Fourth in a series: Community senior Tawiah Yalley honored as ‘Young Man of Promise’

tawiah-yalley
Community High staffers say Tawiah is liked by everyone at the school, and is known for his good nature. Photo by Jo Mathis.

     Editor’s note: Six AAPS high school seniors were recently named “Young Men of Promise” by the Delta Psi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. This is one in a series of profiles of these young men, who were nominated by their school counselors.
     The students were recognized during the chapter’s annual Celebration of Black Men Brunch which honors local African American men who have given back to the community through service in the arts, business/economics, community service, education, health and as a trailblazer.  
     “Throughout history, black men have continually been overlooked for their accomplishments and not given the appreciation they deserved for the wonderful, positive and powerful things they have done,” said chapter President Patricia Manley, an AAPS School Board trustee. “The goal of the Celebration of Black Men is to applaud these unsung heroes who have made a significant and/or unique contribution to our black community.”
     Manley said the sorority decided to also honor  black high school students because too often the their accomplishments go unrecognized.
      “We want to raise their self esteem and let them know their hard work is noticed,” she said, noting that so many African American students in AAPS are succeeding on many levels. 
     Tawiah Yalley was recommended by his counselor not only for his good grades, but for being kind and well liked by teachers, staff, and peers.  A few quotes about Tawiah from teachers are: “Taiwah is brilliant,” “Tawiah is a very nice young man who works hard,” and “He doesn’t stand out, rather he stands up.”
     Notes counselor John Boshoven: “He’s the kind of student who pays polite attention, follows through, and does his best. Nobody doesn’t like Tawiah.”

Tawiah Yalley

School: Community High School.
Family: Father, Dr.Peter Yalley; mother, Elizabeth Koomson; sisters, Shirley and Sheila Yalley; brother,  Ekow Yalley.
Highlights: Volunteer at Forsythe Middle School. Vice president of Community’s Black Student Union.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? ” You made my day.”
Favorite hangout: Downtown Ann Arbor.
Favorite music: trap.
If you could have witnessed any event in history, what would it be?  The day Ghana got its independence.
Which AAPS teachers have made the biggest difference in your life? Ed Kulka (high school math) and Pamela Metz (middle school math).
If you had a 10-year-old brother, what advice would you give him? “Always stand firm in what you believe—no matter what.”
What were you doing in your last selfie? Laughing.
What do you plan to do after high school?  Go to college and major in biochemistry.
If you could change the world… I would.

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