![From left: Emily Igwike, Zindzi Frederick, and Jordan Thomas]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1662039140/usmk12org/e5qqhugqkdx3ewctmfpy/DSC02590_WR.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1662039140/usmk12org/e5qqhugqkdx3ewctmfpy/DSC02590_WR.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1662039140/usmk12org/e5qqhugqkdx3ewctmfpy/DSC02590_WR.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1662039140/usmk12org/e5qqhugqkdx3ewctmfpy/DSC02590_WR.jpg","width":1000}])
Three University School of Milwaukee students have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. Emily Igwike, Zindzi Frederick, and Jordan Thomas (pictured, from left) each received the National African American Recognition Award based on their academic achievements in school and beyond.
Through the National Recognition Programs, underrepresented students earn academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process.
All three individuals are exceptional students and contribute to the USM community in a variety of ways. As members of USM’s Black Student Union, Frederick, Igwike, and Thomas all participated in a panel discussion last year in which they shared their personal experiences of being Black students at USM. Thomas earned a Regeneron Biomedical Award at the 2022 Badger State Science and Engineering Fair and participated in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and Igwike won a national silver medal in the Scholastic Art & Writing competition for poetry in 2022.
“We’re thrilled that our students have earned this recognition,” said Interim Head of Upper School Dr. Gina Haughton. “We are proud of them for all of their accomplishments and it is an honor to have them represent USM. Their efforts and sacrifices will help them achieve success both at USM and in their lives after graduation.”
Students who may be eligible have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.
“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”
- JEDI