BTHDS Sophomores
Student profiles
While visiting Baltimore Talent Development High School recently, I asked the guidance counselor, Mr. Snodey, to recommend a couple of students whom society would label “at-risk” because of their family make-up, past behaviors or academic challenges, who now demonstrates consistent academic success. Less than five minutes later, I had seven trium-phant honor roll students standing before me. Pleased by the determination of these strong-minded students, I proudly shook their hand and introduced myself. Through our student profiles, we hope to demonstrate the need to reconsider labeling youth “at-risk” based on facts that have little to do with their innate abilities. We hope to change the paradigm for such youth through praise and acknowledgement for the things they are able to overcome.
Celebrating the achievements of Baltimore Talent Development High School sophomores
In 2nd grade, Kaiya Bazemore, and several of her peers who attended a catholic school in West Baltimore, were held back. As a tenth grade student at Baltimore Talent Development High School, you can still see the hurt and shame in her eyes. That experience has left lasting scars that she works hard to overcome everyday. Her peers openly teased her by calling her dumb, while teachers were less conspicuous.
Kaiya remains focused on proving all of them wrong. Her goal is to become the school’s valedictorian in 2009. When asked how she plans to make this happen she
explains, “I’ll continue to work hard, pay attention in class and study harder when I just don’t get it.” She is well on her way holding the second highest grade point average for her class. After high school, Kaiya plans to become a fashion designer, or famous for positively contributing to the world of performing arts.
Sade Bea, a quiet and reserved sophomore at Baltimore Talent Development High School, is being raised by her 79-year-old great-grandmother. Like the growing number of youth nationwide whose primary caregiver is a grand-parent, particularly in black families according to the census bureau, Sade is not alone. However, she refuses to be yet another statistic. Determined to beat the odds of youth from untraditional homes, Sade has proven that she is far from at-risk.
Presently, her greatest desire is to assure her elderly grandmother that she will succeed in life, and she does that by demonstrating great success in school. Sade is inspired and motivated by her grandmother’s courage and unconditional love. To date, no one in her family has graduated from college, and she vows to be the first in her generation. The same strategies Sade uses to excel in school, I am confident she will apply to real life experiences after school. Sade aspires to become an emergency room nurse and participates in the Career and Exploration nursing class at her school.
Just two short years ago, Isaac Lloyd, a 15-year-old 10th grader, experimented with drugs and had a close encounter with jail before ever entering eighth grade. That incident played a pivotal role in his decision to reconsider the choices for his life. He credits his teachers for being there and showing support. With a look of satisfaction, he said, his mother brags about him to everyone because of his success. He, in turn, repays her by doing his best to continue to make her proud. Isaac is committed to doing the right thing as he realizes you don’t always get a second chance in life. These days, he keeps busy with his studies, playing basketball and participating in video game design in Arts Expression at BTDHS. As vice president of his tenth grade class, Isaac demonstrates great leadership inside and outside of the school walls. Isaac aspires to study criminal justice with hopes of being a top-notch attorney.
Laquan Royster, a 14-year-old, 10th grader at Baltimore Talent Development High School admits he didn’t always do so well in school, particularly, eighth grade. At an age when many youth are playful and easily distracted, Laquan said that he was definitely sidetracked during his last year of middle school. Chuckling in retrospect, he confessed that he was tired of being punished for his lack of effort and success in middle school. However, when he made up his mind to stop joking and playing around in class, his grades soared.
Laquan is the sophomore class secretary, as well as an honor roll student at BTDHS. His dad rewards him $100 per quarter for above average grades—a bet Laquan looks forward to winning. He contributes his academic success to studying and high expectations from his dad and teachers. As an aspiring chef, Laquan plans to attend a local culinary arts institution. He gets hands-on experience on a regular basis by helping his aunt with her catering business. Aside from that, he participates in video game design in Arts Expression at BTDHS.
Be an advocate for your own future!
Seek every opportunity to continue to foster your strengths. Visit the links below.
Davidson Institute ~ Programs & Scholarships
Gifted Resource Center – Programs
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
Summer Institute for the Gifted
We’re looking for you.
If you are an all-around outstanding student, we would like to spotlight you for your academic, athletic, and/or leadership achievements. Okay, so maybe you don’t get all A’s or lead the debate team, but have overcome a personal tragedy in your life yet you have pushed beyond the circumstances and inspire others in your school or community to move beyond the darkness in their lives by being an example of hope, then you too can be acknowledged. If you have literally changed your behavior or your attitude about yourself, people, and life in general, and it now reflects academically and personally, let us know. There is power in your story. So why not share it and inspire your peers.
