Scholar Fisher College $96,000 Tuition Award $12,000
Fisher College Opportunity Scholarship $60,000 Pace university- Incentive Award $90,000
Forks of the River Scholarship $5,000 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Alpha Sigma Chapter Scholarship. $5,000 Friendship Scholars Scholarship $20,000 Radford University Highlander Distinction Hofstra University $38,000 Scholarship $32,000
Hood College $18,170 Randolph Community College Deans Award $72,000
Indiana State University $10,000 Ripon College $116,000
Kenneth Berger $4,000 San Diego State University $20,000
Kent State University-Presidential Achievement $37,500 Slippery Rock University $88,368
Livingstone College $3,000 St Mary’s University $16,000
Livingstone College - Freshman Incentive $3,000 Stevenson Merit $17,000
Livingstone College Holistic Scholarship $280,000 SUNY Oswego $3,000
Marshall University $2,500 Talladega College $34,208
Mary Baldwin University $168,000 Tiger Scholarship $5,000
Mary Baldwin University Academic Scholarship $64,000 Trinity University Leadership $60,000
Marymount Manhattan - Recognition Award $40,000 Trinity Western University Leadership $97,000
Mason Declaration Scholarship $44,000 Troy E. Quinn Award $24,000
Merit Grand $2,500 University Maryland Baltimore College Merritt $48,000 MERIT Johnson C. Smith University $16,000 2021 Scholarship awards
University of Maryland Eastern Shore Merritt Grant $35,000
University of Massachusetts Institute of Technology $80,000
University of Massachusetts-Amherst $145,708
University of Rochester $18,000
Susquehanna University Scholarship $148,000
Ward 7 & 8 District of Columbia Scholarships $240,000
Washington Adventist University $16,000
Wheeling University $147,955
Wheeling University $117,160
William C. Parker $20,000
Wingate University $26,000
Wingate University Bulldog Pride $2,000
Wingate University Gateway Scholarship $45,000
Wingate University Grant $2,000
Wingate University Fund Scholarship $5,000
Wingate University Residential Scholarship $10,000
Wittenburg University - Tiger Up Award $2,000
Wittenburg University Scholar Award $80,000
Woosters College Dean Scholarship $136,000 special thanks
Friendship Public Charter School Friendship Collegiate Academy Board of Trustees Administrative Team Donald L. Hense Peggy Jones Chairman and Founder Principal Gregory Prince Lauren Johnson Vice Chairman Academy Director Victor E. Long Adrienne Lester Secretary Director of Compliance Darrin Glymph Geneva Logan Treasurer Special Education Coordinator Patricia Brantley Arsallah Shairzay Carol Thompson Cole Dean of Early College and Advanced Placement Programs Tracy Gray Jerome Young Academy Director Eric McKinley King Deborah M. McGriff District of Columbia Public Charter Jeanette Mendes, Parent Representative School Board Gabrielle Montgomery, Parent Representative Rick Cruz Chris White Chair Chris Whittle Lea Crusey Vice Chair Naomi Shelton Friendship Public Charter School Secretary Executive Staff Patricia Brantley Saba Bireda Chief Executive Officer Ricarda Ganjam Ken Cherry Jim Sandman Chief of Staff Vielka Scott-Marcus Chief Academic Officer Candice Tolliver Burns Chief Communication Officer Dylan Gruver Chief People Officer Zachary Morford Chief of Data and Performance Catherine Sanwo Chief Financial Officer James Waller Chief of Schools special thanks
Scholars Class of 2021 Senior Sponsors Ugomma Ugorji Dr. Calvin Green Valedictorian Kaiee Hooper-Pommells Mackenzie Waldon-Taylor Salutatorian Namia Wallace
Cierra Wright Darryl Womack Class of 2021 President Administration Friendship Collegiate Staff Jerome Young Gabrielle Quick Academy Director FCA Alumni Class of 2017 Lauren Johnson Qitorah Washington Academy Director FCA Senior Guidance Counselor Dr. Arsallah Shairzay Dean of Early College Academy Dr. Peggy Jones Principal
Friendship Public Charter School Mission The mission of Friendship Public Charter School is to provide a world-class education that motivates students to achieve high academic standards, enjoy learning and develop as ethical, literate, well-rounded and self-sufficient citizens who contribute actively to their communities.
Integrity Responsibility Confidence Care Commitment Patience Persistence Respect FRIENDSHIP COLLEGIATE ACADEMY
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019 | 9 A.M. PEGGY JONES, PRINCIPAL | DONALD L. HENSE, CHAIRMAN | PATRICIA BRANTLEY, CEO GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY LISNER AUDITORIUM | WASHINGTON, D.C.