Standing strong in their purple, green and gray, the scholar graduates from KIPP Atlanta Collegiate are taking the stage tonight with nothing but opportunity before them. This group of Warriors, 108 strong, have earned an impressive $8 million in scholarship dollars and more than 93% have already been accepted to prestigious colleges around this country. They are certainly ready to soar through their next chapters in colleges and careers around the country.
Meet a few of the outstanding students from KIPP Atlanta Collegiate who will be graduating tonight.
Makala Faniel is the KIPP Atlanta Collegiate Class of 2016 Valedictorian.
Valedictorian Makala L. Faniel has a natural ability to excel and is a top performer. Along with outstanding academics, Makala plays the clarinet and tenor saxophone. She has had the honor of performing in South Africa and the Bahamas and in Trinidad this spring. Makala has demonstrated her ability to lead by becoming president of the Beta Club and as an active member of the National Honor Society. Additionally, she works as a student researcher at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Makala’s favorite Maya Angelou quote is “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.” This quote reminds her to always maintain a diverse perspective and a tolerant heart. In the future, Makala plans to earn a Bachelor’s degree in material science and a Master’s in mechanical engineering.
Jalyn N. Gordon is KIPP Atlanta Collegiate’s Class of 2016 Salutatorian.
Salutatorian Jalyn N. Gordon was encouraged to pursue a college degree by her mother and grandmother, who stressed the importance of education. With a passion for art and innovation, Jalyn plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering and Construction with aspirations to build memorable structures in cities all over the world. She is an intern at Georgia Tech where she practices coding, web framing and design. Jalyn has been able to develop leadership skills by serving as a community lifeguard and volunteer at the Center for Puppetry Arts. The scholar also has been honored as a Rusk Essay Contest Winner, Law of Life Essay Contest Winner, Spanish Student of the Year, KAC Honor Award Recipient, KAC Innovation Award Recipient, KAC Tenacity Award Recipient, AP Chemistry Student of the Year and Lifeguard of the Year. Jalyn has participated in numerous school clubs such as Mu Alpha Theta — Math Honors Society, Debate Club and the Swim Team.
Other outstanding students to watch include Emerging Leader Scholar Rashad Tate-Salahuddin; community servant, with more than 700 service hours, Levon Martin; and artist Destiny Jackson.
KIPP Atlanta Collegiate’s class of 2016 is a vibrant group. The senior class quote from Mark Amend will continue to motivate them as move into the next chapter of their lives. “Be strong enough to stand alone, be strong enough to stand apart, but be wise enough to stand together when the time comes.” Congratulations Class of 2016!
