Congratulations to all of our 2024 graduates.
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ASHIKA VANIA BANKS 
School:
Tampa Bay Technical High School
Parents:
Sheena Woodside & Bartholomew Banks, II
Church Activities:
Drill team, Praise Dance Team
Educational Awards and Nominations:
Honor roll Principals Honor Roll Scholar athlete from the marine corps
Community Service Involvement:
Volunteer around school, Crystal Spring, Whcc
Goals and Aspirations:
To Become a nurse anesthesiologist
Favorite Scriptures:
Psalms 46:5
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Favorite Quote:
Those who stand for nothing will fall for anything – Alexander Hamilton
MIKQUAN ANTHONY BROWN
School:
Lennard High School
Parents:
Michael Brown & Anquil Brown
Church Activities:
Drill Team, Children’s Choir
Community Service Involvement:
Feeding the Homeless, Marching in Parades
Goals and Aspirations:
I would like to work for the government as a CIA or FBI Agent.
Favorite Scripture:
Philippian 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.
Favorite Quote:
You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.
DREW BURGESS
School:
Florida Atlantic University (Wilkes Honors College)
Parents:
Andrew and Stacy Burgess
Church Activities:
I was a member of the Children’s Usher Board. During many Children Sunday worship services I have done the Call to Worship, Responsive Reading, Welcome and Occasion, and the Announcements. I am currently a Junior Sunday School Teacher.
Educational Awards and Nominations:
AP Scholar with Honor Award (2019), Citizens Concerned for Students (2019), Top Five Player in Girls’ Varsity Tennis (2018), Dean’s & President’s List for FAU, Henry Morrison Flagler Scholarship Recipient (2020) (full-ride to Wilkes Honors College at FAU), Morton Research Forum Study Abroad Scholarship Recipient (2023)
Community Service Involvement:
I have over 200 community service hours as I have been of service at Toys for Tots, 5k races, festivals, and the local community center’s childcare program. I mentor young girls in Tampa as a part of Pretty with Purpose, Inc. I have completed over 120 hours of volunteer work at Jupiter Medical Center.
Goals and Aspirations:
I aspire to move on to medical school to get my medical degree in order to become a pediatrician. I will always trust God to lead me through whatever plans He has for me.
Favorite Scriptures:
Matthew 7:13-14 King James Version (KJV)
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Favorite Quote:
“Not all treasure is silver and gold.” – Captain Jack Sparrow
JODI CHARLTON
School:
Howard W. Blake High School
Parents:
LaFeka Green (mother); Leatrice Byrd (great aunt); Iglesia Anderson (Grandmother)
Church Activities:
Youth Choir
Youth Choir Director
Youth Praise Team
Amtags
Youth Congress
Youth Convention
Hour of Power
Sunday School
Educational Awards and Nominations:
Honor roll
Community Service Involvement:
Community clean-up Metropolitan Ministries
Goals and Aspirations:
I plan on working for the sheriff’s department being a 911 dispatcher while getting my degree in criminal justice and corrections to become a probation officer.
Favorite Scripture:
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Favorite Quote:
“Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase” – Unknown
CAMILLA COLBERT
School:
Hillsborough Community College
Parents:
Sharon Drummond and Rhonda Davis
Church Activities:
Youth choir/ Youth director Media ministry Praise Team Dance ministry President of the youth mission Sunday School teacher
Community Service Involvement:
High school cheer coach Free back to school hairstyles
Goals and Aspirations:
My objective is to become a student at Florida A&M University and earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Next, my master’s degree in counseling education and my PhD in education leadership. In order to fulfill my dream of being a hair stylist like my mother and grandmother, I would also like to go to cosmetology school.
Favorite Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Philippians 4:6 NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Favorite Quote:
As much as you want to plan your life, its has a way of surprising you with unexpected things that will make you happier than you originally planned. Thats what you call God’s wills.
GROVER COLBERT
School:
Brandon High School
Parents:
Sharon Drummond
Church Activities:
Usher
Educational Awards and Nominations:
Honor roll, captain of the track & field, football player of the week 3 times, Black Student Union, volunteer for the cheerleading team and girls flag football team.
Community Service Involvement:
Black Student Union and Avid Club
Goals and Aspirations:
To become a physical therapist.
Favorite Scripture:
Proverbs 13:20
He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
TAVIANA LAMAE EVANS
School:
Howard W. Blake High School
Parents:
Roland and Felicia Evans
Church Activities:
Usher Board Ministry (2nd and 3rd Sunday), Usher mentor for younger ushers, Youth Mission ministry member, Sunday School.
Community Service Involvement:
Volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries, volunteer at St. Peter Claver School
Goals and Aspirations:
To become a registered nurse/pediatrician.
Favorite Scripture:
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Favorite Quote:
Senior quote: This should have been a paid work experience.
ISIAH JOHNSON, III
School:
Eastern Nazarene College
Parents:
Veronica Rhodes & Isiah Johnson, Jr.
Church Activities:
Usher & Drill team
Educational Awards and Nominations:
Principals Honor Roll, Deans List, and Chi Alpha Sigma (Athlete that achieved over 3.4 GPA)
Community Service Involvement:
Volunteered at Metropolitan Ministries and Trinity Cafe
Goals and Aspirations:
Play basketball overseas Continue onto Master program
Favorite Scriptures:
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Favorite Quote:
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
TYRESE JOHNSON
School:
Penn Foster High School
Parents:
Sarah Brown and Shar’ron Brown
Church Activities:
Youth Choir Youth Mission Youth Usher Board
Goals and Aspirations:
My goals are to complete the CDL training and become a professional truck driver.
Favorite Scripture:
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.
Favorite Quote:
Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
JAMEEZ LAWES
School:
Hillsborough Community College
Parents:
Twanda and James Lawes
Church Activities:
Youth Choir
Educational Awards and Nominations:
Deans list Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Honorable Mention award for “Weuss” at 50th Annual Juried Art Exhibition (2024)
Community Service Involvement:
Feeding Tampa Bay, Metropolitan Ministries, Tempus Projects Art Gallery
Goals and Aspirations:
“My goals and aspirations encompass a wide range of endeavors that are deeply meaningful to me. Firstly, I am passionate about completing my music projects and sharing them with the world, as music is a powerful medium through which I can express myself and connect with others. Additionally, I am determined to graduate from the University of South Florida with a degree in Art History, as my fascination with visual arts drives me to deepen my understanding of cultural significance and historical context. I also aspire to further develop my artistic skills by creating more art and participating in various competitions, continuously pushing the boundaries of my creativity. Beyond my personal pursuits, I am committed to giving back to my community through volunteering and philanthropy, aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Lastly, supporting my church and fostering connections within my community are integral parts of my aspirations, as I believe in the importance of contributing to a more compassionate and interconnected society.”
Favorite Scriptures:
John 4:1-26
Ecclesiastes 11
Isaiah 55: 8-9
Favorite Quote:
“A Jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.” – Shakespeare
FRANCHELLE LUNDY
School:
Saint Leo University
Parents:
Teshia Lundy
Church Activities:
Usher Board Dance Ministry AMTAGS Drill Team
Educational Awards and Nominations:
Tobey Award
Star Performer
Best Pom
Most Spirited
Community Service Involvement:
Giving Back From Tampa Bay – ThanksGiving
Open House – Saint Leo University
Spring Fling – Saint Leo University
Goals and Aspirations:
Deepen my relationship with God through daily prayer, meditation, and studying sacred texts, striving to live a life guided by love, compassion, and humility.
Secure a job in my field of study within six months of graduation.
Attend graduate school to further specialize in my area of interest.
To achieve personal and professional growth and to continuously learn and develop new skills
Favorite Scriptures:
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Isaiah 58:11.
Where God guides, he provides.
Favorite Quote:
In the words of Lady Banks – this joy that I got the world didn’t give it to me and since the world didn’t give it to me, the world can’t take it away.
HEAVEN REED
School:
Middleton High School
Parents
Lolita Edge – Mother; Kenya Simpson – God Mother
Church Activities:
Hour of Power, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Youth Usher Board, Teen Usher Board, Youth Choir, Drill Team, Dance Team, Health Care, District Congress, State Convention and 5th Week Congress
Educational Awards and Nominations:
– 2nd place state level drill team ( NJROTC )
– Flag detail (AFJROTC)
– Cadet of the Year
Community Service Involvement:
Nursing homes, Miles for Moffit
Goals and Aspirations:
To become a lobotomy and delivery nurse
Favorite Scripture:
Psalm 37:5
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Favorite Quote:
Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase.
J’LA RUSS
School:
Brandon High School
Parents:
Lavetta Sexil & Micheal Roberson
Community Service Involvement:
Community Service & Give Backs to the East Tampa Community, Volunteer at Local Food Pantry
Goals and Aspirations:
Attending FAMU for Pharmacy
Favorite Scriptures:
Psalms 37:4-5
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Favorite Quote:
“If You Believe It You Can Achieve It”