Pioneer Scholars 2008 Award Winners

The exceptional Pioneer Scholars students below were recently recognized for their commitment to Academics, Character, and Leadership at the Center. 

Jahdiya –

Jahdiya, a sixth grader at W.G. Pearson Magnet Middle School, is a Dream-Do-Achieve Academic award winner for the 2007-08 academic year.  Jahdiya is generally an A student and is advanced in all areas. 

Jahdiya shows a genuine interest in pursuing academic interests both at Emily K and outside of it. She has been an active participant in the Girl’s Club, a mentoring program facilitated by Duke students, throughout the year.  This summer, she and nine other students will represent the Emily Krzyzewski Center at Student U. – a programming partner and summer-based academic camp at Durham Academy.

Jahdiya consistently demonstrates the pillars of hard work and high expectations.  Her lead tutor states “Jahdiya always works diligently until it’s time to do another lesson…she often chooses to continue to work even when provided with the opportunity for a few minutes of free time.”

Aqil –

Aqil, a rising third grader at Lakewood Elementary School, won the Dream-Do-Achieve award for Academic excellence.  According to Aqil’s most recent report card, he is performing above grade level in all academic areas.  He has also received “Outstanding” marks in the area of Work Study/Social Skills at school.

In addition to being a strong student, Aqil consistently demonstrates our six pillars on a daily basis.  He shows heart, hard work, high expectations, integrity, respect, and honest to both adults and his peers. 

Aqil’s Lead Tutor states, “I cannot think of anyone more independent, respectful, and academically talented than Aqil…he works harder to continue getting ahead than any student I’ve seen.”

Filiberto –

Filiberto just completed his third grade year at Forest View Elementary in Durham and is one of the Dream-Do-Achieve Character award recipients for the 2007-08 academic year.  Filiberto greets everyone with a smile when he enters the Center daily and maintains that attitude throughout every program he participates in.

In addition to academic programming daily at the Center, Filiberto participated in the Ultimate Frisbee program facilitated by Duke volunteers in the evenings.  Even while engaging in competitive sports, Filiberto is kind and considerate to others.  He is always looking out for his younger brother, who is also a Pioneer Scholar.

Filiberto “shows honesty by presenting all assignments to be worked on, even the assignments that are difficult or ‘not fun.’”, according to one of his tutors.  Another tutor shares “I have seen him tackle very difficult math problems without complaining and without giving up when he did not get the right answer the first time. His smile brightens my day and it has been a pleasure being one of his lead tutors this year.”

Raheem –

Raheem, a Dream-Do-Achieve Character Award winner, is completing his fifth grade year at Healthy Start Academy.  He is an A/B student and has been enrolled in the Pioneer Scholars program for two years.

Raheem served as a tutor in the Center’s Reading Together program, a program that trained and supported him as he tutored a younger Pioneer Scholar student.  This summer, Raheem joins his older sister Exeria at Student U.

Raheem’s Lead Tutor said, “Raheem is concerned about the well-being of others and his actions exhibit genuine honesty and integrity.  He is well-spoken, hard-working, and mature.  It is amazing that someone his age is able to make other children and adults around him better people.”

Willis –
 
Willis, a soon-to-be fourth grader at Lakewood Elementary School, is one of Emily K’s Dream-Do-Achieve Leadership award winners. 

Throughout the spring, Willis participated in the Reading Together program at the Emily Krzyzewski Center.  This summer, following his five week Summer Scholars program experience at the Center, Willis will also participate in the Duhon Basketball Camp at the Center as well as our two-week Theater Camp.

“Natural leaders are so clear here because other students are constantly trying to surround them and hear what they have to say next, and Willis moves with a crowd,” states one of his tutors.  Another says, “Duke volunteers really enjoyed working with him, commented on his integrity, work, and ethics.”

Mark –

Mark earned the Dream Do Achieve Leadership award for the 2008 academic year.  He is completing his fifth grade year at Lakewood Elementary, a partner school to the Emily K Center.  He applied to and was chosen to attend Durham School of the Arts next year. 

This summer, in addition to participating daily in the Summer Scholars program at the Emily K Center, he will attend the Innoworks Academy at Duke University for nearly two weeks in late August.  This program is designed to provide great kids with opportunities to explore science and engineering disciplines. Mark is thrilled to participate!

Mark epitomizes Leadership at the Emily Krzyzewski Center.  He is kind, helpful, and leads not just by his words, but by his actions.  Mark’s Pioneer Scholars tutor describes Mark as “always willing to learn, never gives up, and always attempts to assist those around him.  Mark is “aware of the needs of others.  He places those needs above his own in order to ensure everyone has an opportunity to receive what they need.”

Return to News & Events