Albany State University Bound! Douglass High School Seniors Receive On-Site College Acceptance and Book Scholarships

By: Alicia Sands Lurry

For Frederick Douglass High School senior Jazmond Cameron, going to college is a dream come true. Not only will Jazmond soon become the first in her family to graduate from high school, this proud, college-bound student is headed to her dream school – Albany State University.

Now, thanks to the generosity of Albany State University president Arthur Dunning and his wife, Karen Baynes-Dunning, Jazmond won’t be the only Douglass Astro headed to ASU this fall.

During a special ASU college and scholarship presentation ceremony on March 29, 35 of Jazmond’s classmates were admitted to the historically Black university, with each receiving book scholarships totaling more than $17,000. Following the ceremony, representatives offered on-site acceptance to students who met admissions criteria.

Douglass Principal Dr. Ellis Duncan said college acceptance and the book scholarships help provide the students with endless opportunities to succeed.

“This is an excellent position for our students,” said Dr. Duncan. “It gives them an opportunity to go to college and further their education, and it exposes them to every opportunity possible, both college and career.”

In addition to book scholarships and on-site admissions, Douglass seniors were also provided with an admissions overview. During the presentation, Walker shared ASU’s commitment to supporting and nurturing students. Among its many features, ASU offers small class sizes; peer tutoring; an advising center; Greek organizations; associates, bachelor’s, master’s and specialist’s programs; and Division II athletics, as well as a summer bridge program to help students prepare for a successful transition to college.

“We’re a small university with a big university feel,” Walker said students. “We are here for you. We are here to help you, and we’re willing to work with students who have diverse academic backgrounds.”

Jazmond said she’s grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to attend college.

“I didn’t think I could get into college, and I thank everyone for this opportunity and for believing in me” said Jazmond, who plans to major in social work and minor in broadcast journalism. “I’ve had a lot of help along the way, and I’m glad they were willing to work with me.”