SWAG Celebrates Juneteenth: A Tribute to Black & Youth Excellence

As we commemorate Juneteenth—a powerful day of liberation, change, freedom, and excellence—SWAG proudly uplifts the brilliance of our youth who embody the spirit of this day.

On June 5th, SWAG celebrated the graduation of two outstanding seniors whose journeys reflect perseverance, purpose, and excellence:

• Felicia Coggins, SWAG and APS Firestone graduate, will attend The Ohio State University to study Cybersecurity.

• Kamari Porter, SWAG and APS STEM High graduate, will attend Kent State University to pursue Nursing.

These remarkable young women are not only graduates—they are trailblazers, setting a path for others to follow.

In addition to our graduates, SWAG celebrates 22 students who earned a 3.0 GPA or higher during Academic Marking Periods 3 and 4:

Evan Brown, D’Anna West, Darrion Owens, Devonier Mitchell, Samuel Watkins, Chloe Green, Kalia Wade, Jania Knaff, Jhourney Gwen, Rocket Howell, John Knaff, Kaylen Jackson, Mckenzy Coggins, Nevaeh Scott, Kennedy Cobble, Lennox Cobble, Thomas Moreland, Kamari Porter, Janiyah Thompson, Kmarion Friday, Jacob Grandison, Reshaun Gibson, and , Malachi Yaisrael.

We also honor our Most Improved Students for their remarkable academic and personal growth:

• Mahari Colemon (9th)

• Gabriel Khvan (8th)

• Kendel Porter (7th)

• Zakyrra Smith (6th)

• Darin Owens (10th)

• Cameron Fann (8th)

Three students have been elected by their peers and staff as Trailblazers—leaders who reflect integrity, resilience, and vision:

• John Knaff (6th Grade)

• Christiana Wade (8th Grade)

• Evan Brown (9th Grade)

And for their exceptional service to the community, we proudly recognize:

• Stephawn Muhammad (9th Grade) – 18 Hours of Impact

• Evan Brown (9th Grade) – 17 Hours of Impact

Founded a decade ago by the youth, for the youth, SWAG continues to be a cornerstone of the Akron community. As we look toward the future, we remain grounded in our affirmation:

“P.U.R.P.O.S.E is within me.”

This Juneteenth, we celebrate not just freedom—but the boundless excellence and promise of our next generation.