Being an Honor Roll student every year and receiving the African American Outstanding Achievement Award, it is no wonder that Yaya's high motivation and excellence earned her a full tuition scholarship at Spelman College. Her caring and patient nature helped her through many years as a babysitter and will assist in her plans to pursue a career in pediatrics.

Wendy, an active student, was a member of the softball and field hockey teams as well as SGA and the National Technical Honor Society. Passionate about the medical field, she became a certified nursing assistant and interned at the National Naval Medical Center and Physical Therapy and Sports Assessment Center. She plans on studying health administration and policy in college to improve medical facilities and assist those without health insurance.

As the eldest of four, Muhammed is often looked to as the role model for his younger siblings. On the sports field, he was a leader of the football and track teams. In recognition of his success in and out of the classroom, he was a recipient of the Paul Robeson Award for Versatility, Martin Luther King, Jr. Citizenship Award, and a Bronze Medal Winner in ACT-SO.

Always on the go, Britney worked a part-time job while playing basketball, soccer, and golf, for which she received various recognitions. Her ability to keep up with classes earned her the MCABSE Community Leader and Minds in Motion Scholar-Athlete Awards. She is an AP Scholar and received a Certificate for both Merit and Meritorious Service.

Self-driven and determined, Valerie is an Honor Roll student and received a Certificate for Merit from the STAR Scholarship Foundation for her academic excellence. She has a true passion for the sciences and aspires to a career in the medical field. At Paint Branch HS, she became a certified nursing assistant and volunteered at Holy Cross Hospital, where she worked with elderly patients.

Brenda is an AP Scholar and played basketball at Wheaton HS, all while being one of the primary caretakers for her five younger siblings and being very involved with her church. She also participated in Project Pipeline at the Univesity of Maryland-College Park, where she was introduced to engineering. During her senior year, she interned at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Brenda hopes to pursue a career in architecture.

A scholar-athlete, Rashida was a member of the Varsity indoor and outdoor track teams, an Honor Roll student, an AP Scholar, and a recipient of the African American Achievement Award. She was also a member of the Asian Culture Club and served as the public relations officer for the African Caribbean Club. She is interested in majoring in political science or international affairs.

Graduating in the top 5% of his class, Yohannes plans to study chemistry or political science in order to help his native country of Ethiopia. He was also the captain of the Varsity tennis team at Wheaton HS and received the MVP of the year award. His academic excellence earned him a paid internship at ASM Educational Center as well as the Alpha Kappa Psi Award.

A member of the National Honor Society, Michael plans to major in bio- chemistry in hopes of one day becoming a radiologist. At Wheaton HS, Michael participated in the production of "High School Musical" and also received the Best Calculus Student Award. Outside of school, Michael spent many hours in service activities with his church's youth group.

As the first in her family to graduate from high school, DeJanét has made her family very proud. She received recognition for her academic work in social studies and French and was awarded the Student-Athlete Award for her academic excellence, while playing Varsity basketball. Wanting to ensure that other students in her community have the opportunity to continue their education, she mentored sixth through ninth graders with the CKA Save Project.

Some of Monica's achievements include receiving the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award and a Certificate of Merit. At Wheaton HS, she became a certified nursing assistant and hopes to study biology in college and become involved with an organization that wants to improve the lives of others, such as Habitat for Humanity.

Lorianne, who is passionate about working with other youths, was a mentor at White Oak Middle School where she helped students with their academic progress and outlook on life. Elected to be the youth leader for her church, she advised and supported members. As an avid reader and the first in her family to graduate from high school, she knows the importance of a good education and helping to guide others.

With over 350 hours of community service, Gabriela has volunteered with organizations such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, and St. Jude Children's Hospital. She also worked with children at Weller Road Elementary School for over four years, which has paved the way for her career goal of working in education. She was also an active student at Wheaton HS involved in Christian Club, National Honor Society, Key Club, and Student Government Association.

A multi-dimensional student, Joanne has excelled in various academic subjects. An AP Scholar with Distinction, she is passionate about art. She participated in the Visual Art Center at Einstein HS, was juried into various local art shows, and awarded Honorable Mention for Distinguished Scholar of Creative and Performing Arts. She was also a member of Key Club and the tennis team.

A creative and energetic leader, Bradley put his abilities to work as captain for the Kennedy HS soccer team, a team leader for Robot Challenge, and project manager for the "Run for Wildlife" fundraiser that benefitted the National Wildlife Federation. He was also a dynamic student as a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Senior Class Board, and Leadership Training Institute Academy.

Selected to participate in the Michelle Obama Mentoring Program, Jackie is a natural leader. She is the recipient of the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership and Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards and served as captain for the Varsity basketball, field hockey, and softball teams. She is well on her way to pursuing her goal of becoming a diplomat.

Passionate about working with children, Ngoc established a new tutoring program at Springbrook HS. She served as the president for Asian Culture Club, scholarship chair for National Honor Society, and was a member of the math team. For her academic excellence, she received honorable mention from the Maryland Distinguished Scholar Program.

An AP Scholar, Nancy maintained a high level of academic success while being very involved in her school community. She was a member of the Asian, African Caribbean, Chemistry, and French Clubs. She also played basketball and badminton. In college, she is looking forward to studying abroad and expanding her cultural knowledge.

Kimberly has been an Honor Roll student since middle school. At Walter Johnson HS, she participated in the Minority Scholars Program, Hispanic Club, Black Student Union, and track and field team. As a teacher's aide, she enjoyed working with students one-on-one in Algebra I and hopes to major in a math-related field that will also allow her to help others.

Phung was vice president for his senior class, National Honor Society, and Student Government Association. He also enjoyed playing a role in Wheaton HS's production of "High School Musical." His dedication and hard work earned him the Governor's Certificate of Meritorious Service Award with 410 community service hours and the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute internship at NIH.

Kevin earned the Minds in Motion Scholar-Athlete Award for his excellence in both soccer and volleyball. Kevin intends to study business in order to own a construction company that builds innovative homes. His interest in engineering led him to apply and be selecetd for the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) in the Naval Surface Warfare Center-Carderock Division.

Russie has been a spirited student at Wheaton HS, with her involvement in Student Government Association, National Honor Society, morning announcements, and the cheerleading team. Some of her numerous awards include being a National Youth Conference Scholar, Outstanding AP Biology Student, and a Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association Scholar.

Yesenia served as the character chair for the National Honor Society and treasur- er for Spanish Honor Society. She was also a member of the French Honor Society and played softball. She was the recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Youth Award in Business as well as the International Baccalaureate Certificate. She plans to study abroad and major in international studies.

After only being in the U.S. for three years, Mirko was a recipient of the Maryland Distinguished Scholar of Academics Award and a member of the Spanish National Honor Society. As a baseball enthusiast and player, he used his creativity to redesign the team's uniform. Outside of school, he participated in Liberty's Promise programs and was a home improvement worker.

During her four years at Wheaton HS, Anajulia founded the Art Club, Book Club, Wheaton's first news broadcasting station, and the Gay and Straight Alliance. She became a certified nursing assistant and was a Gates Millennium Scholarship finalist. This summer she will be volunteering with Upward Bound's summer program.

José, a member of the French and National Honor Societies, tutored ninth graders and middle school students in math, science, French and Spanish. At Walter Johnson HS, he participated in the Minority Scholars Program, and the Varsity wrestling and track and field teams. José is a recipient of the AP Scholar Award.

Mileyni is a natural caregiver and not only babysits her younger siblings, but has volunteered at the Holiday Park Senior Center for over two years. She was a member of the Varsity softball team and received a black belt in karate. Her awards include the Principal's Distinction, Student-Athlete, National Mathematics and the Distinguished Hispanic Awards. She plans to major in Psychology.

Steven's optimism and drive have helped him stay focused. His many honors include the Excellence in Orchestra Award, the President's Award for Academic Excellence and being named an AP Scholar with Honor. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society and the Math Honor Society. This summer he will be working as a tutor and violin teacher.

Alan is an AP Scholar with Honor and a recipient of the State of Maryland Merit Scholastic Award. He received numerous awards for excellence in sci- ence, mathematics and computers. His spare time is dedicated to writing com- puter programs such as C++ and Java and web design. He is determined to become an Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Programmer.

Rhitu is passionate about dance and has taken ballet, ballroom and hip-hop classes since age 13. As a Cambridge Academy Distinguished Student, National Honor Society member and the Principal's Honor Medal recipient, Rhitu excelled in the highest level courses at her high school. Rhitu also interned in the Bioengineering Department at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Through the Medical Careers Program, Juan became a certified nursing assistant. This summer he traveled to the national SkillsUSA competition, winning 2nd place for medical math. Juan was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, Secretary for the Class of 2010, and a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award for over 360 hours of community service.

Mary Rose is a recognized leader. She has served as Class President throughout high school, as captain of the Varsity field hockey and lacrosse teams, and as president of Key Club. She received the Governor's Top 5% Award and the Meritorious Service Award for outstanding community service. She plans to major in Psychology and then pursue a career as a social worker.

Iris became a member of the National Honor Society while balancing all of her responsibilities at home and a part- time job. She also received the Excellence in ESOL Award. She has served as a teacher's aide, helping sum- mer school students with their home- work. This summer she plans to work, participate in the Early Transition Program at Hollins and obtain her driver's license.

Jose's dream of becoming a scientist doing groundbreaking research was reinforced by his involvement in the Medical Careers Program at Wheaton HS and his summer internship at the National Institutes of Health. However, he first plans to major in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology at Richmond. He received the Governor's Top 5% Award and a Certificate of Merit.

Philemon has been successful in the classroom and on the athletic field. He was a member of both the football and baseball teams, and has earned a black belt in Tae Kwan Do. He has won the Presidential, Alpha Phi Alpha and African American Awards. Last summer, he worked with college students as a Howard University Television Intern. He intends to major in International Relations or Communications.

Proficient in Spanish, French and her native Farsi, Aliyah plans to use her linguistic skills to enhance her education. She hopes to major in International Relations or Political Science and study abroad. During the 2008 presidential elections, she volunteered at the Democratic field office canvassing door-to-door and helping to swing votes. Aliyah also enjoys Latin dance and playing the violin. She was a member of the National Honor Society and received the President's Award for Academic Excellence.

Valeria is an active environmentalist. She participated in Eco-Exist and other environmental clubs and in S.T.E.P., Student Training for Environmental Protection Program, at George Mason University. She also is a member of La Fraternidad Cultural Pachamama, a Bolivian dance troupe. She was Editor-in-Chief of the Paint Branch HS yearbook, which won a publishing award.

As an Honor Roll student, Michell understands the importance of education. In addition to her classroom accomplishments, she is an excellent sportswoman. She played defense on the Varsity soccer team and earned the Minds In Motion Scholar-Athlete Award every year. The past few summers, she has worked as an Assistant Counselor at Camp Sonshine. Michell is interested in working in a health-related field, perhaps as a Registered Nurse. Her optimism and enthusiasm will ensure her success.

As President of B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S at Wheaton HS, Muhammed values contributing to his community. He plans to earn degrees in electrical engineering and business, and he hopes to return to Ethiopia and help strengthen their economy. He earned a Certificate of Merit while excelling in his classes at the Academy of Engineering, and he has interned at the Department of Transportation.

Eduardo has excelled inside and outside the classroom. As an ardent soccer play- er, he was involved in his high school team, which he captained for two years, and in summer leagues. Additionally, he honed his leadership skills as a Lead America Scholar. This summer Eduardo will work at an auto shop, gathering experience as he pursues a career goal of becoming a mechanical or automotive engineer. Eduardo also hopes to play soccer at Randolph-Macon.

Jessica has participated in a variety of activities, including the Knitting and Key Clubs and has served as Vice President of the International Honors Council. She also tutored ninth graders and ESOL students. Jessica earned the Principal's Academic Excellence Award and the Governor's Top 5% Scholastic Award. She will join her older sister, RongZhen (CDI Class of 2009), at College Park and will major in Mathematics.

After successfully completing 11 AP classes, Jennifer was named an AP Scholar with Distinction. She received an award for Applied Science and Engineering from George Washington University, and graduated in the top 5% of her class. Jennifer also devoted considerable time to mentoring a ninth grader, serving as a role model and encouraging her to stay in school. This summer, she will participate in the College Transition Program at Boston College. She is planning to major in Chemistry or Bioengineering.

Lulu is a self-motivated, ambitious and determined student. At Walter Johnson HS, she was President of the Book Club, participated in the Minority Scholar Program and tutored at Tilden Middle School. She interned at the Grassroots Democratic Campaign Office during the 2008 presidential election. She has received the Martin Luther King Citizenship Award and was a Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators (MCABSE) nominee.

Having been in the United States less than three years, Leuk has accomplished an astonishing amount. As Class Salutatorian, Leuk earned the Governor's Top 5% Award, received a Calculus AB award, and was a Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators (MCABSE) nominee. Leuk also participated in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute internship at NIH. In addition to his academic accolades, Leuk works 20 hours a week at a movie theater in downtown Silver Spring.

The oldest of four boys, Mauricio is a great role model for his younger brothers. He graduated with Honor Roll distinction and a Certificate of Merit, balancing school responsibilities with work at the F.Y.E. music store. His love of music extends from classic rock to underground hip-hop. He plans to major in English to focus on writing lyrics and becoming a songwriter.

Rodas, an aspiring mechanical engi- neer, received the Knight of the Month Award for his excellence in the Engineering Academy, was President of the Society of the Young Engineers, and participated in Project Lead the Way. As Vice President of the Key Club, he helped organize fundraising events for the Wheaton community. He has also received the Scholar-Athlete Award and was captain of the Varsity soccer team his junior and senior years.

A member of the National Honor Society, Mahlet became a certified nursing assistant after completing the Medical Careers Program at Wheaton HS. Since birth, Mahlet has been in treatment for her cleft lip and palate, which is why becoming a pediatrician and helping children is her life’s goal.

Diego is a natural leader whose energy and
motivation were evident in his rigorous curriculum, his impact as President of the dance group Latin American Student United (LASU), and his AFLAC internship. He is an AP Scholar and is committed to doing community service, especially working with the elderly. Diego plans to pursue a career in business or accounting.

Samantha’s optimism and energy comes from her passion for learning and the arts. She held leading female roles in plays such as “The Family Guy,” “The Curious George,” and “Summer Brave” at Paint Branch HS. She is also a passionate environmentalist.

At Walter Johnson HS, Hayoung was deeply invested in all her activities, from her role as a violinist in orchestra to her church youth group. She has developed an interest in politics and economics and looks forward to studying these subjects in college.

Since coming to the United States from Honduras, Ana has accomplished a great deal. Ana’s work ethic earned her the Howard HughesMedical Internship at the National Institutes of Health where she did biomedical research on a major stress-related hormone. Ana attends the College of Chemical and Life Sciences at UMD.

As the fourth child in a family with six children, Brian knows how to make his mark which he has done as Key Club Vice President, AP Scholar and as a recipient of the Maryland Governor’s Top 5% Award. Brian was also a Gates Millennium finalist. He wishes to pursue a career as an engineer.

For the past year, Liejo worked at CVS Pharmacy as a technician. At Paint Branch HS, he was a member of the National Honor Society and the Jabba Version 1.5 dance troupe. This summer, he participated in the UMD Academic Achievement Program.

Diana, an AP Scholar with Distinction, has remained on the Honor Roll every quarter in high school. In addition to achieving academic excellence, she is an accomplished cellist, pianist and drummer. She is very active in her church, where she is involved in the youth group, choir and praise band.

Nahum is a charismatic individual devoted to his mother, academics and community service. For his outstanding leadership in high school, he received the Principal’s Award for Most Outstanding Senior. Nahum also received the Superintendent’s Leadership Program Internship with the Department of Economic Development for Maryland.

RongZhen, who dreams of becoming a civil engineer, moved to the United States from China with her family four years ago. She has been on the Honor Roll every year, while actively involved in numerous extracurriculars and a part-time job. She also received the ESOL Outstanding Achievement Award and the Academic Excellence Award for Science.

Michael’s many honors include being named CDI’s first Ron Brown Scholar, winning the GOLD medal for the NAACP SACT-SO competition and the W.E.B. Dubois Award for Academic Excellence, and for being named a National AP Scholar. A scholar-athlete, Michael also played doubles and singles on the Varsity Tennis team at Paint Branch HS.

Anna is not only committed to her academics,
as shown by her selection as Class Valedictorian, but she is also eager to try new things. After receiving an Achievement
Award for Spanish, Anna challenged herself by learning a third language, Chinese. Anna is passionate about mathematics and science and hopes to pursue a career as a pharmacist.

After completing the Medical Careers Program at Wheaton HS, Samantha
became a certified nursing assistant. She also earned an Outstanding Attendance Award and a Certificate of Meritorious Service Award for over 300 hours of community service. This summer Samantha worked as a pharmacy technician at CVS Pharmacy.

Annie is an AP Scholar with Distinction. She was a very active member at her high
school as the concert mistress for the Symphonic Orchestra and All-County Orchestra and a Varsity cheerleader. She has also enjoyed working as a barista at Starbucks and offering private violin lessons to students who were unable to pay for them.

Binh graduated as Class Salutatorian. He also received the Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen’s Public Service Award for his outstanding and invaluable service in educating the community about ecology and his activism on protecting the environment. Binh dreams of becoming an engineer who focuses on “green” innovations.

Kenneshia is only the second in her family to
graduate from high school, following her brother. She plans to major in Psychology and become a counselor in order to help others who are less fortunate. She believes that it is her responsibility to make sure that
everyone is provided with equal opportunities to succeed.

Marco, an AP Scholar with Honor, has dreamed of becoming a mechanical engineer since age 13. He has participated in the Summer College Engineering Experience at the University of Michigan. Marco is the recipient of numerous scholarships, including the Lockheed Martin Foundation Engineers in the Classroom Scholarship and the Bechtel Scholarship. Marco attends the A. James Clark School of Engineering at UMD.

Having been on the Honor Roll for every quarter, Sammy has truly invested in her education. She was nominated and selected for the Howard Hughes Medical Internship at the National Institutes of Health. Sammy also received the Maryland Governor’s Top 5% Award. This summer, she participated in the Rainey Academic Program at the University of Virginia.

Nelson’s dream is to become a physical therapist, and he intends to major in Biology. As a recipient of the Horatio Alger Scholarship, Nelson understands the value of hard work and self-determination. At UMD, Nelson looks forward to engaging his college professors in intellectual dialogue and cheering from the rafters for the Terps.

In addition to her academic excellence and participation in the National Honor Society, Cathy was acknowledged for her dedication to community service, earning a Certificate of Meritorious Service for completing over 300 hours of volunteer work. She was especially committed to her internship as a nursing assistant at the Randolph Hills Nursing Home.

Lealem plans to major in Biology and hopes to become an orthodontist. He interned with the Food and Drug Administration and was enrolled in the Medical Careers Program at Wheaton HS. Influenced by his CDI experience, Lealem’s vision is to start an organization that reaches out to other young men in the immigrant community and share with them the opportunities available in American higher education.

Flavio was named one of the Maryland Governor’s Top 5% Scholars, a tribute to his academic achievements. Flavio dedicates many hours of service to his youth group at St. Catherine’s Laboure Church. A gifted mathematician, Flavio plans to study economics and join the Peace Corps after graduation.

Sasini’s family moved to the United States from Sri Lanka less than 3 years ago. In that short time, she has earned numerous honors, including an internship at the National Institutes of Health, graduating as class valedictorian, and becoming CDI’s first Gates Scholar. She dreams of a career as a scientific researcher or doctor.

Kelly, a member of the National Honor Society, has remained on the Honor Roll every quarter in high school. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant upon completion of the Medical Careers Program at Wheaton HS. Kelly dedicates many hours of service to the Young Apostle Ministry at her church, and enjoys soccer, swimming and lacrosse.

A National AP Scholar, Cristina plans to major in Political Science or International Relations and learn five languages. Through her studies she will explore cultural and political systems in preparation for a career in government or diplomatic service.

Irene’s many honors include the W.E.B. Dubois Award for Academic Excellence, AP Scholar, and county-wide recognition for her community service. Irene starred on the Varsity Soccer and track Teams, and was co-captain of Varsity Basketball. This past summer, she worked as a Pharmacy Technician for CVS Drug Store and aspires to become an obstetrician or gynecologist.

Isel was a leader in the Minority Scholars Program and co-founded the Culture Club at Walter JohnsonHS. A Maryland State Distinguished Scholar, Isel has earned numerous awards, including television recognition for the Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest and Children of Abraham Peace Essay Contest.

Marilyn, a voracious reader, is passionate about learning. She is multi-talented and divides her time between Varsity athletics, community service and art. She hopes to work as a counselor or in a profession where she can be of service to others. Marilyn plans to double major in Latin American Studies and Spanish.

Anita is just as creative as she is intelligent. She is passionate about the performing arts, particularly writing lyrics and reciting poetry. A member of the National Honor Society, Anita has been on the Honor Roll every year since the ninth grade. She plans to major in Biology or Psychology.

Helena plans to major in Biology as an undergraduate. She is a natural caregiver and has been a babysitter for many of her neighborhood’s families, working with the most demanding infants and toddlers. She hopes eventually to work in the health services field so that she can have a career that allows her to care for children.

Wendy is a gifted intellectual who dreams of becoming an aeronautical engineer. A National Hispanic Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society, Wendy also received the Maryland Governor’s Merit Scholastic Award.

Karla, a gifted mathematician, enjoys tutoring her peers, particularly non-native English speakers, because she understands the adjustment to a new country and a new language. Karla is also a talented artist and has dedicated many hours to mosaic art and a community mural project.

Francisco received the Principal’s Award for Most Improved Senior at Wheaton High School, and won special recognition by spending over 300 community service hours as a mentor and translator for immigrant families at the Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity.

Merab’s academic pursuits are Public Health and International Relations. Her scientific mind helps her not only to understand the reactions and interactions among elements, but also among people. Merab is a gifted photographer and recently won first prize in a regional arts competition sponsored by the NAACP.

Jaime, a member of the National Honor Society, received distinguished recognition in her high school as winner of the Academic Excellence award for the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Program. Jaime is the Founding President of the LINK (Liberty in North Korea) Club. She looks forward to studying Chemistry or Biology in college.

Kevin is a scholar-athlete, having distinguished himself as an MVP volleyball player for his high school team and regional leagues. He coaches during his off-season and enjoys motivating his peers to do their best. In college, Kevin would like to study Business and hopes someday to be his own boss.

Frances is a natural leader whose drive and ambition have helped her hone her skills as a three-season Varsity athlete (cross-country, basketball and softball). In college, she is looking forward to studying Business Economics and laying the foundation for her entrepreneurial dream of owning her own restaurant.

Rafelin’s goal is to be the first in his family to graduate from college. He is a responsible and earnest young man who sets an example as the key male role model for two younger brothers. Rafelin enjoys basketball and would like to study Business and Marketing to eventually work in the sports industry.

Gloria hopes to study Chemistry en route to a medical career. She was awarded a Howard Hughes Medical Internship at NIH and received the Maryland Governor’s Merit Scholastic Award.

Cindy is a member of the National Honor Society and has been named to her high school’s Honor Roll every semester. She loves to play lacrosse, but is especially passionate when it comes to working with children. Cindy plans to study Psychology and Child Development in college.