Meet Monica and Dennis, E.L. Haynes seniors who are preparing for their next educational journey: college. You can find Monica studying with her fellow National Honors Society club members, or supporting school and community events as an AP Translator. Dennis, on the other hand, can be found learning about coding or with his Boys to Men classmates and friends, whom he credits with helping him stay involved and engaged in school.
Earlier this month, Dennis and Monica learned they both earned a spot in the Cummings Scholarship Program at Johns Hopkins University, awarded to only 15 seniors across Baltimore and DC. “This remarkable achievement recognizes their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to their community,” shared E.L. Haynes College Office Director Jordan Frasier-Lakes. “Monica and Dennis have proven that they embody the legacy of Elijah E. Cummings, the late Baltimore Congressman and civil rights advocate.” In addition to providing comprehensive support services including mentorship, academic advising, leadership development, and career preparation, the Cummings Scholarship covers students’ full tuition, housing, and fees.
But that’s only part of their story. Monica and Dennis have secured other scholarships—giving them options to chart their own academic and professional pathways. Inspired by his work in the Coding Club, Dennis is excited to explore a career in computer science. “I’ve already started learning different coding languages like Python, JavaScript, and C++,” Dennis shared, brimming with passion. “If I go to Hopkins, it’s a very competitive environment, so I need to make sure I stand out.” For Monica, her lifelong dream of going into pre-med and then pediatrics has evolved throughout her time as a student. Now, she’s drawn to public health: “I really like that you get to see different things from different perspectives. It still has science, but you get to see how it affects different communities.”
“I really like that you get to see different things from different perspectives. It still has science, but you get to see how it affects different communities.”
-Monica, 12th Grade
Throughout high school, Monica and Dennis worked closely with teachers and College Office counselors, earning spots in top college readiness programs to identify, explore, and pursue their fields of study. Starting early in 11th grade Monica worked with College Counselor Rosalia Polanco to apply to the LEDA Scholars Program. As a LEDA Scholar, Monica completed a 6-week college prep program at Princeton and Yale Universities and participated in sessions to promote college readiness, strong writing, leadership, and fellowship. For Dennis, Collegiate Directions played a critical role. “CDI builds amazing, one-on-one relationships between counselors and students,” he said. “They made sure we knew what we were doing and they helped us prepare beforehand: helping with personal statements, applying for financial aid, supporting us with our resumes, completing college applications, everything.”
Dennis and Monica’s college aspirations were shaped by everyday moments and interactions, years before they began preparing their college applications. As part of Monica’s experience in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute NextGen Latino Leaders Program, she met a sponsor who knew a doctor at Johns Hopkins. “I got in contact with the doctor and asked her a few questions about the medical school process, and Hopkins really stood out.” In middle school, Dennis received a small Johns Hopkins University keychain from Ms. Mercier, his English Language Arts teacher, as a reward during a class activity. “I held onto that keychain through sophomore year, until it broke. When senior year came around, I remembered Johns Hopkins and decided to apply.”
Dennis and Monica will be the first in their families to graduate from college, and the opportunities they have secured represent more than just the next steps in their education, but also the next steps in their families’ journeys. “My mom tells me she’s really proud of me, especially that I earned a full-ride,” Monica shared. Whatever they choose to study, and wherever they study it, Monica and Dennis are ready to take on what life brings next. “Don’t try to prove people wrong, instead, try to prove yourself right. Following other peoples’ standards might make you do things you don’t really want to do,” shared Dennis. “Just push yourself to improve and better your own life.”
“Don’t try to prove people wrong, instead, try to prove yourself right. Following other peoples’ standards might make you do things you don’t really want to do. Just push yourself to improve and better your own life.”
-Dennis, 12th Grade
Congratulations, Monica and Dennis!