Four Baldwin High School@Shubert Students Awarded Scholarships During Commencement

In an inspiring culmination of their hard work and dedication, four students from Baldwin High School@Shubert were awarded significant scholarships through district partnerships, celebrating their achievements at the recent graduation ceremony.

Axel Torres Esteban and Jeremiah Salinas each received a $5,000 scholarship from the Simon Youth Foundation, enabling them to pursue higher education at a college or trade school. Additionally, Nevaeh O’Rourke and Scarlett Kefer-Jaramillo were offered scholarships of up to $9,000 from the Future Jewelers Academy to attend the prestigious Gemological Institute of America. The final amount of these scholarships depended on their chosen program, providing them with the flexibility to tailor their educational paths.

Adding to the ceremony's highlights, Malyia McNaughton, President of Future Jewelers Academy, delivered the keynote address. McNaughton spoke about how a gold bracelet gifted to her by her father inspired her to pursue a career in the jewelry industry. She talked about her own journey to becoming an acclaimed professional in her field and encouraged students to take calculated risks, be themselves, and let their personalities shine through as they carve out their own pathways.

The accomplishments of these Baldwin High School@Shubert students stand as a testament to their hard work and the supportive educational community.

About Simon Youth Foundation
Since its founding, the Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) has been instrumental in supporting over 17,000 students nationwide, many of whom are first-generation high school graduates. The foundation's commitment to recognizing student potential is evident through its provision of scholarships and college counseling, paving the way for continued education and career success.

About Natural Diamond Council
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) seeks to uphold the integrity of the modern diamond jewelry industry while inspiring, educating, and protecting consumers. Operating across four continents, the council's six members collectively account for the majority of the world's rough diamond production. They are committed to fostering sustainable development within communities, diamond-producing countries, and the diamond sector, spanning from mine to market. As an organization, the Natural Diamond Council facilitates collaboration among its members, encouraging the exchange of information and sharing of best practices.

About Black in Jewelry Coalition
The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Black professionals in the gem, jewelry, and watch industry. Founded in August 2020, the BIJC aims to improve diversity and inclusion within the industry.