PRYDE celebrates the graduation of senior scholar cohort
PRYDE holds online celebration for graduating cohort of scholars.
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed life as we knew it, but as 2020 graduates celebrate the end of their final school year, PRYDE has found ways to continue the festivities. Despite being unable to meet in person, PRYDE held an online zoom event on May 13th to recognize the senior student cohort for their successful completion of the Scholars Program. The event was joined by various members of the PRYDE community, including faculty mentors, 4-H practitioner partners, and many current and incoming PRYDE Scholars.
Dr. Kristen Elmore, PRYDE’s assistant director, hosted the celebration by speaking about the accomplishments of the seniors throughout the past two years. One of the seniors’ noteworthy achievements included the creation of PRYDE’s Youth Investigators project. Seniors designed an educational curriculum that promotes youth participatory action research by teaching adolescents research methodology skills and positive youth development concepts. In addition to highlighting their accomplishments, each senior was recognized for their contribution to the program through fun superlatives nominated by other members of the cohort. Memorable superlatives such as teacher’s pet, the mightiest avenger, and most likely to say “you guys are too much” illustrated their fondness for one another.
During the celebration, scholars were invited to say a few words of reflection about their scholar experiences. Adjoa Fosuhema-Kordie, a Human Development major, said “I'm really appreciative of the opportunities this program has given me. The best part of this program has been getting to know and work with the members of this cohort, and I'm really excited to get to know all the amazing things that you guys will do in the future!”
Senior Morgan Chadwick, majoring in Nutritional Sciences, offered some advice to the newly accepted cohort of scholars by saying “I encourage you to really embrace the extra things and participate in PRYDE events that occur outside the school year, such as attending conferences. It’s a cool opportunity to see practitioners doing work in those settings. Take advantage of everything that the program offers.”
This particular cohort was praised for their exemplary ability to work as a group. They demonstrated the benefits of the cohort experience by showing genuine appreciation for each other’s contributions and operating as a team to create beneficial resources for youth in NYS.
Congratulations to the PRYDE Scholars class of 2020!