2011 Scholarship Recipient

Danielle Delpeche (Dani) is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Delpeche. With her mother from Jamaica and her father from Trinidad and Tobago, Danielle has the opportunity to be exposed to both cultures.

Danielle attended Wilmington Friends High School where she pursued the most rigorous curriculum available – the IB Diploma Program. Her teachers valued her creativity, intelligence, intuitive literary analysis and her analytical abilities. Danielle has been described by her high school director of college guidance as a unique individual, who marches to the beat of her own drum, takes the path less travelled, quirky, creative, and expressive. Other adjective used were brilliant, insightful, and open minded. She has been respected by her peers for her unique and thoughtful perspective.

She has excelled throughout her high school years. She has earned the All-State recognition for her Volleyball abilities and has served as an assistant coach for her club teams. Danielle has also mentored many of her peers at her high school.

She has earned a GPA of 3.57 and is currently attending Swarthmore College where she has continued playing volleyball at the collegiate level, while pursuing a degree in Psychology/Education.

2011 Scholarship Recipient

Basil Williams is the oldest of 3 children born to Jamaican parents and has lived in DE all his life as he was born in the US. From an early age he learned the importance of education from his family. Basil attended Tower Hill High School and has been active in sports, where he played basketball, football and baseball. While at high school, Basil’s mother lost her job. Being economically challenged, Basil describes himself as being able to differentiate his needs versus his wants. He decided to enlist for some classes that would provide him with practical skills, like woodworking, digital imaging, photography and theatre. He freelanced as a photographer to help earn some money for the family. This helped sustain his family through the economic downturn.

In addition to his full schedule, Basil was able to visit local schools where he spoke to other students about engineering which was his field of study. During the summer participated in the Forum for the Advancement of Minorities in Engineering (FAME) program for which he received many awards. He also worked with the New Castle County Safety Town Program. Basil believes that George Bernard Shaw said it best when he said, “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” Basil intends to give back to his Jamaican community, thereby assisting others to be the best that they can be.

Basil earned a 3.3 GPA and has been accepted to 8 Universities. He is currently attending Villanova University pursuing a degree in Engineering.

2011 Scholarship Recipient

Naeisha Palmer has been described by her English Instructor at Pencader High School as ‘an academically gifted student, who has represented the school in extracurricular activities, as well as someone who possesses strong leadership skills.’ Naeisha was recently inducted into the high school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. While attending high school she was a member of PAL (Peers as Leaders), which matched an upperclassman with a freshman student. Naeisha was born in Jamaica and came to the US with her family at age 3. She grew up in Delaware. She has participated in a number of community service activities by volunteering at churches, food banks, clothes closets, libraries, and a hospice. Naeisha plans on giving back to Jamaica by working with the Jamaican Outreach Inc, an organization that helps by improving the lives of young people…

She was a member of the Business Professionals of America, and Students against Destructive Decisions (SADD). She also played Volley Ball and Soccer. Throughout her high school years Naeisha showed strong work ethic, a quiet strength, dedication, and determination, hence her success stories.

She graduated with a 3.83 GPA and is currently attending Hood College in Frederick MD where she is pursuing a degree in Elementary and Special Education.

2011 Scholarship Recipient

Lance’s paternal grandmother is from Trinidad and he is proud of the experience she shared with him and prouder yet of his father’s culture. Lance attended Polytech High School. In addition to receiving his high school diploma, he was awarded a Dental Radiology Certificate. He entered Delaware State University�s Early Bird Academic Student Program and was accepted into the SMILE – Science and Math Initiative for Learning Enrichment project as well as the Honors program. He has already earned 9 college credits. Lance hopes to intern during the summer of 2012 at a clinic in the Caribbean Islands, preferably in Trinidad. Lance’s high school counselor described that he watched Lance continue to mature into a fine young man as he participated in a number of leadership programs. Lance represented his high school as the Student Government Association Vice President and Skills USA team member. He is described as having exemplary time management skills and study habits as well as great maturity.

Lance has volunteered with the United Way of Delaware, and the Dover Air Force Base Youth Center Supreme Team. He also serves as local President of (EMBODI) Empowering Males to Build Opportunities to Develop Independence. He is certified in CPR and First Aid.

Lance earned a 3.0 GPA and is has a long term goal to be a Dentist.