History, english and student council are just some of the activities, Demetria Jones enjoys. The valedictorian, at North Community High School in Minneapolis, was absent the day her classmates received the gift of a lifetime.
The class of 2022 has had a rougher than usual educational experience. Two years ago, students switched to distance learning due to the pandemic. Months later, George Floyd's murder rocked not only the city, but the entire world.
For students in Minneapolis, the chaos continued with a three week teachers strike. At North High School, in particular, a student athlete was gunned down while walking down the street.
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Pillsbury United Communities (PUC), head of mobilization & narrative strategies, Kenzie O'Keefe, says the disproportionate impact of these events, inspired her organization to act.
"In February, my boss called me after the murder of DeShaun Hill, really senseless, horrible tragedy. And he expressed what many of us were feeling," said O'Keefe. "An urgent instinct to show up big for the graduating class at North High, given all they have been through."
School officials packed students into the auditorium where PUC announced that every graduating senior---roughly 100--- will receive up to a $10,000 scholarship for post-secondary education.
PANDEMONIUM ENSUES
"Students jumped out of their seats, some were crying, we were crying, others calling their parents," said O'Keefe. "I will never forget that joy, for as long as I live."
Meanwhile, Demetria Jones---the class valedictorian--- was on a road trip. She experienced the excitement virtually, when her principal began broadcasting on Facebook Live.
"I was like oh my gosh, because I had like 10,000 or 11,000 left on my tuition," said Jones. "I was trying to apply for other scholarships to pay that money off. That last 10,000 took a huge load off my shoulders."
This fall, Jones is looking forward to being a Wildcat, at St. Kate's. She is unsure what she wants to major in, but is considering education or business administration.
As for the scholarships, students can use them at any accredited college or university. Pillsbury United will hold the funds and remit them directly to the educational institutions.
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Jones says her schoolmates are "really appreciative."
"Some wanted to go out of state and didn't want to pay the out of state tuition," she said.
"That 10k helped them out. Others were going to trade schools and stuff like that, and just didn't have the money to pay, so that helped them out as well," added Jones.
Pillsbury United hopes to go bigger, funding more dreams in the future.