Jamaican | Howard University

John Tucker, the son of ShaDay Kelley and John Tucker, is an 18-year-old student who is a native of Wilmington, Delaware. As of now, he is a full-time student at Howard University pursuing his bachelor's degree in Computer Science. He plans to follow a career inside the tech industry specializing in software development as he explores college and the opportunities in front of him.

John’s ethnicity is Jamaican, which stems from his mother’s side of the family. He takes pride in his ethnicity and strives to represent them well as he grows alongside others. Also, he wants to inspire students of differing Caribbean ethnicities to pursue the best possible education. As education is key in the path toward any career one may become passionate of.

John is very appreciative of the opportunity the Trinidad and Tobago Cultural Association of Delaware has awarded him. This in mind, he will never forget how this organization has pushed him farther to reaching his educational goals.

Trinidadian | Spelman College

Elise Sampson, the daughter of Sean and Shaunda Sampson, is a first-generation Trini-American, as well as a first-generation college student on her father's side. Elise is a freshman at the illustrious Spelman College, pursuing a degree in Political Science with a concentration in urban studies and public administration. Elise plans to pursue a career in public policy with aspirations of becoming a government official.

As a high school student, Elise served on both the state and district level Board of Education as a student representative. In this role, Elise was able to advocate for the student’s voice in various matters.

In addition to her role on the Board of Education, Elise also founded the first Black Student Union at Smyrna High School. This initiative sparked many other opportunities not only within her school but within the larger Delaware community.

In the summer of 2021, Elise, along with her colleagues in the Delaware Black Student Coalition helped advocate for House Bill 198. This bill mandates that Black History be taught in public Schools K-12.

Haitian | Northeastern University

Son of Julian and Karen White, Justin is of Haitian descent. He is a freshman at Northeastern University, majoring in Management Information Systems (MIS) and is a participant in Northeastern’s Global Engagement Program (GEP) in which he is currently located in London, England. Justin graduated from Newark Charter High School (NCS) with a cumulative grade point average of 4.4, while remaining active in several extra-curricular activities including member and 2-time captain of the boy’s high school varsity basketball team, member of the NCS Chapter of the National Honor Society, member of the NCS Chapter of the Spanish National Honor Society, and the Multicultural Club. Justin’s hobbies include basketball, video games and exercise training.

Haitian | University of Delaware

Daughter of Julian and Karen White, Kristen is of Haitian descent. She is currently a freshman at the University of Delaware majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Child Psychology, which combines two of her areas of passion. Kristen graduated from Newark Charter High School with a cumulative grade point average of 3.9, where she ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, was voted captain of the cross-country team and was Diversity Lead for the Multicultural Club. Upon graduation from university, Kristen plans on becoming an early childhood education teacher in schools that serve children of color and to mentor young girls. Her hobbies include painting, baking and hair and makeup styling.

Grenadian | University of Pittsburgh

Malcolm McLaurin is the son of Karen and Phillip McLaurin and is of Grenadian descent. He attends the University of Pittsburgh as a Computer Science major and is already an active member within the college community. He is involved with the following groups: Pitt CS Club, Games.edu, and Pitt Cybersecurity Club. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Malcolm plans on pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science. Malcolm attended Sanford School where he took AP Computer Science courses and participated in the Science Olympiad, the service club, and as the leader of the chess team. He enjoys coding and developing apps in his free time, as well as playing chess. Malcolm has been building on his coding skills since middle school and participates in hackathons (coding competitions) amongst his peers. Currently, he is developing two apps: a 2D role-playing game called Nexus and a strategy chess-like game called Paper Chess.

Bajan | Pomona College

Amanda Eric is the daughter of Marina Shillingford, of Barbados. She graduated from Caesar Rodney High School’s (CRHS) Class of 2021, and is a first-year student at Pomona College in Claremont, CA. She held the following pivotal positions throughout her time at Caesar Rodney High School: National Honor Society President, Class of 2021 Vice President, Co-Founder and inaugural President of Caesar Rodney’s Black Student Union, 3 year Varsity Volleyball player, and student representative of the hiring panel for the Equity and Diversity Position at CRHS. Additionally, she helped co-found an advocacy organization called the Delaware Black Student Coalition. She assisted in the development and signing of House Bill 198 which mandated an in-depth Black History Curriculum that explores the bounty between the past and present Pan-African Black experience in all K-12 DE school districts. Amanda would not be the young woman she is today without the “village” that supported, mentored, and motivated her.

Guyanese | Delaware State University

Nathaniel London is the son of Nigel London and Simone Douglas and is of Guyanese descent. Nathaniel attends Delaware State University as a Math Education major. He plans to become a Math Teacher for young adults in either the high school or post-secondary settings. During his time at St. George’s Technical High School, Nathaniel gravitated to trades in the STEM field and selected Graphic Design. In his spare time, using his natural talents in math, he would tutor for friends and other peers. Nathaniel has received high scores on the state standardized math tests, which qualified him for a STEM Expo tournament that he placed in. His academic achievements earned him a full ride for all four years at Delaware State University.

Caribbean | Nichols College

Mallan Myrie is the son of Carole Morris and Mallan Myrie Sr. He graduated Concord High School where he played varsity football and was captain of the Lacrosse Junior Varsity team. Mallan was Head Host of Concord High School's Radio Station and a participant in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. Mallan was an active member of the Walnut Street YMCA's Black Achievers Program and served as a lobbyist for the YMCA's Youth and Government Program. For four years, Mallan performed with the Cathedral Choir School of Delaware which provided me with professional musical training as well as leadership development skills.

In the Fall, Mallan will be attending Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts pursuing a major in Marketing and a minor in Civic Leadership & Politics. He has a professional interest in ultimately becoming the next successful business mogul in advertising. Mallan’s primary objective in life is to enjoy a career that offers a total balance in my life.

Dominican | Delaware Technical Community College

Anabell Arias Rosario is the daughter of Rafael Arias and Fabia Rosario Caraballo. She was born in the Dominican Republic and migrated to the USA at the age of 12. She graduated from Milford High School where she joined the National Honor Society and participated in community service projects. Currently, she is attending Delaware Technical Community College majoring in Human Services. Anabell is passionate about helping people. She believes that society should unite and uplift those that are trying to succeed in life. She is keen to the fact that there are under privileged people going through tough situations every day that do not have access to resources or support systems. Anabell has a desire to specialize in helping those people by providing hope of better days and new beginnings. Her ultimate goal is to develop her communication skills in the English language and make an impact in the Human Services field. In her spare time, she likes to make new friends, explore new places and environments.

Guyanese | The University of Delaware

Goodwin K. Cobb V is the son of Goodwin K. Cobb IV and Maria D’Aguiar Cobb of Guyanese descent. He is a freshman at The University of Delaware with a major in Mechanical Engineering and is a Grand Challenges Scholar. Goodwin’s a certified lifeguard and lacrosse referee. He graduated from Newark Charter High School with a 3.85 GPA. Among his many accolades, Goodwin initiated a new chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) organization and was an Ambassador for the Delaware Foundation for Reaching Citizens with Intellectual disAbilities (DFRC). Goodwin was Captain of the Wrestling, Lacrosse and Swimming teams and earned 15 Varsity Letters. He was a Delaware History Day State Champion receiving 1st place for his Cuban Missile Crisis video, a Band Officer President, a trombone player in Concert and Marching Band, a Multicultural Club member, and both a National Honors Society and National Spanish Honors Society Member.

Trinidadian | University of New Haven

Robert Shand is the son of Eden Shand and Mary Schorse. Currently, he is a freshman at the University of New Haven, majoring in Music and Sound Recording. He is in the Honors Progam at the University and marching band. He was also accepted into the 4+1 program and intends to complete his studies at New Haven with an MBA. He moved to Newark, Delaware, from Trinidad, when he was 6, and attend schools in the Christina and Red Clay School Districts. He is a proud graduate of Cab Calloway School of the Arts.

Aruban & St. Thomian | Southern Connecticut State University

Dominique is the youngest daughter of Monique and Terrence Dickenson of Aruba and St. Thomas. As a child, her parents taught her the importance of family and spending time together. Dominique is an accomplished athlete and leader in her church. She competed on the international stage as a Gymnast for more than 10 years. She recently graduated from Mot Charter High School, where she excelled and challenged herself by taking AP and honor’s courses. Currently, Dominique is attending college at Southern Connecticut State University where she is a part of the Honors program, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish and Biology and hopes to become a Sports Physician. Dominique has grown more and more interested in diversity and inclusion, and the lack thereof. At college she hopes to be a part of organizations that celebrate Caribbean heritage to learn more about her culture and ethnicity. In the future, Dominique plans to create her own organization that will focus on providing aid and relief to countries in the Caribbean. Though this is very ambitious, Dominique believes that with the help of God and the right support system she will be able to accomplish these goals.

Trinidadian | Roanoke College

Annaya is the daughter of Ayanna and Akinola Osinuga, Trinidadian and Nigerian immigrants respectively. Annaya is a recent graduate of Middletown High School and a current Bio/Chemistry major at Roanoke College in Salem, VA. She wishes to pursue a doctoral degree at Howard University College of Medicine. Throughout high school, Annaya has excelled and enjoyed the sciences as well as being involved in all that her school had to offer, including Marching Band and Cheerleading. In addition to being involved in her school work and activities, Annaya was also heavily involved in community service. Through her high school’s Chapter of the National Honor Society, Annaya was able to gain connections with the town of Odessa, DE and volunteered with them. She also volunteered at the MOT Senior Center. Annaya’s love of community service is what sparked her interest in medicine; she realized that helping people is what she wants to do for the rest of her life.

Jamaican | George Washington University

Mya is a freshman at George Washington University (“GWU”) and a recent graduate of Appoquinimink High School. She is doing a double major in International Affairs and Political Science with a Pre-Law track. Mya is a Jamaican-born immigrant, who has completed most of her secondary education here in the United States. She hopes to further her knowledge on international politics and law through extending her academic career at GWU by going on to its Law School. With this knowledge, Mya’s goal is to work as a Foreign Service Officer for the United Nations or to run for the position of the Prime Minister of Jamaica! Mya has always been interested in international relations and her immigrant background has made her interest even stronger. She is dedicated to her passion for international politics and cannot wait to see what the future holds for her academically and career wise.

Bahamian | University of Delaware

Savio was born in Nassau, Bahamas to parents Lovell McKinney and Sheryl Whylly. He lived in the Bahamas for the first 14 years of his life. This is where he found his passion for music and performance. He played in Marching Bands and various cultural, musical groups. At 15, Savio moved to Wilmington, Delaware and began high school at Freire Charter School. During his 4 years at Freire, Savio obtained high academic achievements by making honor roll. He has also been a member of many clubs and participated in various boards at school. He graduated from Freire receiving the highest award for academic excellence. He was also the first and only recipient of the Freire Founder’s Scholarship. Savio is now a freshman at the University of Delaware majoring in Political Science with a minor in International Politics.

Dominican | Delaware Technical Community College

Dalianny is the daughter of Daly Corporan and Matilde Sanchez. She is a first-generation Dominican immigrant who came to the United States at two years old. She lived in New York for a few years and later moved to Sussex County, Delaware. She has recently graduated from Sussex Technical High School and is currently attending Delaware Technical Community College studying Communications. Dalianny, aspires to be a Professional Screenwriter in the Film industry. The essay Gina wrote for her TTCAD application, “Girl I’m Going to the City!” highlights where she wants to be in life walking the streets of New York embracing her true self and shedding light on the untold stories of the Caribbean.

Trinidadian | University of Southern California

Gina is the daughter of Geoffrey Extavour, Trinidadian and Tammy Extavour from Virginia, USA. She graduated from Appoquinimink High School and currently attends the University of Southern California, pursuing a major in Creative Writing and Journalism with a minor in Fine Arts. In high school, Gina led a colorful academic and social life. By the time she was a senior, Gina had 4 years of Color Guard and Marching Band under her belt. She was also an active member of both the National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. Gina served as the Vice President of Appoquinimink High’s International Club. She first discovered her love for writing in elementary school when she began writing vivacious short stories. Throughout her young adulthood, Gina has continued to write short stories, poems, and novellas. She aspires to one day become a published author to shed light on the unique and untold stories of the Caribbean- American experience.

Trinidadian | North-Eastern University

Taylor is the daughter of Geoffrey & Tammy Extavour, who graduated from Appoquinimink High School and is enrolled at North-eastern University in Boston, majoring in Marine Biology and Political Science. She has benefited from two cultural back-grounds as her father is from Trinidad and her mother is from Virginia. Growing up, she fully embraced both her Trinidadian and Southern African-American heritage. One thing both cultures share and has greatly impacted her being is the value of education and hard work. Taylor has been interested in Marine Biology since childhood where she explored the waters of several Caribbean Islands, including Trinidad & Tobago. Upon graduation from university, Taylor intends to continue with marine and environmental research and to advocate for policies to make the world a more sustainable place to live.

Guyanese | University of Delaware

Monique is the daughter of Keith & Sarah McDougal, who was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware but her parents hail from Berbice and Beterverwagting, Guyana. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and attends the University of Delaware, majoring in Environmental Engineering. Throughout high school, Monique has played field hockey, basketball, and participated in clubs such as “Kick Butt Generation” and Girls Empowered. She has also served as Vice President of for all four year of high school as well as participated in the FAME (Forum to Advance Minority in Engineering) and the LEAP (Leadership Enrichment Arts Program) program. Her hobbies include singing and praise dancing for her church. Monique has visited Guyana every summer until about the age of twelve. In Guyana, she would observe homeless people on the street living in squalid conditions. Seeing these conditions inspired her to become an environmental engineer in hopes of making living conditions better for people, not only in Guyana, but around the world.

Haitian | Villanova University

Kevin is the son of Julian & Karen White of Haitian descent. He is a freshman at Villanova University with a double major in Finance and Business Analytics and was named a St. Thomas of Villanova Scholar (STOVS). He graduated from Newark Charter High School with a cumulative GPA of 4.5. Among his many accolades, Kevin was an inaugural NCHS Student Ambassador, Treasurer of the NCS Chapter of the National Honor Society, a 3-time national qualifier in Business Professionals of America, a 3-time captain of the varsity basketball team, and a 2018 True Patriot Award winner.

Jamaican | Spelman College

Piper-Simone is the daughter of Patrick Casey & Paula Casey. Like her mother, a native Delawarean, Piper-Simone was born and raised in Dover, Delaware. Her father was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica and currently works in the Caesar Rodney School District where Piper –Simone graduated from high school, and became a member of the National Honor Society, played tennis, and won two state titles in doubles. She is a freshman at Spelman College, studying Political Science on the Pre-Law track. Her hobbies include reading, sleeping, and eating.

Guyanese | University of Delaware

Ryan is the son of Balwant & Liloutie Singh, who graduated from Middletown High School not only as the Class of 2018 Salutatorian, but also as a 2018 Secretary of State Scholar and United States Presidential Scholar Nominee. He currently attends the University of Delaware where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace Engineering. He is classified as a sophomore given that he acquired a 24 college credits through Delaware State University’s Early Bird Program and dual enrollment with Delaware Technical Community College. Aside from many academic accolades, Ryan has volunteered and gave back to both his American and Caribbean cultural communities, which include organizing a drive and distributing school supplies to orphanages in Guyana. Ryan intends to be able to give back more someday and he is determined in making his dream a reality.