Our alumni are a group of outstanding young people who represent the future of our community. The following brief biographies outline some of our alumni along with their achievements in academics, extra-curricular activities and community involvement.

A Few Buffalo Prep Class of 2001 Graduates
High school graduating class of 2005

Gaybrielle James, an Oishei Foundation Scholarship recipient and graduate from the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, is currently at the University of Richmond majoring in biology. Gaybrielle known as Gabe was awarded a full four-year CIGNA Scholarship and hopes to become a physician. Gabe was a three-year participant in the University at Buffalo Biomedical STEP Program (Med STEP) where she interned with Dr. Ellen Rich at the Dr. Matt Gajewski Human Service Center during the 2003 Summer Research Program. She earned a certificate for completion at the University at Buffalo Mini-Medical School High School Enrichment Program. During the summer 2004, she was a research assistant with Dr. Richard Pretorius at the University at Buffalo Department of Family Medicine. Her extra-curricular activities included volunteering for Kids Voting, Adopt a Highway Cleaning Program, and she earned the AAA Award and Footprints Community Service Completion Award for over 100 hours of service.

A graduate from the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, Brianna Williams maintained honor roll status all four years of high school. Brianna served as Sacred Heart Ambassador, Junior Homeroom Representative, and captain of the basketball team. As a member of the basketball team, she participated in two all-star games. She is a recipient of the AAA Award and the Wendy's Well Done Student Award. Brianna is a two-year participant of the University at Buffalo Biomedical STEP Program (Med STEP) where she interned with Dr. Richard Pretorius at the University at Buffalo Department of Family Medicine on a project tracking medical students and residency programs. Brianna currently attends the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Biology. Her goal is to attend dental school and become a dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry for children.

Joseph Brown graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute where he was a member of the basketball team and outdoor track team. He served as a tour guide for St. Joseph's Open House and was a volunteer teacher assistant for the Buffalo Prep Program. Joseph is also the recipient of the Venture Scholar Award and the Volunteer Award from Buffalo Head Start. Joseph completed two years in the University at Buffalo Biomedical STEP Program (Med STEP) where he was selected to compete in the 7th Annual STEP Statewide Student Conference in Albany, New York in April of 2005. The research project was entitled "The Effects of Protein Methylation on Cyclin 3 Levels and Growth of Yeast Cells". Joseph currently attends Canisius College majoring in Computer Science. His goal is to become a computer programmer.

A Few Buffalo Prep Class of 2000 Graduates
High school graduating class of 2004

A graduate of The Buffalo Seminary, Aquila has been accepted to every college she applied to. She has chosen to attend Bryn Mawr to major in biology and psychology. After college, she plans to attend medical school and major in neurology, pediatrics or emergency medicine. Aquila participated in the University at Buffalo's Medical Science & Technology Enrichment Program (STEP), where she earned the Mark of Distinction in Chemistry and won first place in the summer presentation. Her extracurricular activities include service as vice president of the Writer's Club and as Jacket Captain of the Athletic Club, as well as participating in International Club, Cultural Awareness Club, Sem Spotlight News, and Science Club. Aquila also participates in varsity basketball, field hockey, badminton and lacrosse.

Carina, a graduate of The Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, has earned the Triple A Honor Award for positive attitude, academic achievement and attendance. She will attend Oberlin College on a four-year Oberlin College grant and will major in communications and film. A devoted volunteer, Carina has earned the Sacristan Award, the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Volunteer Award and the Mary Dean Freeland Community Award for excellence in community service. Her extracurricular activities include UB's Medical STEP program, Youth Group Ambassador, indoor track, drama club, Spanish club, bowling and Spirit Week coordinator.

After graduating from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, Curtis will attend St. Bonaventure University to major in psychology and law enforcement. Curtis serves as president of the Urban Suburban Student Association and is a board member for the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). He volunteers at the Kensington Bailey Community Center and for the mayor's picnic and Christmas party events.

An outstanding graduate of The Nichols School, Aaron has earned honors and awards that include the National Merit Finalist, National Honor Roll, Cum Laude distinction on the National Latin Exam, and the Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Arts Scholarship. He also is co-captain of the varsity basketball team and a member of the football team. Aaron will attend Boston College where he plans to major in finance and sports administration. He is recognized by the National Urban League Incentives to Excel and Succeed Program and is listed in Who's Who Among High School Students. Aaron has participated in Hamilton College's Summer Starter Program and the Dale Carnegie Institute Leadership Training. In his free time, he likes to view and critique movies, play sports and read books.

A Few Buffalo Prep Class of 1999 Graduates
High school graduating class of 2003

Aaron will attend Northwestern University to major in journalism. He aspires to write novels and plays, and someday hopes to win a Pulitzer Prize for literature. He is the proud recipient of the Benjamin Banneker Award of Excellence in Math and Science, the Buffalo Public Schools Award of Excellence, the New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit, and the Buffalo Urban League Award. A graduate of Leonardo da Vinci High School, Aaron's high school career includes numerous awards and distinctions, including membership to the National Honor Society, inclusion in Who's Who Among American High School Students, and scholar/athlete awards. Aaron's extracurricular activities and leadership roles include varsity tennis team captain, editor of The Renaissance (his school newspaper), debate team captain, and student council president.

Hakim graduated from the Nichols School and will attend Colgate University. His career goal is to become an ophthalmologist. Hakim is a recipient of the American Character and Citizenship Award as well as an Urban League scholarship. His extracurricular activities include working, photography, being active in the Student Union for Multicultural Awareness, and volunteering at AIDS Community Services. Hakim enjoys watching movies in his spare time.

Andrea, a graduate of Nardin Academy, is very interested in science and Latin. She was selected as a National Contour Challenge winner and traveled with her science teacher to Cape Canaveral to visit the NASA facility, see the launching of the Contour Probe, and interview mission scientists. Andrea will attend Fisk University on a four-year academic, full-tuition, room and board scholarship. Her academic goal is to earn a doctorate in chemistry.

A Few Buffalo Prep Class of 1998 Graduates
High school graduating class of 2002

In addition to being a Buffalo Prep student, Mai-Leen also participated in Medical S.T.E.P. (science technology enrichment program) at the University at Buffalo. Mai-Leen is excited to be attending Skidmore College on a four-year, full-tuition scholarship. She will major in biology, and eventually plans to become an obstetrician. At Buffalo Prep's 2002 Celebration of Achievement dinner, Mai-Leen gave an inspirational speech, demonstrating the event's theme, "Most Likely to Succeed." At the event, Mai-Leen was awarded the annual Hoskins Foundation Scholarship, which is to be used for her college-related expenses. She is a graduate of Holy Angels Academy.

Thomas will attend the Illinois Institute of Technology and major in computer engineering. He has received recognition in "Who's Who Among American High School Students" and is an advance placement commended scholar. At his high school, Thomas participated in baseball and DECA. He graduated from City Honors and was involved with the Boy Scouts. In his spare time, Thomas likes to surf the internet, play the guitar, and hang out with his friends.

Andrea was a proud recipient of the McGowan Scholarship. In addition to a laptop computer, the scholarship provides four years' tuition and room and board at Canisius College. Andrea plans to major in business. She has received numerous awards and recognition for outstanding academic achievement. Andrea has participated in Inroads of Western New York's internship program and Canisius College's summer honors program. A graduate of Holy Angels Academy, Andrea likes to laugh and spend time with friends and family.

A Few Buffalo Prep Class of 1997 Graduates
High school graduating class of 2001

Maria will study aerospace engineering at Hamilton College, where she received a full scholarship. As an active member of the Buffalo Seminary student body, Maria played softball and participated in International Club and Amnesty International. She has won numerous awards for outside activities, including first place in the Upward Bound Science Fair for her project on black holes, the Character and Leadership Award at Upward Bound, the Hispanic Women Recognition Award, and the Espiritu de Superacion Escolar Award. In what little spare time she has, Maria volunteers with the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, the Women's Hispanic League, and the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo.

Luis will attend Clarkson University in Upstate New York to study computer engineering. Clarkson was very eager to recruit Luis, offering him the Clarkson alumni Grants and the Kodak Scholarship. In addition to being listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students, Luis was a member of the Buffalo Stars hockey team, a participant in the Buffalo Area Minority Engineers program, and a Big Brother. A second-honors graduate of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, Louis also worked at St. Joe's LaSallian Auction, on the yearbook, and volunteered at the Olivencia Community Center and the Hispanics Culture Club.

Wagahta graduated from The Nichols School where she was active with the Nichols mock trial team, varsity cross-country, Students United for Multicultural Awareness, Nichols News, chorus, and Amnesty International. Wagahta is attending Stanford and majoring in biomedical engineering. She has received numerous awards including the National Achievement Scholarship, a listing in Who's Who Among American High School Students, the National Merit Letter of Commendation, the Toyota Community scholar's semifinals, the All American Scholar award, and the AP Scholar recognition. Wagahta volunteers at the Friends of the Night People homeless shelter and the Elizabeth Pierce Center for the Visually Impaired.

A Few Buffalo Prep Class of 1996 Graduates
High school graduating class of 2000

Tahira graduated from Nardin Academy and her extracurricular activities include Rainbow Heritage Club, Pep Club, Science Club, Upward Bound Math/Science, STEP, Jack & Jill Program and Debutante Ball. She volunteered at Humboldt YMCA as a camp counselor and served on the Steward Board at Logan Memorial Church. She is attended Northeastern University where she will study to become a business consultant.

Meriem, an honor roll student since 9th grade, graduated from Buffalo Seminary and is studying pre-med at Johns Hopkins University. Her accolades include the Sophomore Trustee Award, Williams College Book Award, Coaches Award for Tennis (1997), National Honors Society, Outstanding Young Woman Award, Who's Who Award, and the All-American Scholar Award. Her extra-curricular activities have included Science Club, Yearbook, Badminton, Tennis, school plays, and Mock Trial. She has volunteered at the International Institute as an English tutor, the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, and Prevention, Inc. Meriem plans to be a doctor and travel the world to help people by working with "Doctors Without Borders."

Janelle graduated from Hutchinson Technical School where she received numerous honors, including merit and honor roll status, the Youth Best Award, the Talibah Kijana Award from the Canisius College Afro-American Society, and the Youth Award from Eastern Regional Baptist Congress. She has volunteered as an usher at Shea's and with the Holiday Care Drive at AIDS Community Services. She is a recipient of the prestigious McGowan Scholarship (100% tuition and board for four years) to attend Canisius College. She is majoring in criminal justice and aims to work for a government agency, perhaps the FBI. In her free time, Janelle loves to play basketball.

A Few Buffalo Prep Class of 1995 Graduates
High school graduating class of 1999

Desmond graduated from Canisius High School, where he was an honors student and recipient of the Outstanding French Student Award. He was active in many school activities, serving as the vice president of the Student Senate and participating on the varsity and junior varsity football teams. Desmond was a member of the Chess Club, the Urban/Suburban Student Association, the Cultural Celebration Organization, the Boosters and the Upward Bound Program. In his spare time, Desmond tutored students and volunteered at School #54. He is attending Colgate University and studying computer science.

Bridgette, a graduate of Nardin Academy, plans to work for NASA as an astronomer. She is attending Michigan State University and studying astrophysics. While at Nardin, Bridgette received the National English Merit Award, was named to Who's Who in American High Schools, and was awarded the National Leadership and Service Award. She participated in Nardin's Quiz Bowl, Speech and Debate Club, Rainbow Heritage Club, and the school's Track and Field Team. Bridgette is also an active community volunteer, giving of herself at the Tender Loving Daycare Center and the Buffalo Museum of Science.

Brandon attended Julliard where he majored in Dance and Political Science and is now attending Canisius College. A graduate of City Honors, he is the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Award, the Christopher Columbus Award, Leadership Award, and the Community Service Award. Brandon received the Canisius Music/Dance Scholarship and Commercial Food Workers Scholarship. He was captain of the Buffalo Finest Drill Team Squad and was the prom and dance chairman at Park School. In spite of Brandon's rigorous schedule, he was able to volunteer 60 hours at the St. John Fisher's Food Shelter as well as participate in the Park School Summer Program teaching dance. Brandon taught dance to children at the Bob Lanier Center and dreams of becoming a professional dancer on Broadway.

A Few Buffalo Prep Class of 1994 Graduates
High school graduating class of 1998

Silvett graduated from The Nichols School and majors in architecture at Cornell University. An extremely active member of the study body, Silvett was a member of the women's ensemble, the Nichols orchestra, jazz band, Students United for Multicultural Awareness and the Student Life Committee. In her spare time, she teaches Sunday school and helps with the Children's Society at her church.

Gary also graduated from Nichols and is studying pre-law at Cornell University. While at Nichols, Gary was active in a number of activities including the local talk show, Nichols News, the jazz band, Students for Multicultural Awareness, the Ujima Theatre Company, Upward Bound Math and Science Program, and the Youth Leadership Program. Gary has volunteered at Buffalo Prep and has taught tennis to middle school students.

Tanika attends Canisius College where she pursues her studies in pediatric medicine. A Hutchinson Central Technical High School graduate, Tanika was a member of the National Honor Society, the drill team, band, yearbook club and senior council. Her ultimate goal is to open a Christian-based pediatric clinic to serve young people. She is already on the right track, volunteering time at Buffalo General Hospital and serving as president of her Medical Explorers Club. In what little spare time she has, Tanika works with her church and sings in the choir.