Success Stories & Alumni

Tyree Stewart was recently certified as a lifeguard and was featured in a documentary screened at the Cleveland International Film Festival. The film, entitled "Facing Forward," was directed by local Director/Filmmaker, Laura Paglia. The film was so popular, the festival did three additional showings with Tyree present. Tyree participated in Y.O.U.'s Summer Jobs Program last year at age 15. He is currently seeking a lifeguard position for this summer. With assistance from his English teacher, he plans to create his own website to tell his story zbout overcoming obstacles such as he's faced.

Ebony Beckham from Y.O.U.'s Euclid High School program, earned a full tuition scholarship to The Ohio State University. A role model for determination, she shared her success with her peers in a workshop and reviewed the steps she took to apply for college and scholarship.

Y.O.U. Shaw High School students Emmanuel Boyd, Marquis Black, and Quinetta Wade are all seniors who have already received acceptance letters to colleges. Emmanuel, this year's Valedictorian, received a full ride to Jackson State University. Marquis will be attending Eastern Michigan University and Quinetta will attend Cuyahoga Community College in the fall.

Ushary Uter, in Y.O.U.'s JOG program at John F Kennedy High School was the first student in the last few years to apply for the JAG Smith Scholars Award – available through Y.O.U. He holds a 3.8 GPA and was recently awarded a scholarship to Kent State University. He got a job through Y.O.U., works at Marshall's, and participates on the track team. Because he wants to become a pilot, Y.O.U. also got him a job shadowing with Parker at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Chris McCloud also at JFK, was offered a managerial position at Marshall's. He participates on the school Debate Team and has a full scholarship to John Carroll University in the fall. He is currently the Student Body President and exploring options for Duke and Case Western Reserve University.