On May 20, Greenbelt’s Advisory Committee on Education (ACE) recognized Greenbelt students who honor the city’s traditions of citizenship, leadership and academic achievement. This recognition of students, nominated by the educators and administrators of their schools, complements the Educator Awards, presented to teachers and staff members from Greenbelt’s schools in March (see the March 25 issue).
Greenbelt Elementary School
Jacob Gbesso
Jacob is a kind and dependable student who consistently sets a positive example for those around him. His peers know they can look up to him and rely on him for support and encouragement. In the classroom, Jacob is always willing to lend a helping hand and can be counted on to contribute in meaningful ways and his hard work is reflected in his continued achievement on the honor roll.
Zaara Ahmed
Zaara consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, approaching every task with focus and perseverance. Zaara, who has aspirations of becoming a neuroscientist, is always willing to lend a helping hand, serving as a dependable teacher’s assistant and supporting both her teacher and classmates. Her positive attitude, responsibility and kindness inspire those around her to strive for their best.
Springhill Lake Elementary
Fotabong Emefuerte
Fotabong has earned a 3.93 cumulative GPA while actively participating in the Advanced Writing Academy, demonstrating both academic excellence and a deep commitment to intellectual growth. Beyond the classroom, she is a dedicated member of the Greenbelt S.I.T.Y. Stars Jump Rope Team, where she competes at events and helps train and support her teammates, showcasing her leadership and teamwork.
In class, Fotabong is responsible, engaged and consistently asks thoughtful questions that reflect her genuine curiosity and thirst for learning. Her role as a school ambassador highlights her poise, responsibility and ability to represent her school with pride.
Santiago Gallardo-Espinoza
Santiago has maintained a 4.0 GPA this year, demonstrating exceptional dedication to his academic growth. As a member of the Advanced Writing Academy and a Talented and Gifted student, he consistently challenges himself and produces high-quality work. Santiago serves as the elected 5th grade president in student government, participates in The WARP Speed Ahead! STEM Club and earned second place in this year’s Literacy Fair. Beyond his achievements, Santiago is kind, respectful, a supportive friend to his peers and a positive role model in his school community.
Magnolia Elementary School
Gloryette Abolle
An Honor Roll student, Gloryette approaches tasks with an impressive level of seriousness and resolve. At school, she willingly supports others during learning tasks without being asked. As a new member of the school community from Cameroon, she is both well respected and liked by her peers, exhibiting daily positivity and inspiring those around her to do the same. Gloryette’s actions reflect integrity and responsibility, making her a positive and steady presence in the classroom.
Shane Fleshman
Shane is a hardworking student who daily demonstrates focus, perseverance and a strong commitment to learning. As a member of the school’s Safety Patrol, Shane models responsibility and dependability for his peers. An Honor Roll student, he brings great enthusiasm and energy to his work and takes pride in his interests outside of school as well which include gaming, health/wellness and comics. With aspirations of playing football in middle school, Shane exemplifies discipline, character and what it means to be a positive influence on others.
Dora Kennedy
French Immersion School
Antonia Troncoso-Roldan
Antonia is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, participates on the school soccer team and is a member of the school band. Outside of school, Antonia pursues her passion for soccer through a competitive soccer club, enabling her to further develop her discipline, teamwork and leadership skills. She aspires to attend either the University of California, Los Angeles or New York University and pursue a career as a psychologist.
Tabitha Melin
Tabitha has served as an editor for the Middle School Magazine, where she contributed to elevating student voice and expression, and is an active member of the symphony orchestra. Outside of school, she has performed in the Greenbelt Youth Musical for three consecutive years, participated in ballet, Circus Camp (where she learned to ride a unicycle) and currently serves in Girl Scouts as a cadette. Tabitha plans to attend Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s Science and Technology program, where she’ll continue to apply herself academically and explore her interests in STEM.
Greenbelt Middle School
Favour Sunny-Akowe
Favour demonstrates both excellent citizenship and respect at Greenbelt Middle School. She is highly admired by her peers and considered a leader in her class, where she maintains an honor roll status and has been on the GMS basketball team since the 6th grade. Her basketball coach has said she is a great person with a supportive, encouraging family. She is a model citizen of the GMS community.
Stephen Bongwele
Stephen, currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA, is fierce in the classroom. Even though his family’s heritage is French speaking (and he is a native English speaker), Stephen plans to earn a seal of literacy by completing Russian 3 before entering high school. A lover of soccer and a member of the GMS soccer team, he is a true representation of what a model student is to Greenbelt Middle School.
Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ERHS) Awards ($2,500 scholarships)
Michelle Philippeaux
Michelle, a senior, maintains a 3.57 weighted GPA and demonstrates consistent achievement across a range of subjects, including English, chemistry, psychology, dance, mathematics and social sciences. Michelle participates in student government and has contributed over 126 service hours.
Michelle uniquely blends her passion for science and the arts, approaching each new endeavor with creativity, focus and purpose. After ERHS, she intends to study kinesiology.
Naima Eastman
Naima maintains a 3.958 weighted GPA while applying herself across multiple disciplines. Her analytical and reflective nature allows her to approach learning with depth and purpose, as she seeks to understand the “why” behind each concept, which aligns with her intended major in behavioral neuroscience.
Beyond academics, Naima is a valued member of the Eleanor Roosevelt community. Her participation in the Lady Raider Step Squad, Do Something Club and American Sign Language Club highlights her collaboration and leadership. Through her Greenbelt CARES internship and Learn2Earn Youth Program, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and personal growth.
State Delegate Anne Healey Scholarship
Carissa Nwabueze
Carissa is a senior at ERHS where she has distinguished herself as an exceptional scholar, leader and advocate for equity.
Carissa earned a 4.0 un-weighted GPA and a 4.31 weighted GPA while completing AP courses including chemistry, English language, world history, seminar and psychology. She is pursuing the AP Capstone Research course and will graduate with an ASL Biliteracy Certificate, reflecting her passion for communication across communities. As president of the Cards-4-Kindness Club and co-vice president of the ASL Club, Carissa demonstrates strong leadership, initiative and inclusivity. With over 170 service hours, she actively mentors peers and contributes to programs supporting underrepresented students. Inspired by her grandmother’s work, Carissa plans to pursue ASL interpreting to bridge gaps between deaf and hearing communities.
The awards were presented by members of ACE, who are Chair Janet Mirsky, Annette Davis, Troi Dixon, Denna Lambert, Gulnura Rakhyshova and Robert Snyder. Jenni Pompi is their council liaison, Liz Park the city staff liaison.
