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Honorees

The Youth Achievers

Honorees

Naftalienne Jerome

2024 Youth Achiever

Salutatorian of her graduating class from South Tech Academy in Boynton Beach, Naftalienne Jerome has been named the 2024 Jerome Edmund Gray Youth Achiever. During her high school career, Jerome obtained eight medical certifications through South Tech’s Medical Sciences program while earning an impressive 3.9 GPA. She was a proud member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa’s Xinos, and volunteered at elementary schools assisting students with disabilities and performing checkups for older adults at local churches. As the first generation in her family to attend college, Jerome is driven by her mission to address healthcare treatment disparities amongst minority groups. She is in her first year studying at Florida State University in Tallahassee, pursuing degrees in biological sciences and public health, with a focus on pre-medicine and aspirations to become an OBGYN.


Honorees

Brianna Pinales

2023 Youth Achiever

Miami native and recent graduate of Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial High School in Miami, Brianna Pinales has been named the 2023 Jerome Edmund Gray Youth Achiever. Pinales’ commitment to her studies was exemplified this school year when she completed an Associate of Arts degree with a specialization in Forensic Science in addition to completing schooling. Motivated by her insatiable curiosity, determination to expand her knowledge and make a positive impact on the lives of others, Pinales is currently majoring in biological sciences at Florida State University with dreams of pursuing a career in the field of medicine.


Honorees

Christina Cesard

2022 Youth Achiever

Former 'Mighty Eagle' and Miami native Christina Cesard was honored as the 2022 Jerome Edmund Gray Youth Achiever. Growing up as a first-generation immigrant whose parents had never been through the American school system, Cesard independently navigated her academic journey. Despite obstacles, Cesard was able to put her effort into volunteer work, building her resume, academic portfolio and character while in school. As an honors student at William H. Turner Technical Arts High School in Miami, Cesard discovered her affinity for numbers and balancing a spreadsheet, leading her to develop an interest in accounting. Currently a sophomore at Florida State University, she is majoring in marketing while continuing to pursue her passion for numbers and finance.


Honorees

Chanel Barrett

2021 Youth Achiever

Originally hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, the 2021 Jerome Edmund Gray Youth Achiever, Chanel Barrett, has been making her mark on South Florida since her arrival in 2010. Barrett graduated from Nova High School in Davie where she emerged as a role model to her peers, thanks to her dedication to both philanthropy and academic excellence. Her commitment to aiding orphaned and displaced children, ensuring they have access to food and a safe haven, has continued unwaveringly throughout her college years. Barrett is currently a junior at Florida State University where she is pursuing a degree in finance with the goal of establishing a future in the field of wealth management.


Honorees

Paige Harris

2020 Youth Achiever

Driven by her mission to serve those in her community and empower other students, Paige Harris was selected as the 2020 Jerome Edmund Gray Youth Achiever. Harris graduated from Atlantic Technical High School in Coconut Creek as an Honor Roll student where she served as co-treasurer of the Will Make It Enrichment Program. As part of the extracurricular initiative, Harris was dedicated to assisting fellow students' efforts to stay on track and achieve their career goals by advancing their education. Simultaneously, she pursued her studies in Licensed Practical Nursing as part of a dual-enrollment program at Broward College. Currently, Harris is a senior at Florida State University where she is studying biochemistry with the goal of becoming a cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon.