AMERICAS PREMIER YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

FOR

AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES

WWW.DYGOFAMERICA.ORG
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 30, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT Ramon Alexander, D.Y.G. of America, Inc. (850) 597-2977 or Ramon.dyg@gmail.com

24 gifted African American male high school students from around the United States were selected from a large talent pool of applicants to attend the 2011 Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. (DYG) National Summer Academy. The Annual National Summer Academy will take place on the campus of Florida A&M University starting Sunday, June 12, 2011 and ending Saturday, June 25, 2011. The two-week academy features an innovative accelerated student curriculum encompassing the following academic modules: Advanced African Studies & Communal Values Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship Foreign Affairs & Globalization Leadership & Communication Professional & Personal Development

Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. (DYG) is a national non-profit entity fully committed to addressing a myriad of multi dimensional issues permeating throughout the world. DYG of America, Inc. firmly stands on the principles of Manly Deeds, Academic Excellence, and Servant Leadership. The competitive two-week academy will accomplish the following:

Develop and implement strategies to provide effective leadership on critical issues facing our local communities Create a hub and networking outlet for talented Black Male Students Function as an accelerated training ground that develops and prepares the next generation of local, state, and national leaders Teach relevant tangible life skills.(Oratorical, Culinary, Mechanical, Technical, and Etiquette Skills) Develop and cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit Enhance social, professional development, and life skills

Teach financial literacy and wealth building strategies Expose participants to high quality cultural, academic, and community-oriented activities. Empower students through the teaching of Advanced African Studies, Communal Values, and Foreign Affairs Broaden the intellectual capacities of all participants through reading and analyzing relevant essays, poems, and books

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG GENTLEMEN OF AMERICA, INC. 2011 NATIONAL SUMMER ACADEMY

Americas Premier Youth Leadership Program for African American Males

Ashton DeAngelo Brown, Jacksonville, Florida A d e d i c a t e d a n d c o m m i t t e d s t u d e n t , Ashton Brown is an incoming 11th grader at William M. Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Ashton is a top performer in the classroom possessing outstanding morale character. Enrolled in a challenging college preparatory curriculum he is extremely focused and committed to his academic pursuits. He is an active member of the Bethel Baptist Institutional Church and Boys Scouts of America. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.52, Ashton is a strong asset to his school and community. Bakari Ahmad Powell, Edgewater, Maryland A well-rounded and impressive student, Bakari Powell is an incoming 11th grader at South River High School in Edgewater, Maryland. A STEM Advanced Magnet student, Bakari has consistently excelled within a rigors curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He is member of the high school football team, basketball team, and the Arundel Bay Area Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.53, Bakari is a phenomenal reflection of honor, intellect, and versatility. Brandon Jerome Bunkem, Charleston, South Carolina A creative and advanced problem solver, Brandon Bunkem is an incoming 12th grader at Charleston Charter School for Math and Science in Charleston, South Carolina. Gifted in mathematics, Brandon was selected this year for the prestigious national math competition. Skilled in the area of computer animation, Brandon has successfully mastered complex animation programs, creating and scripting countless scenes; effectively utilizing this self taught skill set. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.49, Brandon is an impressive, admirable and exceptional student. Brian Emerson White, Laurel, Maryland A multitalented and committed student athlete, Brian Emerson White is an incoming 10th grader at DeMatha Cathlic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. A member of the Montgomery County & Prince Georges County Honors Chorus, Brian is a gifted and accomplished singer. He is a member of the high school football team and baseball team, and maintains a G.P.A. above 3.0. His ability to lead by example on and off of the playing field and achieve academically is a testament to his maturity level.

Dana Smith, Jr., Lake Park, Georgia An empathic leader and exceptional student, Dana Smith, Jr., is an incoming 10th grader at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia. Consistently displaying a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition, Dana possesses superior academic discipline maintaining an impressive G.P.A. of 4.0. His excellent judgment and mature outlook ensure a logical approach to his life endeavors. DeRon Marcus Young, Bowie, Maryland Displaying extraordinary communication skills, DeRon Marcus Young is an incoming 10 th grader at Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He is a gifted youth minister, passionately serving his community through a myriad of programs and organizations. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.56, DeRon successfully balances a rigorous academic load and remains an active valuable asset throughout his local community. Deedat Kokori Ahmed, Baltimore, Maryland A model student with a passion for excellence, Deedat Ahmed is an incoming 11th grader at Friendship Academy of Science & Technology in Baltimore, Maryland. Born in Nigeria, Deedat came to America at the age of 6 and enrolled in gifted academic programs. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.84, he takes his academic success very seriously and constantly exhibits strong intrinsic values for education. Devin Ace Austin, Chicago, Illinois A gifted student athlete possessing tremendous leadership abilities, Devin Austin is an incoming 10th grader at Urban Prep Charter Academy in Chicago, Illinois. Possessing maturity and understanding well beyond his years, Devin is a member of his high school football and baseball teams. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.36, he has succeeded academically in advanced coursework and always displays an impressive role model temperament. Fitzgerald Deshong Light Jr., Jacksonville, Florida A focused and determined student, Fitzgerald Deshong Light Jr., is an incoming 11th grader at Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Academically gifted, Fitzgerald Light is enrolled in the Early College Magnet Program. Demonstrating countless talents and intellect, he has received numerous awards winning an array of oratorical competitions. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.91, he is insightful and preparing for a future that has no boundaries. Hassan Hoza Anderson, Chicago, Illinois A compassionate student who is unselfish and charismatic, Hassan Anderson is an incoming 10th grader at Urban Prep Charter Academy in Chicago, Illinois. Thriving under pressure, he handles adversity with grace and enthusiasm. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.54, he is an ambitious student athlete bringing consistent value to his high school cross country, basketball, and track and field teams.

James Wesley Jackson, Atlanta, Georgia A very competitive and gifted student athlete, James Jackson is an incoming 11th grader at Eastside Independent Preparatory Academy in Loganville, Georgia. Well rounded and gifted, he is a certified lifeguard, musician, artist and currently pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout through Boys Scouts of America, Inc. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.54, James is advanced in the areas of math and science; always immersing himself in technology with a unyielding determination for innovative solutions to complex problems. Jonathan Matthew McMillan, Rex, Georgia An outstanding and determined student, Jonathan McMillan is an incoming 11th grader at Morrow High School in Morrow, Georgia. Striving to become a Venture Capitalist he possesses a strong sense of purpose and a remarkable attitude. Jonathan maintains a G.P.A. of 3.35 and is an excellent communicator with exceptional time management skills. Kendall Jerod Martin, Tallahassee, Florida A gifted student with superior artistic skills, Kendall Martin is an incoming 10th grader at Florida State University School in Tallahassee, Florida. Possessing a competitive creative spirit, he has won a myriad of national art competitions including the Triple AAA Arts Festival. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.7, Kendall also competes with the cream of the crop academically and excels at playing the violin in his high school orchestra. Marckenley Daniels, Palm Coast, Florida Incredibly focused and mature, Marckenley Daniels is an incoming 10th grader at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida. With great work ethic and interpersonal skills, he is a selfmotivated student striving for excellence everyday. Marckenley maintains a G.P.A. of 3.71 and balances a rigorous academic schedule with exceptional character and determination. Marcus Alexander Davis, Douglasville Georgia A strong leader with the heart of a servant, Marcus Davis is an incoming 12th grader at Eastside Independent Preparatory Academy in Loganville, Georgia. He is certified by the American Safety and Health Institute in CPR Pro and will soon receive his certification as a Dental Assistant from West Georgia Technical College. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.77, Marcus is also a well-rounded student athlete excelling in Track and Field, Basketball, and Precision Air Rifling. McDonald Michael Fingall, Ellenwood, Georgia Self driven and determined to succeed in all areas of his life, McDonald Fingall is an incoming 11th grader at Woodland High School in Stockbridge, Georgia. He is a recipient of the coveted United States Presidential Award for academic excellence and also excels athletically via baseball, basketball, and tennis. Maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.76, McDonald continue his impressive track record of academic and excellence and high achievement. Michael Isaiah Hardy, Jacksonville, Florida Respected by his peers for strong leadership skills, Michael Hardy is an incoming 11th grader at Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida. The energy he offers is contagious and his disciplined work habits are to be admired. A member of the high school football and tennis teams; he is a well-rounded student maintaining a G.P.A. above 3.0. Engaging and charismatic, Michael has a multitude of intangible skills that motivate others to maximize their potential.

Nyle Jordan Rice, Jacksonville, Florida A very dedicated and talented student, Nyle Rice is an incoming 12th grader at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Enrolled in the Advanced International Certification of Education (AICE) program, he performs academically in a rigorous pre-university curriculum. Named a Rising Sunshine State Scholar, Nyle maintains a G.P.A. of 3.48 and a strong compassionate spirit for community service. Onetha Jonathan Wheeler, Atlanta, Georgia Possessing outstanding integrity and character, Jonathan Wheeler is an incoming 12th grader at Carver School of Health Sciences and Research in Atlanta, Georgia. With a desire to achieve greatness he we selected as a Bardoli Global Scholar and traveled abroad for a month living in Costa Rica, revitalizing poverty stricken neighborhoods. Jonathan has over 120 Emergency Medical Technician training hours and maintains a G.P.A. of 3.25. A quality student athlete, he is a member of the high school basketball and track and field teams. Roderick Veney, Beaumont, Texas Extremely bright and ambitious, Roderick Veney is an incoming 11th grader at Clifton J. Ozen High School in Beaumont, Texas. A well-rounded student, Roderick has achieved scholastically and through passionately playing the game of soccer. Maintaining a G.P.A. of above 3.5, he is gifted in the area of computer technology and takes pride in his strong family values. Ryan Kendall Blackwell, Chicago, Illinois With a remarkable propensity for leadership, Ryan Blackwell is an incoming 10th grader at Urban Prep Charter Academy in Chicago, Illinois. A renaissance young man with an array of interests ranging from Creative Writing Club to playing high school football, he has natural confidence and a genuine interest in others. Having a sharp academic focus, Ryan maintains a G.P.A. of 3.46, and the ability to comprehend complex material with profound intellect. Samuel Cole, III, Atlanta, Georgia Poised and gifted, Samuel Cole, III, is an incoming 12th grader at Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Juggling an incredibly rigorous course load he leads with enthusiasm, dignity, and pride. A very active student leader, Samuel maintains a G.P.A. of 3.4 and is a valuable member of his high school basketball team. Vincent JaQuez Williams, Tallahassee, Florida A very dependable, hard-working, and honest young man, Vincent Williams is an incoming 12th grader at Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida. Born in Vicenza, Italy, Vincent has a wellversed outlook on the world spending summers in Belgium and Japan. He has an inquisitive mind and innate intelligence maintaining a G.P.A. above 3.0. Wesley Tyler Rollins, North Charleston, South Carolina Ambitious and determined, Wesley Rollins is an incoming 11th grader at Charleston Charter School for Math and Science. A member of the Project Lead the Way Engineering Program he takes on a challenging academic curriculum with great maturity and dedication. Maintaining a G.P.A. above 3.0, he is a gifted musician and is genuinely committed to serving his local community.