By CW, The Freelancer
On May 4th, 2025, the Young and Prosperous Foundation hosted its 2nd annual Scholarship Excellence Senior Signing Day at the elegant University Club atop the 34th floor in downtown San Diego. With breathtaking views of the city skyline as the backdrop, this milestone event honored 23 outstanding high school seniors from San Diego County who are preparing to embark on their college journeys.
In a moving ceremony filled with pride and gratitude, each student took the stage to personally thank the Foundation and their families for their unwavering and unconditional love and support. The honorees—Addison Martin, Roman Evans, Aliyah Drake, Aryah Palms, Brizhanae Moore, Chey’Nell Perry, Chyire Killens, Deondranae Smith, Eugene Rice, Jordyn House, Jordyn McMillan, Khaild Hassan, Kyson Hansen, Lovélynn Marrero, Marcella McElvaine, Nychelle Sanders, Solay Wallace, Tanaya Friend, Zamir Rose, Zanira Short, Zariah Huey, Sajanah King, and Jai’Ciyah Anderson—shared their dreams and future plans, leaving attendees inspired and hopeful.
One of the most memorable highlights was the recognition of Khaild Hassan, who has been a part of the Young and Prosperous Foundation since the sixth grade. Khaild received both the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Omicron Iota Sigma Chapter Scholarship and the Ms. Ruby Village Scholarship and was celebrated as the longest-tenured member of the organization—a testament to his resilience, growth, and dedication.
Chris Jones, CEO and Founder of the Young and Prosperous Foundation, shared his heartfelt appreciation: “I want to thank the remarkable students who have been actively engaged in our programs and continue to make us proud.”
When asked to sum up the day in one word, Tamara Muhammad, Director of Community Engagement for the Foundation, chose “Awakening.” She explained, “Our children were given a chance to just grow and decide what they want to do with the rest of their life, and it took an awakening to get them there. So today, you saw the fruit of our labor and you saw the awakening.”
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed light finger food while celebrating the achievements of the students and reflecting on the power of education, mentorship, and community.
As these young scholars prepare to write the next chapter of their lives, the question remains: how can we, as a community, continue to support and uplift students through organizations like the Young and Prosperous Foundation to ensure success beyond high school?
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