African-American students honored

SOUTH BEND, Ind.- African-American high school students are proud to be recognized as Hodari scholars. Because of their hard work in the classroom, they were invited to a luncheon at Indiana University South Bend.



The day was all about leadership and how these young men and women can be an example to their entire community.



“I’m going to the University of Indianapolis," said Anastasia Smith-Davis, a student at Clay High School.



“I plan on going to Ohio State, Purdue, or maybe Ball State to play football,” said Jalen Lee, Washington High School student.



“I want to study law, I want to be a Supreme Court Justice," said Billy Horton, a John Adams High School freshman.



“I’m going to the University of Indianapolis on a football scholarship where I’ll major in Business and minor is business management," said Amani Lee, a Washington High School senior.



There are 320 African-American students in the South Bend school corporation with a GPA of 3.3 or higher.



“I’m really proud of myself. I made things happen that I didn’t think I could. And I think my parents are pretty proud of me too," said Smith-Davis.



100 of these high-achievers were invited to the Hodari luncheon. They understand that this honor is not just about them.



“As a young generation, if we decide to buckle down and get serious, and really take our job serious and things like that, then I believe we can change our community," said Lee.



G. David Moss, Ph.D, works closely with these students and he believes they can change the direction of South Bend right now.



“If we don’t reach these students now, I think our community is going to be in trouble. So my goal is to rebuild South Bend using these very same students. We have the resources here. They’re alive, they’re breathing, and they’re committed to education. Let’s use them to really rebuild this community," said Moss.



He believes having events that celebrate their success rather than dwell on the negatives will ensure others will follow in their footsteps.



“I’m trying to create a community of scholars,” said Moss.