By: Erica Fatima
The Big! The Bold! The Black! The Gold! Living up their legacy namesake—the great human rights leader, Frederick Douglass, the graduating class of 2016 has garnered many accolades. From achievements in the arts, academics, athletics and community service the Douglass Astros’ accomplishments are outstanding. Here are just a few highlights:
This year’s senior class honors tradition in community service and togetherness. In addition to thousands of hours of community service, the senior body also attended the Universoul Circus together as a class. The Astros have an amazing Eagle Scout in their midst with Marcus Stokes! And the 170 Douglass graduates have earned over $3,077,304.00 in scholarships!
Their Valedictorian and Salutatorian are amazing students, representing the brightest and best at Frederick Douglass High School. Meet Valedictorian, Samia C. Clark:
Armed with a 4.0 grade point average, Samia is honored to be a Ben S. Carson Scholar, Carter G. Woodson Legacy Scholar, Georgia Certificate of Merit Recipient, U.S. Presidential Scholar and Miss Black & Gold (2015-2016). She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club and recipient of the Coach’s Award – Varsity Cheerleading (2012-2014), Miss Varsity Cheerleader (2014-2015) and Captain’s Award – Varsity Cheerleading (2014-2015). She believes her entire educational experience has been a milestone in discovering her capabilities and strengths.
When asked what is her most memorable high school moment, Samia smiles as she fondly recalls her days as an underclassmen. “In awe I watched the upperclassmen navigate the rigors of high school academics while participating in sports and other activities and managing to have a social life,”—she gleaned from them the art of time management.
In the future Samia plans to attend Howard University and double major in Business Administration and Chemistry. Samia aspires to become a Pharmacist in a children’s hospital. What she considers most important throughout her journey is that she has proven to herself that she is competitively intelligent. Samia lives by the adage: “Failure is not an option.”
Frederick Douglass’ Salutatorian Breasya Jenkins, a brilliant scholar and leader in the top ten percent of her class with a 3.9 grade point average, is the Battalion Commander of the ASTRO Battalion of Junior Reserve Training Corps (JROTC).
In this role, Breasya was instrumental in the JROTC Program receiving the Honor Unit with Distinction Award during their annual formal inspection. Her peers also voted her as Miss Ninth Grade and Miss Frederick Douglass High School. “By any means necessary” is the quote Breasya embodies as she continues to work hard inside the classroom and in her school community. Breasya has received numerous awards and recognitions by the National Honor Society, National Beta Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Cadet Command Legion of Valor Bronze Cross and Superior Cadet Award (2nd Award) to name a few.
Breasya says her favorite moment in high school was when she joined the dance team in her sophomore year. “I love dancing! It makes me happy and relieves stress; being on a team and learning to accept others helped me grow as a person.”
After earning a degree in Biology from the University of Georgia, Breasya plans to become a doctor.
Check out the Douglass Astros Twitter feed to see more amazing highlights @apsDouglassHigh
Congratulations Frederick Douglass Graduates, You Make Us #APSSTRONG!
Read about all of the outstanding APS Valedictorians and Salutatorians: 2016_Vals-Sals_Bios and Photos
Talk Up APS 
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