2013 MOST Seniors Reception
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Winegardner Auditorium of the
Dixon Gallery & Gardens
MOST BY THE NUMBERS
2012-2013
533
Number of MOST Scholars
83
New MOST Scholars added
62
Number of schools attended by MOST Scholars
$1,517
Average scholarship award
$800,000
Total amount of scholarships awarded
THANKS
The staff, board and families of MOST wish to thank our generous donors
who helped raise $2,188,198 in gifts and pledges by December 31, 2012,
allowing us meet the terms of a generous challenge and receive an
additional $750,000.
Your support has made it possible for these 28 seniors and hundreds of
other students to receive the education that they and their parents believe
is right for them.
2013 MOST Seniors Reception
Welcome
Mr. Robert M. Solmson
MOST Founder & Board Chair
Presentation to MOST
Mr. Jay Platt
President of Optimist Club
of White Station/Memphis, Inc.
Introduction of Seniors & Families
Ms. Mandy Rough
MOST Executive Director
2013 MOST Graduates
Information as provided to MOST by seniors or their parents.
Amber Bryan* – Attended as a MOST Scholar: St. Mary’s Episcopal School (7-12). Honors:
QuestBridge Finalist, National Beta Club, AP English Award, All-American Dancer, Magna
Cum Laude, Seed for Change Grant. Activities: Dance Team (Co-Captain), St. Mary’s
Community Fund, Student Council, Diversity Club (Secretary), Band (Secretary), Service
Club, Environmental Club (President), Lacrosse (Goalie), Memphis Ambassadors, Bridges,
Memphis Challenge, PeaceJam, Business Education for Talented Students at UT-Knoxville,
Youth Policy Summit on Urban Sustainability at Manhattan College, Gaston Green Project,
Volunteer at over 12 non-profits annually, totaling 500 hours over three years. Work
Experience: Bridges internship for AmeriCorps, TCBY, Memphis Bar Association internship,
SLAM. Future plans: Accepted to Notre Dame University and Cornell University. Plans to
major in business, and go into international relations.
Marquavious Chism* – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Harding Academy (7-12). Honors &
Activities: National Honor Society, Basketball, Football, French Club, 9th grade Chorus. Future
Plans: Will attend the University of Mississippi. Also accepted to University of Memphis.
Caleb Douglass – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Heritage Baptist Academy (1-12).
Shelby Faulkner – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Concord Academy (9-12). Activities & Work
Experience: Volunteers in the nursery and at Vacation Bible School at Hope Presbyterian
Church, Babysitting.
Hannah Gorham – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Macon Road Baptist School (3-12).
Honors & Activities: Volleyball, Cheerleading, Softball, Choir, Youth Group, Church Softball,
Mission Trips, Community Service. Work Experience: Sekisui Japanese Restaurant. Future
Plans: Has been accepted to Ouachita Baptist University, Mississippi College, and Harding
University. She plans to major in missions and minor in youth and family ministry and
become a missionary.
DeLenn Gray – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Memphis Catholic Middle & High School (7-12),
St. Augustine Catholic School (K-6). Honors & Activities: JV Volleyball, Varsity Cheerleader,
Spanish Club (President), High School Sorority (Vice President), National Honor Society,
National Society of High School Scholars, Bridge Builders, Robotics Club, Knowledge Bowl.
Work Experience: Intern at the Children’s Museum of Memphis, Mid-America Apartments
(MAA), the Cook Convention Center, and American Residential Services. Future Plans: Will
attend Texas Southern University (also accepted to Campbell University and University of
Tennessee-Martin).
Nickolas Gray* – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Evangelical Christian School (7-12). Honors
& Activities: Varsity Football Team, Friendship Baptist Church Youth Volunteer, Friendship
Baptist Church Food Pantry, Varsity Basketball Manager. Work Experience: Chick-fil-A. Future
Plans: Will attend Middle Tennessee State University, major in Computer Engineering and
participate in Air Force ROTC.
*Attended New Hope Christian Academy K-6th grade.
Kevin Guevara – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Christian Brothers High School (9-12),
St. Dominic School (K-8). Honors & Activities: Lasallian Youth, National Spanish Honor
Society, National Honor Society, Key Club, Class Officer, St. Agnes Theatre Department,
Brothers on Stage, Ultimate Frisbee Club, Spanish Club, St. Agnes Summer Theatre Camp
Counselor, Tutoring, Honor Roll, International Thespian Society, Big Brothers to Freshmen,
Finer Things Club. Work Experience: Abercrombie & Fitch. Future Plans: Will attend Rhodes
College on a Dean’s Scholarship ($36,000/yr.), major in English, and become a high school
teacher or college professor.
Christopher Hauer – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Christian Brothers High School (9-12),
Immaculate Conception Cathedral School (7-8), St. Paul (4-6). Honors & Activities: National
Latin Honor Society, Latin Club, Big Brothers, Rugby, Honor Council, Student Government
Association, Bridge Builders, NAACP Youth Council, Youth United Way, Lasallian Youth.
Work Experience: Finish Line, Aeropostale, Memphis Redbirds. Future Plans: Will attend
the University of Arkansas and pursue civil engineering. Also accepted to Louisiana State
University, Christian Brothers University, Xavier University, Arkansas State University, George
Mason University, and University of Alabama.
Oneisha Hill – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Immaculate Conception Cathedral School (712), St. Joseph Catholic School (2-6). Honors & Activities: Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field,
Environmental Club, Campus Ministry. Future Plans: Has been accepted to Southern Illinois
University, Austin Peay State University, Christian Brothers University, Barry University,
Georgetown University, University of Tennessee-Martin, Regis University, Auburn University,
University of Montgomery, and Hampton University.
Kiarra Jackson – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Bishop Byrne Middle & High School (1112), Immaculate Conception Cathedral School (6-8), Holy Names Catholic School (2-5).
Honors & Activities: National Honor Society. Future Plans: Will attend Tennessee State
University.
Marcellous Jiles* – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Evangelical Christian School (9-12),
Memphis University School (7-8). Honors & Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
Future Educators Club, Servant Leadership Institute, ECS Student Council, Chapel Praise
Band, Varsity Track, Varsity Lacrosse, Varsity Football, Bible Club, ECS Ambassador, ECS class
of 2013 Male Bible Study, 4th and 5th Grade Bible Study at Lower School, ECS Ensemble
Choir, Church Drummer, Volunteer at Streets Ministries and Su Casa. Work Experience:
summer maintenance at ECS for two years and at Victory Ranch one year. Future Plans:
Has been accepted to the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University
of Tennessee-Knoxville, University of Tennessee-Martin, Illinois College, Carson Newman
University, Tusculum College, Union University, University of Arkansas, Middle Tennessee
State University, and Samford University.
James Johnson – Attended as a MOST Scholar: St. Benedict at Auburndale (9-12), St. AnnBartlett (1-8), Our Lady of Sorrows (K).
Adriana Larrea – Attended as a MOST Scholar: St. Agnes Academy (9-12), De La Salle
Catholic School (1-8). Honors & Activities: Catechist at St. Francis, Cheerleading (on state
championship team), Spanish Club, Student Ambassador, School Newspaper. Work
Experience: Thai Bistro, Elite Nail Spa. Future Plans: Will attend the University of Arkansas
as a pre-med student, with plans to become a surgeon. Also accepted to University of
Tennessee-Knoxville.
*Attended New Hope Christian Academy K-6th grade.
Randall Lavene – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Margolin Hebrew Academy (K-12). Honors
& Activities: Head video editor at Synagogue, newsletter tech writer, computer repair,
sound system set-up, recorder for school events, TEAMS Engineering competition,
CBU High School Engineering Competition. Work Experience: Internship at GTS
Technologies, Personal Assistant, video editor and recorder. Future Plans: Accepted
to Yeshiva Yesodei Hatorah in Israel, where he will go 1-2 years, accepted to Yeshiva
University in New York. Plans to apply to Yeshiva Bnei Torah in New York and Touro
College night school.
Lisa Lofton – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Bishop Byrne Middle & High School (7-12), St.
Joseph Catholic School (4-6), St. Augustine Catholic School (K-3). Honors & Activities:
Art Club, Yearbook. Future Plans: Will attend Mississippi Valley State University.
Marquesha Lurry – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Immaculate Conception Cathedral
School (7-12), St. John Elementary School (K-6). Honors & Activities: Basketball,
Environmental Club, Teens for Life, Student Ambassador. Future Plans: Will attend
Lemoyne-Owen College or Southwest Tennessee Community College.
Jennifer Meegan – Attended as a MOST Scholar: St. Benedict at Auburndale High
School (9-12), St. Ann-Bartlett (3-8), Holy Rosary School (K-2). Honors & Activities:
SBA State Runner Up Bowling Team, Award Winning Musical: All Shook Up, Teens
for Life/March for Life, Barbarians Rugby Team, Honor Society, Class Sponsor 2012
Kids Kans, St. Ann’s Special Olympics Volunteer, K.A.T. Foundation Officer, St. Vincent
DePaul Yard Sale Volunteer, Summer Art Program at the Memphis College of Arts,
Cake Decorating Classes at the Baking Boutique, St. Ann’s Youth Group. Work
Experience: Sonic. Future Plans: Will attend the University of Memphis Also accepted
to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Salih Placo – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Harding Academy (5-12), Pleasant View
School (3-4). Honors & Activities: National Junior Honor Society, National Honor
Society, Spanish Club, Soccer, Band, Gift of Life. Future Plans: Will attend Christian
Brothers University on a Buckman Scholarship and major in Chemical Engineering.
Also accepted to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the University of
Memphis.
Johnnesha Pruitt – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Bishop Byrne Middle & High School
(9-12), Holy Names Elementary (2-8), De La Salle Elementary at Blessed Sacrament (K1). Honors & Activities: Memphis Ambassador Program, Bridge Builders, Girl Scouts,
Yearbook, National Junior Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Future
Teachers of America, Spirit Club. Work Experience: Memphis Ambassador Program.
Future Plans: Accepted to Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State
University, Christian Brothers University, University of Tennessee-Martin.
Shulton Rubin – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Bishop Byrne Middle & High School
(7-12), St. Augustine School (K-6). Honors & Activities: Soccer, Football, National
Honor Society, Bridge Builders, Math Award. Future Plans: Will attend University of
Tennessee-Martin. Also accepted to Maryville College.
Joi Taylor* – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Evangelical Christian School (7-12). Honors
& Activities: Track, Streets Ministries, Leader of teen ministry at church, Choir, Dance
Teacher. Future Plans: Will attend University Of Memphis on the Emerging Leaders
Scholarship, the George B. Floyd Scholarship, and a Hope Scholarship. Also accepted
to Middle Tennessee State University and University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
*Attended New Hope Christian Academy K-6th grade.
Joshua Thompson – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Westminster Academy (2-12). Honors
& Activities: Varsity Soccer, Select Choir, All-West Tennessee Choir, All Tennessee
State Choir. Work Experience: Club Windward Catering. Future Plans: Will attend
the University of Memphis. Also accepted to University of Tennessee-Knoxville and
Southwest Tennessee Community College.
John Trueman – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Memphis Catholic Middle & High School
(9-12), St. Michael Catholic School (3-8). Honors & Activities: DeSoto County Search
and Rescue Unit as well as Nesbit Volunteer Fire Department. Work Experience:
ReTrans, Cloverleaf Animal Clinic, Memphis Zoo, and Morgan Keegan. Future Plans:
He is planning to go to school to become an EMT and then a Paramedic. His goal is to
be a Firefighter/Paramedic for DeSoto County.
Caroline Turner – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Westminster Academy (4-12). Honors
& Activities: Varsity Basketball, Varsity Cross Country, Soccer, Select Choir, Yearbook,
Sports Journalist for Newspaper, First Evangelical Church, Frisbee. Work Experience:
Set new record over six states for most Cutco products sold, TCBY, Vector Marketing,
Babysitting, Lawn Care. Future Plans: Will attend Mississippi State University. Also
accepted to the University of Missouri (Cornell Leadership Program), University of
Alabama, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, and Baylor University.
Leonard Turner – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Bishop Byrne Middle & High School
(7-12), St. Augustine School (6), Creative Life Preparatory School (5), Cross of Calvary
Lutheran School (2-4), Frederick Douglas Wesson Christian Academy (K-1). Honors &
Activities: National Honor Society, Basketball, Football, Choir, Church. Work Experience:
Marlowe’s. Future Plans: Will attend Middle Tennessee State University and major in
physical therapy. Also accepted to Tennessee State University.
Danielle Tyler* -– Attended as a MOST Scholar: St. Mary’s Episcopal School (7-12).
Honors & Activities: Beta Club, Tri-M Honor Society, Varsity Dance Team, Bridge
Builders, Memphis Ambassadors, Diversity Club, Visual Arts Club, Latin Club and
Wind Ensemble. Work Experience: St. Mary’s Pursuits Summer Camp, MUS SLAM
Summer Camp Memphis Ambassadors. Future Plans: Will attend the University
of Tennessee-Knoxville, and will major in psychology with a minor in the arts and
plans to either become a psychiatrist or an art therapist for children. Also accepted
to Howard University (Legacy Scholarship - full tuition), University of California San
Diego, and University of Miami (Presidential Scholarship).
Justin Webster – Attended as a MOST Scholar: Christian Brothers High School (9-12),
De La Salle Elementary at Blessed Sacrament (4-8). Honors & Activities: Boy Scouts
of America, Concert Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Audiocubist Clarinet Ensemble,
Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, All-West Bands, All-State Bands, Spanish
Club, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Band President, MTSU
Honors Clarinet Choir, UT-Martin Honor Band. Work Experience: Christmas tree sales
for White Station Optimist Club. Future Plans: Will attend the University of Memphis
on a Hope Scholarship, a Music Performance Scholarship and a Provost Scholarship,
and will double major in Clarinet Performance and Computer Science, with hopes
of becoming a professional Clarinetist. Also accepted to the University of Michigan,
University of Tennessee-Martin, Middle Tennessee State University, and Christian
Brothers University.
*Attended New Hope Christian Academy K-6th grade.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert M. Solmson, Chair
John H. Dobbs, Jr.
Ann W. Gusmus
Scott C. Hennessy
The Rev. Colenzo Hubbard
Buzzy Hussey
R. Patrick Kruczek
Michael McDonnell
Robin Salky Orgel
Elkan Scheidt
Jane G. Slatery
C. Thomas Whitman
Trent D. Williamson
STAFF
Mandy Rough, Executive Director
Ginger Spickler, Communications Coordinator
Salle Norton, Program & Office Administrator
Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust
850 Ridge Lake Blvd., Suite 220
Memphis, TN 38120
901.842.5327
www.MemphisScholarships.org