When a metro Atlanta student wins the AJC Cup, it means they're going places. For these 10 students, that place is a historically black college or university. Atlanta's next generation of leaders chose HBCUs mostly around the South and East, matching other AJC Cup winners.
Jayla Neal, Stephenson High School — Alabama A&M University. Jayla, who is listed as deciding between A&M and Georgia Southern, was praised by her teachers. They said she excels in the classroom, sports and extracurriculars. She plans to study engineering.
Mahalia Holt, Benjamin Banneker High School — Alabama State University. Mahalia won the AJC Cup because of her "diligence and strong will to reach her goals." She plans to studio biology (premed).
Timothy Heyward, Booker T. Washington High School — Albany State University. Timothy earned the AJC Cup award for his outstanding community service and academics. He has more than 8,000 hours of community service balanced with a 3.4 GPA. He plans to study prelaw.
Kelsey Carson, Martin Luther King Jr. High School — Albany State University. Kelsey was described as a student who "stands above the rest" through her "leadership in fine arts, athletics and academics." She will study physical therapy and forensic science.
Mya C. Schofield, Langston Hughes High School — Hampton University. Mya was selected for the AJC Cup for being "well-rounded, ambitious, self-motivated and driven." She will major in business administration.
Sydney Ragland, Benjamin E. Mays High School — Howard University. Syndey is a "leader amongst her peers," someone who "carries herself" with dignity" while succeeding in and out of the classroom. Her planned major is not listed.
Jayla D. Ross, Pebblebrook High School — Lincoln University. Jayla has excelled in the classroom with a 4.157 GPA and out of the classroom in sports and extracurriculars. She will major in business management with a minor in informational technology.
Miles Rucker, Lithia Springs High School — North Carolina A&T State University. School faculty who know Miles praise him as someone "kind," "considerate" and "an outstanding young man." He plans to study mechanical engineering.
Kiara Aliyah Huff, Westlake High School — Spelman College. Kiara impressed her teachers with her "aggressiveness, creativity, determination and ability," all while managing a "rigorous" academic workload. She will major in biology.
Hope Renee Scruggs, Columbia High School — Tuskegee University. Hope, the president of her school's student government association, excelled in school as someone who "consistently assumes leadership responsibilities." She plans to study mathematics and secondary education.
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