Jarvis Godley is a senior at Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville in Chicago, Ill., and a member of the Hyde Park Church. Raised by his grandparents, York and Dolores Godley, “Jay” is regarded by his teachers as friendly and personable.

One of the ways Jarvis demonstrates his love for people is as a Pathfinder junior counselor. Verdell Williamson, his Pathfinder director, says “Jarvis exhibits a quiet strength and maturity that allows him to work patiently with young Pathfinders, provide solutions for problems, and firmly yet quickly respond to emergency situations.” Jarvis says he loves working with the young people, teaching them honors and marching drills.

He also likes speaking and being up front, telling people about Jesus. Members of the Hyde Park Church affirm this gift of preaching, which has encouraged Jarvis to consider the ministry as a vocation. Jarvis is well-rounded and has broad interests, which include football, basketball, golf, poetry, and music. Upon graduation, Jarvis plans to attend Oakwood College, and is also considering computer engineering as a career option.

Deaf from birth, Nicolette Shereen Dabney was born to Forbes and Marie Dabney in Ypsilanti, Mich., where she attends church and has lived all her life.

A senior at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Mich., “Nica” is one of nine deaf students mainstreamed with an interpreter in all classes except the language arts. Being deaf is a challenge, but for Nicolette it has never been an obstacle.

Active in school, church, and community programs, she gives speeches to raise awareness about deaf culture. Nicolette is a member of the art club, vice president of the American Sign Language club, and received a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) award in recognition of academic achievement. She is the first deaf student to participate in the Trailblazer senior mentorship program. Participants are hand-picked since they are required to leave the campus four to five days a week for an hour to go to their assigned elementary school.

“Nicolette wants to excel and forces us to advocate for her,” says her mother. “As a result, the Ypsilanti Church has an interpreter each week to allow Nicolette and two other deaf members to participate fully in the church service."

Nicolette’s hobbies are volleyball, basketball, art, and hair braiding. She plans to attend the Gallaudette University School for the Deaf, in Washington, D.C., a dream she has had since a little girl, and aspires to be an art or math teacher.