Seventeen Clover Park School District (CPSD) high school students received Elizabeth Wesley Youth Merit Incentive Awards, honoring their academic achievement, leadership and commitment to serving their communities.

The program honors African American students in grades 9-11 and encourages them to continue striving for success in school and beyond. Each recipient receives a $350 award.

"We are proud of these students for their hard work, leadership and dedication to their school communities," Superintendent Ron Banner said. "Their accomplishments reflect what happens when we create a strong learning foundation for our students, which leads to successful academic outcomes and more promising futures."

The following CPSD students were recognized this year:

Clover Park High School

• Kamiera Baird

Harrison Preparatory School

• Lucille Asadi-Mclaughlin
• Leona Kigozi
• Alicia Nyonjo

Lakes High School

• Kennedy Boyd
• Michael Brown
• Briyanna Chinn
• Neriyah Doamekpo
• Alani Gordon
• Anari Gordon
• Joshua Gyimah
• Jonah Kimenia
• Charlotte Krakani
• Kaila Johnson
• A'Nylah Littlejohn
• Jayla Thompson
• Octavia Walker

In addition to receiving the Elizabeth Wesley Award, Lakes High School student Joshua Gyimah earned the Rev. Ernest S. Brazil Scholarship for $1,000 in recognition of his leadership and community involvement.

Current Lakes High School student Anthony Archer was recognized with his previous school district (Bethel School District). 

To qualify for the award program, African American students must be enrolled in a public junior or senior high school in Bethel, Clover Park, Franklin Pierce, Puyallup, Steilacoom, Tacoma or University Place school districts. They must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, write a well-researched essay of at least 250 words and demonstrate community involvement and good citizenship.