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Features
Young Dancer Receives Scholarship To Attend Alvin Ailey Summer Program
High School Senior Accepted At West Point Academy
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Recently, African American male high school students have been the subject of much contro- versy. Educators are attempting to find ways to improve the graduation rate among this segment of the student population.
However, while dropping out may seem to be the latest trend, it is by no means all inclusive. One young man who attends Steinbrenner High School refuses to be stereotyped. Brandon Johnson is an honor student with a 5.495 grade point average. And after he graduates in May, he will become a cadet at the West Point United States Military Academy.
Brandon, who has an older sister, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry (Amy) Johnson. Some of the organizations that Brandon is a member of include Men of Vision, the National Honor Society, and Bible-Based Fellowship of Carrollwood.
Brandon’s father said the family learned that Brandon had been accepted at West Point about a month ago. “He had the Air Force Acad- emy and West Point on his radar. He doesn’t show a lot of emotions, but when he learned that he had been accepted into West Point, he was all smiles.”
Johnson said, “I’m former military myself and I’m elated about his being accepted. I told his son that whatever path he decided to take, he needs to be a leader.”
When asked if Brandon is following in his footsteps, Johnson said, “He is very studious and I believe he has his own path carved out.
Brandon Johnson is shown displaying his let- ter of acceptance to West Point Military Acad- emy. He will report on July 20th.
When he begins at West Point, he will major in Military intelligence. If he keeps his commitment and keep his grades up, Brandon will graduate as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Army.”
In addition to his educational attributes, Ross Anderson, founder of Men of Vision, said, “Brandon is an excellent baseball player and has been scouted for several major colleges and university. He is the overall secretary for Men of Vision and I’m very proud of his accom- plishments.”
....In one of her dance positions
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
$3,000 is needed for housing during the Sum- mer Program.
Adia Hollist, a 10th grader at Howard W. Blake High School, Dance Dept., learned recently that she has been accepted into the Alvin Ailey Intensive Summer Dance Program, Level B. “Your performance at the au- dition won you a scholarship which is valid for the 2015 summer term,” the letter from the Junior Division of the Ailey School stated.
The initial fees for the In- tensive Summer Program have been paid, however, $3,000 more is needed for housing at Fordham Univer- sity. The summer program runs from June 29, 2015 through July 31, 2015.
Adia started dancing at the age of 3 in the Chocolate Nutcracker, and this past sea- son, played the role of Princess Zola in the pro- duction’s new name, Family Blessing.
At Blake, Adia is an honor roll student in the Dual En- rollment and advance place- ment classes. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and Na- tional Honor Society for Dance Arts. At her church, Holsey Temple CME Church, she is active in the Youth Min- istry, Choir and Ushers.
Adia has received numer-
ous accolades and has volun- teered many hours at charita- ble organizations.
“My future goal is to be- come a professional dancer and one day open dance schools for less fortunate kids,” Adia explained. “I have a passion for dance and I hope in the future to be able to help other kids like me see that dance is for everyone.”
If she is given the opportu- nity, Adia says she will share her experience in New York with other kids and help to mentor them.
Anyone wishing to donate to Adia’s effort to attend the Intensive Summer Program at Alvin Ailey School, may send donations to: Howard W. Blake School of the Arts, Dance Department, 1701 N. Boulevard, Tampa 33607. Checks should be made out to Blake Dance Dept., with Adia Hollist/Alvin Ailey on the memo line.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 3