High School Seniors: “Looking Forward to the Future”

The Fund is proud to highlight some of the high school graduating seniors, selected as Girl Friend Fund, Inc. 2011 Scholarship awards that provided an update of their college admissions acceptances. The students are to be commended for their outstanding accomplishments. It is hoped that the awards will promote achievement and encourage exceptional academic scholarship. The Scholarship review committee did a tremendous job of selecting an excellent group of qualified scholars who are “Looking Forward to the Future.”

	Malena Price: Brooklyn Chapter, 2011Class, Group 17, “I've been accepted to Duke University, Georgetown University, and Cornell University. I am ecstatic! But I'm still waiting to hear back from aid and praying that I will be blessed with the necessary funds. Thank you for reaching out! “ All the Best,
	Malena Price

	Maya Wilson: Baltimore Chapter, 2011Class, Group 17, ” I'm doing fine. Well, I have been accepted to Penn-State, University of Pittsburgh, and Syracuse. Now, I am just waiting to receive my financial aid awards letters. Everything else is fine, just preparing for prom and graduation.”
	Maya Wilson

	Shanielle Carrington: New Jersey Chapter, 2011Class, Group 17, “I am doing well thank you. I have actually been accepted to six schools, but am choosing between two (Penn State and Ramapo) as of right now. I hope you have a wonderful day as well and thank you.”
	Shanielle Carrington

Natacha Jerome: Orlando Chapter, 2011Class, Group 17, “Yes, I have heard from all the college that I applied to and I have been accepted by all of them. The colleges that I applied to were the University of Miami, University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. I am pleased to say that I will be joining the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M this following fall.”

Natacha Jerome

	Linette Duluc: New Haven Chapter, 2011Class, Group 17, “Hello, I am doing very well, thank you. So far I have been accepted into two schools, UCONN and the University of Delaware, and have also received an offer to attend the University of California Santa Cruz. I am planning on attending UCONN in the fall of this year.” Thank you,
	Linette Duluc

	Jasmine P. Jones: Roanoke Chapter, 2011Class, Group 17, “Hello, I have been admitted into the following universities: University of Virginia, George Mason, Wake Forest, Elon University, Washington College, and American University. I am currently weighing out my options; however, American University has become my first choice. Thank you for checking in.”
	Jasmine P. Jones

	Veronica Johnson: Louisville Chapter, 2011Class, Group 17, “Yes ma'am I have. I plan on going to Morehead State University”
	Veronica Johnson

Dafina Bobo: Minneapolis Chapter, 2011Class, Group 17, “ I have received acceptances from the following colleges/universities: University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts, Bard College, Drew University, Hamilton College, Hofstra University, Occidental College, Trinity College, and Wellesley College. I have also been accepted to Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business. I have accepted admission to Wellesley College and provided my deposit to hold my spot for the Class of 2015.”

Dafina Bobo

Scholar’s Corner- Notes from Scholars 2009-2010

I have been thinking lately of declaring a major, most likely Creative Writing and Rhetoric double major (which essentially means I cannot decide between being an author and being a journalist) and a minor in either Musical Theatre, French, or both. This summer, I am planning on working on a committee for my local theatre, called Park Playhouse, just helping them get back into shape seeing as last summer was a bit fiscally unsound. I also plan to take voice lessons and hit the gym so to speak. I want to stay in shape for the next season of musicals that come along so I can easily pick up and retain the steps…..

I would just like to thank all of you for your support, both emotional and financial. It means more than words could describe. I am really prospering here. I've made a solid group of friends. I'm taking great courses that I love, working hard, and getting the job done. I hope you are all well, and hope to see you soon!

Thanks again.

Paige Tutt

	Hello Ms. Johnson: I am just writing to let you know that I received my funds for my 2009-2010 scholarship, and that I am so appreciative of your organization and your hard work to help students attend college. I hope that you have a wonderful day, and I hope to speak with you soon!
	Kelly Harper

First I would like to thank the Girl Friends Fund for its continuing support of my academic endeavors. I am excited to let you all know that I have been taking advantage of the wonderful opportunities here at Howard University.

This fall I started my first year in the School of Business Executive Leadership Honors Program and I have made the dean's list this fall. This summer I will be interning with Tyco International at its headquarters in Princeton, NJ. I will be working in its SOX Compliance and Internal Control Division. I also got accepted to study abroad for the Spring semester of 2011. I will be attending Euromed School of Management in Marseille, France.

These are just a few of the blessing God has given me, and without your financial support I would have not been able to make it this far. Again, thank you and I will make sure to check out the web site!

Monique

Monique Fortune
Howard University School of Business
Executive Leadership Honors Program
Sophomore International Business Major

Monique Fortune

Hello Ms. Johnson,

It's great to hear from you and the Girl Friends Fund Inc. It feels like it's been quite some time since the award ceremony over the spring, and it also seems so much has happened since the beginning of my school year here at UPenn. Time has certainly flown by. In fact this past weekend, I hosted for UPenn's multicultural Scholars weekend for the incoming Freshman class. It's so hard to believe that I'm almost a sophomore and also that only a few short months ago I was in the same position.

For my first year, I've really enjoyed all the classes I've taken, even with a few of the challenges I've faced. Some of my favorite classes have been my African American Literature class, a history class, and a writing seminar. At points when I was not able to solve some of my academic struggles on my own I readily sought guidance and advice from UPenn resources which proved to be very helpful. With this advice and guidance I have maintained good academic standing while juggling two jobs, community service, and extracurricular activities. Whether it be successfully writing my first research paper, mentoring students at local high schools and elementary schools or taking the step to run for Black Student League elections, I have tried my best to make my first year as fulfilling as possible.

I've also had the chance to get involved in the West Philadelphia community through working at three of the local elementary schools in the area. This has been a great opportunity and truly opened my eyes to some of the inequalities that exist in the public school system. I've also volunteered at a local high school and observed students in the classroom setting, as well as assisting teachers.These particular experiences have made me even more grateful for my quality of grade schooling and also made me more interested in educational reform.Through my position as both a tutor and a mentor, I have gained valuable exposure to many of the challenges facing inner city schools and urban communities. I aim to use this experience as foundation for my research in examining how U.S. and global educational policies can help decrease the disparities between the wealthy and the impoverished.

When I started at UPenn, back in September I planned on pursuing my degree in International Relations. Now I feel that I am leaning towards a major in sociology and a minor in urban education. Next year I'll have more opportunities to take a few classes in these areas of study. I'll be taking Introduction to Sociology and an Urban Education seminar in addition to Intro to Africana Studies, an anthropology course and Intermediate Arabic. As a potential Sociology major, I am passionate about structures of equality and opportunity and how specific types of research and development can aid critical urban environments. I'm excited about exploring these interests while at UPenn.

For this summer, I've applied to a few internships and plan on taking up a job back at home for the remainder of the summer. Even though I'll miss being at UPenn, I look forward to having a great summer break!

Hope all is well and my warmest regards to the Girl Friends Fund Inc.,

Bailey Brown