Jack and Jill of America of America was founded in Philadelphia in January 1938 when twenty African American mothers came together to discuss creating an organization to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19. The idea took hold and today the organization boasts more than 250 chapters nationwide, representing more than 40,000 family members.
Last weekend the local Cleveland chapter held its Twentieth Biennial Cotillion at the Hilton Cleveland downtown. The evening carried aspects of a rite of passage for nineteen accomplished young people on the cusp of adulthood.
The day has long since passed, if indeed it ever existed in the black community, when young people were introduced to society in some formal fashion. But the profiles of the young women and men who were celebrated at this year’s events reveal an obviously talented selection of young black men and women who are poised and prepared to make some meaningful contributions to society.
Here they are, mostly in their own words —albeit in third-person voice — dressed to the nines in formal studio photographs.
Kali Mariah Boyd
Ambition: to become an accountant and continue participating in art and theater.
Parents: Derek Funderburk, Crystal Boyd Funderburk and Ali Boyd.
School: Walsh Jesuit ‘25.
During her high school years, Kali participated in Harmony Gold Show Choir, Center Stage Theater, Chamber/A capella choir, Students Across Culture, serving as creative director and secretary, Philanthropy Club, Kairos - 150, and Wellness Club.
In addition to her academic activities, Kali has attended music and art learning conventions and participated in University of Akron’s Women in S.T.E.M. overnight program. Kali has acquired a four year, paid, internship with the Federal Reserve Bank of America. In her free time, she tutors 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students at Saint Anthony’s Elementary in Akron.
Kali is also a part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Leadership AKAdemy. She loves anything related to artistic perspectives, learning about different cultures, and helping people.
Kali has only been an active member of Jack & Jill since 2022, but she has gained so many opportunities since joining. Kali is currently serving as Corresponding Secretary of the Cleveland Teen Chapter.
Kali is a music, art, and mental health enthusiast. Some of her favorite musicians include Victoria Monét, SZA, Esperanza Spalding, Erykah Badu, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar. Her favorite forms of art are drawing, singing, and writing poetry.
Kali plans to attend an HBCU while possibly double majoring in finance and project management among minoring in musical theater.
Favorite quotes:
- “Resilience is knowing that you are the only one who has the power and responsibility to pick yourself up.” — Mary Holloway
- "Always remember that motivation gets you moving, but determination keeps you going.” — Dr. Prem Jagyasi
Carson Porter Burrows
Ambition: To make bold and culturally relevant statements using mixed media.
Parents: Grady Burrows and Melissa Burrows
School: Hawken Academy ‘25.
A creative person, Carson is inquisitive and enjoys exploring new ideas and coming up with innovative solutions. Carson dreams of using his artistic abilities by becoming a graphic designer.
In addition to being on the tennis team, Carson has participated in Teaching Cleveland (focused on long term impacts of industrialization on the City of Cleveland), Fridays for Future (focused on sustainability within the Hawken School ecosystem), and a diversity club for black males.
Carson lives his life through the lens of sustainability: Reuse, Recycle, Renew. An avid thrifter, he enjoys finding hidden treasures that others have discarded.
Carson was born into Jack & Jill of America, Inc., Cleveland Chapter, where his family has held membership since 2006, including his older brother, Ian. Carson has served as Parliamentarian and Recording Secretary in the Teen Group.
Carson has earned college credits the past two summers while attending Cleveland Institute of Art and Pratt Instituter in Brooklyn NY the past two summers. He looks to continue his education at a four-year college or university majoring in fine art and graphic design.
Favorite quote [adapted from his father]: “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” — R.J. Smith
Layah Anissi Carpenter
Ambition: To become a successful criminal defense attorney
Parents: Kevin Carpenter and LaVona Decembly Carpenter
School: Hathaway Brown ’24 [honors student and lifer].
Layah is co-founder and co-president of Hathaway Brown’s chapter of One Love, an organization that promotes healthy relationships among teens and young adults. She serves as a student ambassador for Gold Key and is the fundraising and social media chair for the student-run philanthropy club, Girls Reaching Others Worldwide (GROW).
Layah was awarded Hathaway Brown’s prestigious Strnad Fellowship in Creativity, which she used to write and publish a fictionalized memoir, “Black Fish in a White Pond.”
A Creative Arts and Equity and Action Fellow, her senior thesis is on the structural failure of the American impeachment process.
Layah is passionate about global studies and world languages; she participated in a two-and-a-half week cultural exchange in Zambia and South Africa as a Global Citizenship Fellow. A scholar athlete, she plays soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.
Layah has been an active member of the Cleveland Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. since 2018.
She has served on the teen executive board for the past three years as Foundation Chair and Corresponding Secretary. Layah attended last year’s On the Hill Teen Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., where she lobbied on Capitol Hill for The CROWN Act and met civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump.
Favorite scripture: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Taj Michael Caver
Ambition: To become a data analyst for a professional sports team.
Parents: Drs. Floun’say and Tamea Caver and brother of Mya Caver.
School: Hawken School ’24 [advanced placement and honors courses].
Taj has served as a leader in the Black Student Union and Black Male Affinity Group. He is also a member of the Finance Club at Hawken. During the summer, Taj is a camp counselor for Hawken, and he works in the athletics department during the school year. He also volunteers on Saturdays teaching basketball fundamentals and teamwork to K-3 students.
Taj is a scholar-athlete who has been a four-year varsity basketball player and currently serves as team captain. Taj was named Hawken Athlete of the week in 2021 and 2022. He received honorable mention in the Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC) as a freshman in 2021. He followed that success with being named a unanimous first team CVC member as a sophomore and junior in 2022 and 2023. In the spring of 2023, Taj was recognized in the Cleveland Plain Dealer as All District Third Team in Northeast Ohio and was a News Herald All-Star. He was also an honorable mention all-state athlete. He was named conference MVP this season and has scored more than 1000 points in his varsity career.
Initiated into Jack and Jill at the age of six, Taj has been an active member in many roles. He is a member of Philemon Community Baptist Church.
Life Motto: “Be the best version of yourself in anything that you do. You don’t have to live anybody else’s story.” — Stephen Curry
Graham Hines Coleman
Ambition: To live a life of service.
Parents: Darrell and Marcietta Coleman
School: Westlake HS ‘25
Graham serves as a youth coach and mentor at the elementary and middle schools. Graham has been a varsity letterman in basketball and tennis since his sophomore year. Throughout his educational career, Graham has mastered and balanced rigorous advanced studies with his love of sports. Because of this dedication he is now a member of the National Honor Society and has maintained honor roll his entire educational career.
Graham is also involved at his school off the court. As a freshman, he joined The African Diaspora Appreciation Project for Togetherness (ADAPT). ADAPT was born of a desire to educate, uplift and support classmates within the diaspora and to educate others to appreciate the diversity in their midst. Graham also participates in the Westlake High School computer club.
Graham's self-belief and determination are paramount to his personality and drive. His focus and compassion have stood out in every aspect of his life.
Graham expects to attend an HBCU and has his eye on Howard University. He has a strong interest in and affinity towards STEM and is considering medicine as a career.
Favorite quote: “If you do what is easy then your life will be hard, but if you do what is hard your life will be easy.” — Les Brown
Philip Mays Colvin
Ambition: To be general manager of a pro sports team
Parents: Rev. Dr. Jawanza Karriem Colvin and Allison Jaynes Colvin
School: University School ‘25
Philip has a love for learning, sports, and fitness, and has enjoyed both high academic and athletic success throughout his school career. He has participated in triathlons, AAU track and field, his church’s basketball league, and lettered in both cross country and track and field for the last two years. While balancing his academic and athletic activities, Philip enjoys playing the guitar and performing in plays in his high school’s theater.
In addition to his heavy academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities, Philip has held down a part time job for the past two years as a shift manager for a local business.
A member of Cleveland Jack and Jill since he was eight, Philip has served on the executive board for the past two years as chaplain.
He has been a member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church for 15 years and is a member of the Pembroke Society at University School.
Philip plans to attend an HBCU and to pursue his interests in sports analytics and statistics.
Favorite quote: “Let your fear of regret be stronger than your fear of failure.” — Ruth Soukup
Chandler Cummings
Ambition: To become a financial planner and maintain financial independence.
Parents: Pastor Kyo Cummings and Lisa Cummings
School: University School ‘25.
Chandler is active in a multitude of pursuits both in and outside of school. On campus, he is a member of the Financial Literacy Club, dedicated to building financial acumen; the Pembroke Society, an African American affinity group; and the Society for Short Fiction. Additionally, Chandler has cultivated a strong passion for nutrition and fitness, actively participating in weightlifting and competitive track and field events.
Academically, Chandler has distinguished himself as an Anderson Scholar in entrepreneurship.
Off campus, he is lead drummer for his church community. He completed an internship at Third Space Action Lab, a female black-owned business, that allowed him to gain hands-on experience in social change and community development through logistics analysis, research, and content creation.
Chandler embraces change, continuous learning and personal growth. Recent travel to Morocco and Spain has broadened his worldview, providing him with valuable cultural insights and the chance to apply his Spanish language skills.
Chandler expects to further his education in finance or a related field at an HBCU.
Favorite quote: "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." — Lao Tzu
Simone Alexandria Farid
Ambition: To become an actor, lawyer or interior designer, and to use her talents to enhance the lives of black and brown people.
Parents: Wali Ibn Farid and Dr Michelle Pierre-Farid
School: Chicago High School of the Arts ‘25
Simone has been a member of Jack and Jill since 2013 when she joined the Cleveland Chapter; in 2018 she transferred to Chicago’s Lake Shore Chapter.
Simone’s favorite role to date is playing the mother of Mathew Shepherd in The Laramie Project. She also played the lead character Dylan in “What Once Was”. Not content to be only on the stage, Simone already has her first directing credit, for “Alice in Wonderland”.
Simone is on the student council at HSA. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta auxiliary - Archonettes. She has been the president of the Amicettes. She has participated in numerous community service projects such as writing to Veterans, creating homeless care bags, and creating a commercial for St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
For college, Simone is considering majoring in Criminal Justice or Interior Design, with possible minors in Psychology or Theatre. She is looking at either Howard University, Brown University, and Alabama State University.
Favorite quotes:
- “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day.” — Psalms 46:5
- “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” — Malcolm X
Isiah Andrew Gilbert
Dream: To become a biochemistry researcher focused on decreasing health disparities
Parents: Joe and Michele Gilbert
School: University School ‘24
Isiah is a senior AP Scholar with Distinction at University School where he has served for two years on the Executive Board of the Pembroke Society. Receiving high honors each year, Isaiah supplemented his coursework as an Anderson Scholar in Science. His research agenda received funding when he was named a Strnad Research Fellow of Creativity.
During the past three summers, Isaiah was chosen by the Scientific Enrichment and Opportunity Program/Youth Engaged in Science program at Case Western Reserve University to study DNA nanostructures and genomic mutations related to cancer.
Additionally, Isaiah received a scholarship to attend Cornell University’s CATALYST Summer Academy Program.
As the sole African American student in most of his science experiences, Isaiah vowed to ensure more kids that look like him would have opportunities like his. Isaiah has volunteered at Family Promise of Greater Cleveland, bringing science experiments to children at the shelter. He raised over $2,500 to support these efforts. Committed to service, Isaiah also is a Student Board Member on the Daniel W. LoPresti ‘03 Philanthropic Board.
Isaiah has been a member of Cleveland Jack and Jill for nine years. He has served on the teen executive board as Foundation Chair and Sergeant at Arms. He attended Teen Leadership conferences in St. Louis and Columbus.
Isaiah plans to earn a doctorate in Biochemistry. As a College Board National African American Recognition Award Recipient, Isaiah has received several scholarships and is currently in the process of deciding where he will take his talents this fall.
Favorite motto: “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
Logan Jay Griffin
Ambition: To become a psychiatrist
Parents: Shawn and Sanee Griffin
School: Walsh Jesuit ‘24
Logan is a student athlete who has participated in both varsity track and varsity football for Walsh Jesuit High School for three years. He is the president of the Student Across Culture Club, formerly known as the Diversity Club. He also belongs to the Wellness Club which focuses on the mental health of the student body and the Sketch Club, where he had a creative story published. He was invited to be part of the Senior Leadership Council and the Arrupe Leadership Summit where student leaders at other Jesuit schools convene and discuss best practices used in their school communities. He has been inducted into of the National Chinese Honor Society.
Throughout high school Logan has volunteered at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to serve his local community.
Logan has been an active member of Cleveland Jack and Jill since 2017, including being on the executive board for two years serving as chaplain and sergeant at arms. He has enjoyed attending the Teen Leadership Conferences.
Logan has traveled abroad to the Caribbean, Italy, France, and Spain. He looks forward to continued exploration of different cultures and to further studies in the Chinese Language.
While his college choice has not been finalized; Logan plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.
Favorite quote: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Kourtney David Alan Isham
Ambition: To become a successful sports broadcaster
Parents: Alan and Kelley Isham
School: Berea Midpark ‘24
Kourtney is a dedicated leader and high-achieving student with a passion for sports broadcasting and media production. He is an active contributor and co-host of the school’s daily morning announcements program.
Kortney has been a member of Cleveland Jack and Jill since 2011 and currently serves as Vice President of the Teen Group for the chapter.
Kortney serves as the Treasurer for Top Teens of American, is the Sergeant at Arms for Top Teens of America, Area V. and is a member in good standing of the NAACP.
Kortney was selected as a Leadership Academy participant where he was able to showcase his exceptional leadership skills and commitment to making a positive impact in our community.
In his free time Kortney enjoys playing basketball, gaming, and cooking. Kortney is an avid sports fan and a proud Browns fan. He recently tried his hand at scuba diving and looks forward to achieving his open water diving certificate this summer.
As a part of the gaming community Kortney has designed and hosted the social media presence for multiple gamers and social media influencers.
Beyond his academic and extracurricular achievements, Kortney is known for his integrity and genuine desire to uplift and empower others. Kortney consistently goes above and beyond to lend a helping hand to those in need, embodying the true spirit of leadership and community service. Over the past several years Kortney has volunteered with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Ronald McDonald house and Habitat for humanity.
Kortney is a member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.
Kortney plans to enroll this fall at Bowling Green State University where he expects to pursue a career in sports broadcasting.
Favorite quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Mira Alanyia Martin
Ambition: To become an international businesswoman and advocate for underrepresented nations in the global market
Parents: Marques A. Martin and Meliha M. Martin
School: Columbus School for Girls ‘24
Mira has lettered and starred in track and cross country all four years of her high school career. This year she set the school record for cross country and placed third in the Ohio High School Athletic Association regional meet. She placed first in the New Albany Classic and the Columbus Viking Invitational.
In addition to sports, Mira is secretary of the Beauty of African American Culture Club, a leadership fellow at the Leadership Center, and a member of student council.
During the summer of her freshman year in 2020, Mira had the opportunity to be an intern for Chief US Bankruptcy Court Judge Jessica Price Smith [midwest regional treasurer of Jack and Jill].
Mira has also served as an intern with the Center of Healthy Families at the Black Girls’ and Young Women’s Collective from 2021 to 2022. Beyond sports and academics, Mira has volunteered with Meals on wheels, Columbus School for Girls blood drive and Girls on the Run throughout high school. She was selected as student diplomat for the student diplomacy group where she traveled to Italy to study culture and language. In her free time, she enjoys journaling, spending time with family and friends, and listening to music.
Mira plans to attend Howard University as a student-athlete in cross country and track and field while majoring in International Business with a minor in Spanish.
Favorite quotes:
- “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own." — Audre Lorde
- “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” ― Maya Angelou
Kendall Ann Massey
Ambition: to become a lawyer
Parents: Quinton John Massey and Sherrie Clayborne Massey
School: Twinsburg High School ‘24
Kendall has excelled academically earning membership in both the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. She serves on the Interact Rotary Club and the Principal Advisory Board. Outside the classroom she played volleyball and ran track.
Kendall’s true passion is dance. She has been dancing since she was 3 ½ years old and is an Elite Competitive Dancer in the genres of lyrical, hiphop, and contemporary dance. Kendall also loves ballet and ballroom.
Kendall has been a member of Jack and Jill Erie Shores chapter since it was chartered in November 2018. She has served on the Executive Board as the Teen Chaplain, Legislative Chair, Editor, and Parliamentarian.
Kendall has served her community by helping children with summer reading at the Twinsburg Library and volunteering with the Courtney Jones Care and Cure Foundation.
Kendall plans to attend The Ohio State University and plans to major in Political Science before going law school.
Favorite quote : “Discomfort is a catalyst for growth.” — Unknown
Andrew Robert Merritt
Ambition: To become marketing manager for a sports team
Parents: Michael Merritt and Brittany Shatteen-Merritt
University School ‘24
Andrew is engaged in extracurricular affairs as an executive board member of The Pembrooke Society, FOCUS, and the Sports Medicine Club. During his academic years, he has also found a passion for writing, photography, and sketching.
Andrew was a member of the University School soccer and football teams. He has excelled in track and field where he is a 4-year letterman and captain of the 2023-2024 varsity team. He is the school record holder in the 60-meter dash, long jump relay, 4x100, 4x200, and among the school leaders in the long jump, 100-meter dash, and the sprint medley relay.
Andrew was born into Jack and Jill of America and will follow his relatives as the next legacy member when he graduates. Throughout the years, Andrew has learned the value of serving his community and has enjoyed attending the Teen Leadership Conference for the past three years
Andrew plans to major in marketing and continue his track and field career at the Division I collegiate level.
Favorite quote: “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.” — John Wooden
Nia Kalimah Murray
Ambition: To become a pediatric surgeon helping to diagnose and heal childhood diseases and illness.
Presenters: Aunt and Uncle Lavone and Hassan Lee.
School: Campus International High School ‘24
Nia is an honor student with a cumulative 3.7 GPA. She is also co-captain of her track team and is a sprinter and cross-country athlete. She has earned first, second and third place titles in the 100, 200, and 400 meter dashes, as well as the 1600M relay. She is also a member of the swim team.
In addition to sports, Nia is vice president of student council and an active member of the environmental club.
Nia is a member of Upward Bound at Case Western Reserve University and a participant in Leading Ladies Inc., an organization that empowers teen girls to reach their greatest potential. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese after four years of study, Nia is now learning French.
Nia is also a member of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) which provides a world class preparation for university life and beyond. IBDP is an international qualification into higher education accepted by universities around the world. When Nia is not on the field or serving in leadership you can find her playing the cello, a pastime she has cultivated the past few years.
Nia likes to spend time volunteering with her grandmother's gardening projects at the Coit Road Farmers Market and in her own backyard.
Nia would love to attend Columbia University for pre-med.
Favorite quote: “From success, you learn absolutely nothing. From failure ad setbacks conclusions can be drawn. That goes for your private life as well as your career.” — Niki Lauda
Robert Thomas
Ambition: To live in a world where a culture of service thrives with more individuals engaging in altruistic acts and dedicating themselves to supporting and uplifting each other.
Parents: Robert Thomas and Shenise Johnson Thomas
School: Shaker Heights HS ‘24
Robert Thomas, fondly known as RJ, is a solid member of the basketball team, where he regularly exhibits his leadership skills both on and off the court.
Robert aspires to become a skilled physical therapist assisting individuals achieve their utmost physical potential notwithstanding any challenge they may face.
Robert actively participates in various organizations and clubs and has an extensive portfolio of volunteer work at youth sports camps, guiding aspiring young athletes towards greatness. He plays a crucial role in supporting school recruitment efforts, representing his school as a passionate ambassador.
Robert has been an active member of Cleveland Jack and Jill for more than seven years, participating in a variety of activities and honing his leadership skills at the annual Teen Leadership Conference.
A devout member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, he is poised to attend Hilbert College in Buffalo, NY this fall, intent on majoring in physical therapy.
His guiding motto, drawn from Ephesians 6:10, encapsulates his belief in finding strength in the Lord's power as he continues his journey towards making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Olivia Ruth Thornton
Ambition: To become an electrical engineer and designer who weaves entrepreneurship, engineering, and advocacy into her own engineering and design firm specializing in the needs of communities of color.
Parents: Dr. Daryl Thornton and Dr. Julia Gore Thornton
School: Hathaway Brown School ‘24
Olivia has attended HB since preschool, thriving academically, and receiving high honor roll recognition every semester of high school. She also received the National African American Recognition Award from the College Board which also recognized her as an AP Scholar.
During high school, Olivia partnered to create a new student organization “Students Stand Up”, a club to educate, empower, and establish change related to gun violence in schools. She received the 2023 Salute to Excellence Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for this program and is currently completing a Strnad Independent Study Fellowship in Creativity to create a curriculum that empowers school communities to combat gun violence through a combination of hosting informational events and increasing awareness of proposed legislation related to gun violence.
Beyond the traditional curriculum at her school, Olivia is completing a Global Scholars fellowship (including a senior year thesis paper and school trips to Zambia and New Orleans), an Innovation, Design, Engineering, and Art (IDEA) fellowship and a Visual Arts fellowship. She is co-chair of the Hathaway Brown Carnival Committee which organizes an annual fundraiser and community engagement event and has been a member of the track and tennis teams.
Outside of high school, Olivia participated in the 2023 Global Summer Learning Institute through LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) at the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering. The two-week program culminated in the creation of a group project in the national LEADing for Life Challenge.
Olivia’s team project involved improving access to mental health services for adolescents and young adults using artificial intelligence. The team won first place following their presentation in Atlanta.
Olivia has been a member of the Cleveland Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. since 2011. She currently serves as Teen President. She also has served as Recording Secretary and Community Service Chair. She had the honor of attending the 2023 On the Hill Legislative Summit in Washington, DC. Through this experience, she gained a greater appreciation for the need for active political involvement, and it fueled her passion for gun violence reform legislation. There she met Attorney Ben Crump and had a special surprise visit by Vice President Kamala Harris.
Olivia attends Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. She plans to attend a liberal arts college and major in either Electrical or Design Engineering.
Favorite quote: “We live, we learn, but most importantly, we keep trying.” — Coco Gauff
Andrew (Drew) Kyle Walton
Ambition: To become a successful sports agent or athletic trainer for a pro sports team.
Parents: Robert V. and Cheryl Walton.
School: Shaker Heights HS ‘24
Drew is an honor student in the MacScholars program, member of SGORR [Student Group on Race Relations] and has played trumpet in the marching band since his freshman year. Last year he traveled with the band through northern France and as they performed at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and in several other cities.
Drew has loved being an athlete. Since his sophomore year, he has participated in running track and playing cornerback for the football team, earning varsity letters in both. He is considering playing in college.
Drew was selected and served as a Science for Success teen intern with the Museum of Natural History, where he assisted with project and mission based scientific assignments and educational programs. He is also an active member of the National Society for Black Engineers Jr., (NSBE Jr. Cleveland Chapter) where he participates in hands-on STEM related experiences, competitions, and seminars.
Drew has been a member of Jack and Jill of America member since 2012, when he was a second grader. He enjoyed participating in the 2023 Teen Leadership Conference in Columbus, Ohio In his spare time, Drew likes playing and watching football, playing video games, hanging out with friends and listening to music.
After graduation, Drew plans on furthering his education at either Hampton University or North Carolina A&T and majoring in sports management or engineering.
Favorite quote: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. – Pele
Melanie Summer Walton
Ambition: To become a successful psychologist focusing on the social emotional health of children and young adults.
Parents: Robert V. and Cheryl Walton
School: Shaker Heights HS ‘25
Melanie is a part of Mac Sister Scholars and SGORR. She has also competed in Mock Trial and track and field team,
Melanie currently serves as a student intern with the office of diversity, equity and inclusion. She is most proud of being a Raiderette with the school band for three years running and has accepted the position of captain for her upcoming Senior year. She thoroughly enjoyed her experiences traveling and performing with the marching band as a clarinet player and Raiderette in Paris.
Melanie has trained and performed Jazz, Hip Hop and Modern dance with the Shaker Dance Academy, and performed as a master student with the Beachwood Theater Productions. As a member of Inroads College Links program, Melanie attended the National Career Academy Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in 2023. Some of her community service includes volunteering at the Thea Bowman Center and The Avenue Rehabilitation Center. She is active with the Xinos, the youth organization of the National Education Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
Melanie has been a member of Jack and Jill of America since she was in the first grade. Melanie loves dancing, baking, and socializing with family and friends. She plans to study neuroscience.
Favorite quote: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." — Harriet Tubman
Hillary Marina White
Dream: To have a good family and career
Parents: Desmond P. White Sr. and Raquel C. White
School: Brush HS
Hillary is driven by a passion for both academic excellence and community service. Her love of travel, thirst for diverse experiences, and curiosity for new horizons are fertile soil for her pursuit of personal growth.
Hilary has been a charter member of the Jack and Jill Erie Shores Chapter since its inception in 2018. She participates in Leadership AKAdemy, basketball, cheerleading, and gymnastics. She engages her commitment to environmental causes through involvement in the recycling club, where she works to foster awareness about pressing environmental issues.
Beyond the classroom and extracurriculars, Hillary remains a staunch advocate for a strong work ethic, a principle that permeates every aspect of her life. Her unwavering determination and commitment to success are not just personal values but guiding principles that shape her journey towards a bright and impactful future.
Hillary aspires to attend the University of Cincinnati and focus on business administration.
Favorite Motto: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Tyler Otto Williams
Ambition: To be an inspiration to future generations
Parents: Terry O. Williams and Kandis A. Williams
School: Shaker Heights HS ‘25
Tyler’s high school career to date has seen him participate in a variety of activities, including freshman football, marching and concert band, Shaker’s Student Group on Race Relations (SGORR), and Shaker’s Bridges program as an academic mentor in AP History.
Tyler played trumpet in the marching band that traveled to France in 2023 where they performed in many cities including Paris. His academic achievements led him to be recognized every year by Shaker’s MAC Scholars (Minority Achievement Committee) program. Tyler is a leader, hard worker, and innovator with the drive and compassion to be a change agent for good. Given his entrepreneurial spirit, he has been working since the age of 15 to independently fund his dreams and interests. In his free time, Tyler enjoys drawing, exercising, listening to music, and traveling to new places.
Tyler has been a member of Jack and Jill Cleveland since 2020.
Tyler plans to pursue a double major in Business and Graphic Design to lay the groundwork for his career.
Favorite quote: “The greatness of a man is not how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” — Bob Marley
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