Madison Reporter

The Urban League of Greater Madison recently hosted the 41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Recognition Breakfast, honoring 120 students from Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). These students were acknowledged for their contributions to their peers, enthusiasm for learning, and commitment to community service.

Among those recognized were the 2025 MMSD Mann Scholars: Asiya Abdi from Vel Phillips High School, E’Yonna Jones and Carlos Rodriguez from La Follette High School, and London Williams from West High School.

The Betty Franklin-Hammonds Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Patrick Kahite and Jaeda Walters, both from Vel Phillips Memorial High School. Naima Williams from West High School received the George Anglin Memorial Scholarship.

Students were also celebrated for exceptional leadership and positive influence. Recipients of the Outstanding Young Person Award included:

- Badger Rock Middle School: Diego Tapia Rankin, Harry Amaya, Kartiae Lavell, Lemeyah Jackson, Yayleen Lopez Gonzalez, Zara Martinez

- Black Hawk Middle School: Assa Diakite, Fatou Ndoye, Harmony Johnson Jacquelle Abernathy Hoskins, Kyleigh Daye, Lawrence Briggs

- Cherokee Heights Middle School: Erika Quarm, Julia Warren, Keisean Thomas, Kymara Nicholson, Maree-Alys Olle, Phoenixx Jenkins McMurray Skyler Watson Ezekiel

- Gillespie Middle School: Ayden Crowell Hammer Elias Kahite Khadar Ahmed Nyailah Travis Pearl McIntyre Sara Montes Rosas

- Hamilton Middle School: Damani Winslow Daniel Okpara David Okpara Kendra Kodoze Oliver Lule Taiga Polynice

- O'Keeffe Middle School: Alaysia Tyson Ansley Jenkins Fatima Sanneh Janayah Gentry Nevaeh Smith Sytrell Jackson

- Sennett Middle School: Davontanay Johnson Isaiah Bell Kayla Smith Malia Robinson Savanna Lillie Sir Carl Morris

- Sherman Middle School: Alexander Herrera Perez Ejatou Jallow Essence Webb Joelynsia Gardner Mekayla Brown Mekhi Thompson Zyla Smith

- Spring Harbor Middle School: Kimauriah Thompson Kimora Jones Morgan Lewis Noah Piek Sanjay Remesh Teresa Ketarkus

- Toki Middle School: Aliana Chancy Amaya Abner Ealoni Terry Logan Cooper Matvey Nunoo Milan Tafor

- Whitehorse Middle School: Fatou Jallow Ja'Nyra McKinney Jerni Olson-Bradford Lauzon Mugford-Bell Marianna Grant Sophie Quinones

- Wright Middle School: Annabelle Sloan Blessings Harimana Dakarii Anderson Joseph Jackson Mahalia Pearson

High school students recognized include those from Capital High School such as Autumn Flores and Kenji Vang; Madison East High with Andrew Thao and Samantha Aroonsavath; La Follette High including Aaliyah Eadgie and Isabella Ukadibia; Vel Phillips Memorial with Alerick Cofer and Timara Tetteh; and West High with Anelec Miller and Oliver Gutierrez Robinson.

These students exemplify excellence in leadership and community impact.