University of Michigan-Dearborn: Opportunity Scholars 2008

Meet the Class of 2008 Opportunity Scholars. These twelve incoming freshmen distinguished themselves and have been selected to receive this prestigious full-tuition scholarship, valued at more than $32,000 over four years. They were selected from nearly 200 eligible, incoming students on the basis of academics, service to their community and a group interview. Learn more about them through the profiles below.

	Angelica Brown Detroit, MI Major: Communications		DeShawn McCullough Detroit, MI Major: Engineering
Angelica is a graduate of Mumford High School. Outside of the classroom, Angelica excelled as a great writer for her campus newsletter. She focused on stories in her school and community. Angelica was also a member of the National Honor Society (NHS). She participated in the Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.		DeShawn is a graduate of Denby High School. While in school he was also a volunteer with the Top 10 Mentor Program. He was the organization’s President. He also mentored younger male students on academic success and character building.
	James Easley Inkster, MI Major: Pre-Business		Ashleigh Pope Detroit, MI Major: Communications
James graduated from Consortium College Preparatory High School. While in high school, he was an active member of the National Honor Society (NHS). While involved in NHS, James helped to raise funds for a program called “Pennies for Patients.” He also served food at a homeless shelter.		Ashleigh is a graduate of Winans Academy of Performing Arts. While in school she was a member of the D.O.V.E.S. program, in which she mentored young girls who struggled with self-esteem and issues in life.
	Nikeda Ford Detroit, MI Major: Computer Science		Azhar Shohatee Detroit, MI Major: Education
Nikeda is a graduate of Southwestern High School. While in high school, Nikeda exemplified the spirit of volunteerism by helping to raise money for the school while helping with concession stands on weekend athletic events. Nikeda was also a volunteer at the Salem Memorial Lutheran Church.		Azhar is a graduate of Universal Academy. While in school, she was a part of the Universal Academy After School Tutorial Program designed to assist at-risk students who are receiving a C- or lower in their core academic classes.
	Bryan Gunter Detroit, MI Major: Computer Engineering		Raquel Silva Detroit, MI Major: Pre-Business
A graduate from the Winans Academy of Performing Arts, Bryan was a member of the Concert Chorale. With his talent, Bryan would visit senior citizens homes with the group to sing to the staff and guests. Bryan was also a camp counselor with the Perfecting Church Day Camp.		Raquel graduated from Chadsey High School. While in school, Raquel was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS). While involved in NHS she participated in various student workshops, was part of the Homecoming committee and Ethnic Festival.
	Delon Hardy Detroit, MI Major: Engineering		Abada Sultana Detroit, MI Major: English
Delon is a graduate of Winans Academy of Performing Arts. While in high school, Delon was a part of the Senior Board. While participating in this group, Delon helped with Toys for Tots, various canned food drives and raising money for his senior class.		Abada is helping to change the look of Detroit. While in high school, Abada participated in the 2007 Motor City Make Over. With the help of other students across the city, she helped to clean the city by handing out shovels, brooms and garbage bags to volunteers. She cleaned city streets, abandoned homes and alley ways.
	Tyrenita Hughes Detroit, MI Major: Psychology		Stephanie Waters Detroit, MI Major: Political Science
Tyrenita is a graduate of Martin Luther King Jr. High School. While in high school, she was a part of her school’s National Honor Society (NHS). She participated in various events to help raise money and awareness for cancer victims.		While attending Southwestern High School, Stephanie was a volunteer with the Phoenix Learning Academy. This program was designed to assist students in the arts such as dance and computer workshops. Stephanie was also a part of the NAACP Youth Council where she participated in a Anti-Violence Youth Lock-In.