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 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.
This is one in a series of profiles of these young men, who were nominated by their school counselors.
By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor
Jordan George-Nwogu
Highlights: Member of the National Honor Society. Key Club. Pioneer Gift Club. Volunteers for Avalon Housing and soup kitchens. Sports fan. Pioneer Varsity football. Offered four Division 1 scholarships to play football at the collegiate level. Varsity baseball team. Committed to play baseball at the University of Michigan next fall. Likes to read, hangout with friends, work out, and play outside. Works at Taco Bell. All A’s.
Family: Parents: Uche and Okey Nwogu; brothers Nile and Kenan Nwogu.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? A few times in my life people have said that I am the full package and it means a lot because I work really hard to be the best at everything I can be— not just sports, and not just academics. But also, I would be nothing without God.
Favorite hangouts: Weight room, my house, friend’s house, batting cage.
Favorite music: Rap or hip hop.
If you could have witnessed any event in history, what would it be? Rosa Parks saying no, starting the boycott.
Which elementary, middle, and high school teachers have made the biggest difference in your life? Mr. Tercala (4th), Mrs. McManus (2nd), Mrs. Richmond (8th), Mr. Smith (band teacher 6th-8th), Mr. Leach, Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Kellman.
If you had a 10-year-old brother, what advice would you give him? “Don’t rush to grow up because you’re gonna want to go back to where you are now when you get to my age.”
What were you doing in your last selfie? Staring at the camera.
What do you plan to do after high school? Study engineering and play baseball at the University of Michigan.
If you could change the world, you would … end racism.
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