2025 apryl davis scholarship recipients
Andrea Dees
Andrea Dees
Andrea Dees
Miss Andrea Dees was CMA's 2024 Class President and a Valedictorian. She participated in JROTC, Journalism, and Digital Media.
Her plan is to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree at
Western Michigan University.
kim wallace
Andrea Dees
Andrea Dees
Miss Kim Wallace was CMA's 2024 Class Salutatorian. She was the captain of her cheer team, a photographer on the yearbook staff, and a member of the National Honors Society. Her plan is to pursue a Bachelor in Business Administration degree from Clark Atlanta University.
Andrea's 1st semester
Getting Started at WMU
Q: How was the transition to WMU?
A: It wasn’t a hard shift since I was close to home and already familiar with campus life.
Q: Did you have prior experience being away from home before WMU?
A: Yes, I had already experienced different campuses and environments with people from diverse backgrounds.
Q: How has your first semester of college been overall?
A: My first semester of college has been good, I made the good choice of picking classes I know will keep me interested and happy.
Academic Path
Q: What was your original major at WMU?
A: I started in mechanical engineering.
Q: Why did you change your major?
A: I doubted my skill set and realized I enjoyed communication more than engineering.
Q: What is your current major?
A: Communication Studies, with a focus on advertising.
Q: Do you still enjoy math and science?
A: Absolutely—I’ll always love them, but the tedious nature of engineering wasn’t motivating for me.
Personal Growth
Q: What motivates you in your studies?
A: Communication keeps me motivated because it’s engaging and fun.
Q: Who has supported you along the way?
A: My family and those who have encouraged me throughout my journey.
Q: How do you feel about your progress so far?
A: I’m truly grateful for how far I’ve come and excited about what’s ahead.
Reflections
Q: How do you reflect on your journey at WMU?
A: It’s been remarkable, fun, and full of growth.
Q: How do you feel about the passage of time since high school?
A: Time has flown by, and it’s amazing to see how far I’ve come.
Q: Is there a moment you feel especially proud of?
A: I'm pretty proud of myself for passing with high grades in all classes, especially for my first semester.
Q: Is there anything you'd like the scholarship donors or committee to know about your experience?
A: This scholarship has taken a huge weight off my back, allowing me to remain focused on my studies and not stressing myself out about anything tuition wise.
Q: What are you looking forward to next?
A: Continuing my journey at WMU and seeing what the future holds.
kim's 1st semester
Getting Started at CAU
Q:How has your first semester of college been overall?
A:Overall, my first semester of college has been amazing. Going to an HBCU was a dream of mine, and I’m so happy I got to go to Clark Atlanta. All the culture, new experiences, and friends I’ve made have really helped me love my college experience.
Q:What classes are you taking, and which has been the most interesting or challenging?
A:My fall semester of freshman year, I took College Algebra, Biology, Politics and Global Issues, FYS, College Composition, and Psychology. My most challenging class was College Algebra; it took some time for me to get adjusted, and I had to pick up a tutor.
Q:What has been the biggest adjustment from high school to college life?
A:My biggest adjustment was being on my own and starting over. In high school, everyone was so close and knew each other; in college, the campus is so big with a wide variety of age groups, and you really have to step out and get involved if you want to be social.
Personal Growth
Q:What have you learned about yourself during your first semester?
A:I’ve always known I loved time to myself, but living with someone 24/7 in college really just made me value the time I had alone more. I don’t really like the traditional dorm and not being alone, but I was paired with a great roommate, so it makes things easier.
Q:What has surprised you most about college so far?
A:Since I go to Clark, being able to connect and be so close to Morehouse and Spelman really surprised me, but that is one of the things I love the most about my college. It’s like a 3-in-1 experience.
Q:Are you involved in any clubs, organizations, research, or campus activities?
A:During the fall semester, I was involved in the “Black Student Real Estate” group and was on the e-board for the marketing team.
Reflections
Q:How has the scholarship impacted your college experience this semester?A:This scholarship has helped me and my family with my tuition and lifted the weight of having to pay my tuition from my and my mother’s shoulders.
Q:What goals do you have for next semester or the rest of the academic year?
A:Next semester, I plan to accomplish a high GPA, better time management skills, get more involved, and be open to more friends.
Q:Is there a moment this semester you feel especially proud of?
A:I am proud that I stepped out to meet new people and overall just be on my own. I didn’t know how it was going to be being so far away from my mother, but in the end, it showed me that I could be on my own and break out my shell to meet new people.
Q:Is there anything you’d like the scholarship donors or committee to know about your experience?
A:Overall, I love my experience at Clark. I would recommend every African American student to pick an HBCU if they have the opportunity to do so, especially with the help of this scholarship. I’m forever grateful to be the recipient of this scholarship and will not take it for granted. I plan to make a powerful future for myself and not let this opportunity go to waste.
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