AME Connectional MSWAWO +PK's
2018 P.K. Scholarship & Book Award Recipients
Welton Bernard Williams III 2nd District $2500 Scholarship
Iesha Mardea Daniels 15th District $2500 Scholarship
Stephen Daniel Lee 6th District $1250 Scholarship
Sydney Elizabeth Jackson 11th District $1250 Scholarship
Jasmine Cierra Banks 3rd District $500 Book Award
Ronitra Brianna Wilson 7th District $500 Book Award
Makalia Renee Jenkins 7th District $500 Book Award
Jayla Nacole Robertson 8th District $500 Book Award
Daniels W. Johnson II 12th District $500 Book Award
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Welton Bernard Williams, III is the son of Rev. Welton B. Williams, Jr. and Mrs. Suzette Williams. He and his parents reside south of Richmond, Virginia in North Chesterfield. Welton is a senior at Meadowbrook High School and will be graduating on June 7, 2018. While attending Meadowbrook High School, Welton has participated in many extracurricular activities. He is a Monarch Mentor who helps freshman to adjust to high school, a member of the National Beta Club, a member of the Yearbook staff and he has been in several school theater productions in both lead and supportive roles. Welton also had the privilege of being a part of the senior homecoming court this year. Outside of school, Welton has been a part of the Virginia Repertory Theater’s TRAIN program which provides acting and singing training to aspiring actors. Welton has performed in several musical theater productions of the Jewish Family Theater during his summer breaks. Just as much as he loves musical theater, Welton’s other passion is working with young children. He has served as a YMCA Counselor in Training for two summers and is currently working as a tutor for 2nd-5th graders at a local elementary school. Welton plans to attend college to get the necessary education and training to become an elementary school teacher. Welton wants to be a positive role model for younger children helping them to discover who they are as individuals. Welton has always been active within the church. Whether being a small toddler climbing onto the piano bench of his father’s church to now being a greeter, usher, substitute worship leader and performing duties as assigned, Welton’s presence in church has always been a blessing. Welton’s favorite scripture is Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace (NKJV).”
Iesha Mardea Daniels is an 18 year old girl from Columbia, South Carolina. She is the daughter of Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., and Supervisor Irene M. Daniels, the presiding prelates of the 15th Episcopal District. Iesha has always taken a liking to all areas of the arts. She initially became interested in the arts through her love of Liturgical Dance. She has been singing with the Cabrailsong School of Vocal Arts since she was 4 years old. Not until recently did she find her main passion in Acting.
For the past few years, Iesha has saturated herself in improving her acting techniques through workshops and auditions. Iesha fell so in love with the art of acting that she decided to audition for Bachelors Of Fine Arts programs in Acting at many different universities. After being offered a spot in 9 of the 11 schools she applied to, she decided to choose Howard University. Only fifteen of the eighty students who auditioned were offered a position in the Howard’s Acting program, and Iesha was one of them. She chose Howard because she wants to further develop her activism for dismantling African American stereotypes in the entertainment industry. She wants to join those who are working to advance black people through media by presenting positive images of them.
Iesha is not only interested in the arts, she is also interested in service. She logged over 150 service hours to earn the South African Bronze and Silver President’s Awards. She takes after her parents in her pursuit of excellence in service and humanities.
Iesha Daniels is excited to be starting as a baby bison this upcoming fall at Howard University. She has a bright future ahead of her and she is more than grateful to God for always providing wonderful opportunities.
Stephen Daniel Lee is the son of Rev. Stephen A. and Tracy Thompson-Lee. He’s in the Sixth Episcopal District where Bishop Reginald T. Jackson is the Presiding Prelate and Christy Davis Jackson, Esq. serves as Episcopal Supervisor. Stephen’s a member of St. Philip AME Church on the Blvd. in Savannah, Ga. where his Pastor is Rev. Scottie Swinney. Stephen is a Graduating Senior in the class of 2018 from Savannah Arts Academy, which is a dedicated visual and performing arts high school. He discovered his passion for Graphic Arts during his sophomore year and won 3rd place in the Winter Art Exhibition for Graphics and was published in Celebrating Art, Fall and Summer Edition 2015-2017. He most recently won 1st and 2nd place in Graphic Design at the Spring Art Exhibition 2018. He is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Art Honor Society along with being a two year veteran model of the Schools annual Junk2Funk fashion show. When he isn’t winning awards for the art he produces, his peers are winning awards for art pieces that feature Stephen. He gets quite a bit of face time in the schools art gallery as the subject of other students’ art work. Stephen is also musically inclined and he’s a member of the Skylight Jazz Band which allows him to explore his creativity using a different art form. He gives all credit to his Pastor Rev. Scottie Swinney for encouraging him to pursue his musical art abilities by asking him be the drummer at St. Philip AME Church. He is also encouraged to use his Graphics talent for he has designed the cover of the churches Anniversary Souvenir booklet for the past two years and has been enlisted to do the same this year. Stephen was accepted to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and will attend Fall 2018. There he will major in Architectural Design and minor in Graphic Design.
Sydney Elizabeth Jackson is the beautiful daughter of the Reverend Dr. Robert, III and Dr. Tracy Jackson of Saint Paul AME Church in Miami, Florida in the Eleventh Episcopal District. Sydney graduated as an honor roll student ranked in the top 10% of her 2018 graduating class (52 out of 720) at Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida. At Flanagan High School, Sydney participated in HOSA (Health Occupational Students of America) organization for all four years in High School where she helped organized the One Blood drives. She also received the HOSA Senior Scholarship Award, recognized as a UCF Knights Top Scholar and is certified as a Medical Administrative Assistant.
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Her church affiliations include Secretary of the Youth Ministry Council and member of the Youth Choir. She is an active member of the Young People’s and Children’s Division. Sydney has participated in mission projects and church programs at the local, area, conference, and episcopal levels. She has been a place winner at the Black Heritage Weekend essay competition and attended the Christian Education Youth Leadership Conference for several years. This year Sydney is a Debutante for the 2018 Eleventh Episcopal District Debutante-Masters Cotillion.
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Ms. Jackson is currently enrolled in the Summer B session at University of Central Florida where she majors in biology. Upon completing college at UCF, Sydney plans to attend graduate school in the field of medicine. Her career aspiration is to become a gynecologist/obstetrician. Her favorite scripture is Hebrews 13: 5-8.
Jasmine Cierra Banks was born on February 22, 2000 at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia NC. I am the daughter of Rev. Oliver W. and Pamela H. Banks. I have attended the following schools: kindergarten Davenport Elementary. Lenoir, NC; 1st - 2nd grade Selma Elementary School, Selma, NC; 3rd -5th Glendale Kenly Elementary, Kenly NC; 6th - 8th North Johnston Middle School, Kenly, NC; 9th - North Johnston High School, Kenly, NC; 10th -11th Eastern Randolph High School, NC; 12th grade Martinsburg High School, Martinsburg, WV. I graduated from Martinsburg High School on May 22, 2018
I’m very active in my church. I have been a Dorcas princess for Bethel AMEC, Selma, NC. I have served as a junior usher, sing in the youth choir, participated in liturgical dance, taken classes in Public speaking, participated in The Debutant Master program and has always been in the YPD. I have served in many positions while being in the YPD. Currently I am the 3rd Vice President for the Pittsburg West Virginia Conference of the 3rd District. As a part of the YPD, my passion has always been in mission. I have volunteered at the food bank, delivered food to the homeless shelters and senior citizen complex. I collected toiletries items and donated them to the 2nd District homeless shelter in Raleigh, NC. Doing two summers I volunteered in a week-long project to repair homes for the Senior citizens and disabled population in Wake County, NC. My biggest mission project was over spring break this year, I went to Haiti with the YPD from the 3rd District. We planted 70 trees on the land that we brought and fellowshipped with over 100 youth at the Lula Brockington AMEC. I read, played games and crafted with the 2-13 years old. I learned and experience things that I never thought I would while I was in Haiti. It made me come back to America with a different mindset and made me more grateful for what I have.
I consider myself to be service oriented, a leader, debater, problem solver, committed, hands on learner and a heart for helping people. Through the health issues of my parents and grandparents, my desire is to become a Physical Therapist with a Doctorate degree.
My favorite scripture is: Philippians 4:13“I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me”
Ronitra Brianna Wilson was born in Columbia, South Carolina to Reverend Doctor Harold and Ann-Maria Wilson. She began her education at V.V. Reid Elementary School and completed her grade school education in the public schools of Richland County in South Carolina. Ronitra is a graduate of Richland Northeast High School in Columbia, South Carolina. During her enrollment, she served as a member of the Student Government, the Relay for Life Planning Committee, The National French Honor Society, The National Journalism Honor Society, and The National Honor Society. She received high honors while being a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. While in high school, Ronitra served as the president for the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association and was an award-winning journalist for the state of South Carolina and the Southern region in various competition categories.
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Ronitra is a member of Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Elloree, South Carolina in the Seventh Episcopal District. In her church, Ronitra is a member of the praise and worship team, various choirs, the liturgical dance ministry, the Young People’s Department, and the Lay Organization. She serves as the Orangeburg District’s Lay Organization Young Adult Representative and the Central South Carolina Conference’s Young People’s Department First Vice President.
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In the fall, Ronitra will be attending Claflin University’s Honors College in Orangeburg, South Carolina where she plans to major in Political Science with a minor in English. After her undergraduate studies, she also plans to continue her education to become a lawyer to fight for justice for humanity.
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Ronitra’s favorite Bible verse is found in Revelation 7:16-17, “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”
Makaila Renee Jenkins was born in Charleston, SC. Her parents are Ms. Patricia Jenkins and Rev. Andrew R. Adams, II (Mrs. Lakesha Adams). She is a 2018 graduate of the Palmetto Scholars Academy (PSA) in North Charleston, SC. Makaila served as a member of the PSA House Counsel (a student government organization) and during her tenure has orchestrated many activities throughout her high school years such as prom, homecoming, fundraisers, and much more. She enjoyed being a part of the PSA Yearbook Staff. She functioned as Captain of the PSA Cheerleader Squad for three years. Makaila has also received honorable mention at her local science fair. Makaila has recently participated in the 2018 AKA Debutante Ball where she placed in the top four for most Ads sold. Makaila has performed as a member of her dance ministry team since the age of 10 and has served as a dance leader while doing so. Makaila enjoys helping others by giving back to her community. She loves volunteering her time by working at the Low Country Food Bank with her fellow peers. Makaila will be attending USC Upstate in Spartanburg, SC with a concentration in Nursing. Makaila aspires to be a nurse practitioner in hope of owning her own practice. She has set out to touch lives and hopes to do so with the help of God.
Daniel W. Johnson II is the son of the Reverend Daniel W. and Janet D. Johnson. He has two older sisters, Kristen and Judith Johnson. He currently attends Allen Temple AME Church, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where his father is the pastor. Daniel is a 12th grade student at Watson Chapel High School, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he is an active member of the Drama Club and Poetry Club. He was voted tenor section leader by his peers and is a valuable member of the Chapel Ensemble Choir. Daniel was selected for the 2016 and 2017 Arkansas Region 3 All-Region Choirs and was selected for the 2018 Arkansas All-State SATB Mixed Choir. Daniel was a member of the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir under the direction of Dr. Martha Shaw at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia from 2010-2015. Daniel is a gifted drummer. He started drumming on bowls with spoons in the kitchen when he was just over 1 year old. He began drumming publicly at age 7 at Macedonia A.M.E. Church in Rex, GA. He serves as drummer for the Pine Bluff/Helena District, and plays trumpet and piano. Daniel participates regularly in Church School, Worship Services, YPD, CDMC, and willingly and faithfully serves the in the church and community. He also enjoys playing basketball; especially during Christian Education Youth and Leadership Congress with the East Arkansas Conference basketball team.
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Daniel has rendered his singing voice on several occasions, including the M-SWAWO + PKs Luncheons in 2015 and 2016, the December 2017 Christmas Celebration for Bishop Michael L. Mitchell and Family, the January 2018 Pine Bluff Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration, and the February 2018 Delta Sigma Theta Distinguished Gentleman’s Banquet, among many others. He enjoys emulating his favorite singers: Frankie Lymon, Nat King Cole, and the late Rev. James Moore. Daniel is featured on all three of his mother’s CDs as drummer and lead singer on the “Songs of Praise Vol. I” Gospel CD, the “New Songs for Special Days” CD, and the “Tunes that Teach and Tell” CD. These CDs are all available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, and www.cdbaby.com.
Daniel will be graduating from Watson Chapel High School, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, May 15, 2018.
One of the best choices Daniel ever made was to give his life to Jesus Christ, Sunday, August 10, 2014, after confessing to his father/Pastor his desire to give his life to Christ.
Daniel’s favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.
Jayla Nacole Robertson is a 17-year Senior at Loranger High School in Loranger, LA. She is the daughter of Rev. Roger and Lori Robertson. Jayla has two younger siblings, Roger Jr. and Lariah Robertson. She is a member of Days Chapel AME Church in Clinton, LA where her father is the pastor.
As a member of the Days Chapel AME Church, she is the Western New Orleans Baton Rouge Area President, the Organized LAY young person representative, and she also participates in the church choir and YPD.
In high school, she was inducted into the National Honor Society, a member of the Federation of Christian Athletes, and a 3rd-year lettered softball player. Also, she is a 3rd -year student with Southeastern Louisiana University Chapter of Upward Bound. She enjoys playing softball, drawing, and spending time with her family and friends. After high school, she aspires to attend Southeastern Louisiana University where she will major in Nursing.