The Upward Bound Program at Southern Arkansas University will hold its annual Senior Recognition and Awards Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2014, in SAU’s Harton Theatre.
A total of 36 graduates will be recognized. They represent 10 different high schools from across southwest Arkansas. Graduates include:
Blevins High: Miracle Anderson, Victor Torres, and Iraiddeth Venegas; Emerson High: Ta’Tayana Baker, Tiona Ferguson, and Satajah Fields; Hope High: Na’Iyma Box, Ranika Conway, Amber Hackler, and Anna Miller; Lafayette High: Brieaunna Berry and Jaylon Darden; Magnoliqa High: Stephen Clayton, T’Keyah Crockett; Gabrielle Davis; Jasmine George, Alexia Hardiman, Taliah Johnson, Kiera McCoy, Jlisa Miller, Joshua Okuazu, Marlana Robinson, Ahramis Williams, and Summer Ybarra; Nevada High: DeAnthony Collier, Khai Hughey, Dahja Johnson, Chauncy Williams, and Mercedes Witcher; Prescott High: Pahoua Chang, Aspen Easter, and Rebeka Gonzales; Stephens High: Deidra Berry, Jaylon Hunter, and Desiderrian Jenkins; and Taylor High: Chelsey Powell.
John P. Jones will be the keynote speaker. He is the former Director of the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education at the University of Arkansas, where he and his staff worked diligently to enhance the university’s efforts to recruit, retain and graduate students from underrepresented groups. Prior to his role in diversity affairs, Jones worked in student affairs at the University of Arkansas as a graduate assistant for the Center for Community Engagement, and then as the Coordinator of Traditional Commuter Student Programs for Off-Campus Connections.
Jones is a native of Bradley, and an alumnus of the SAU Upward Bound program. He is a two-time alumnus of the University of Arkansas, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2010, and a Master of Education degree in Higher Education in 2012.
This year marks Upward Bound’s 50th Anniversary as a federal TRIO program. The SAU Upward Bound program has been in existence for more than 48 years and was one of the first U.B. programs in the nation. It is currently funded to serve 180 southwest Arkansas high school students.
The program is designed to motivate these students to improve their grades in high school so each can go on to earn a college degree within six years after being admitted into college. This is accomplished by providing cultural and academic activities as well as personal attention.
Students are eligible to participate if they meet the following criteria: they are entering the 9th grade, but have not completed the 10th grade; are at least 14 years old, but not older than 17; neither parent has earned a four-year college degree; family income represents economic need; and they have potential for success in post-secondary education.
For more information on SAU’s Upward Bound program or on Saturday’s graduation ceremony, please call 870-235-4160 or visit the SAU Upward Bound website.
