May was a month of celebration for ROSS Leaders, honoring graduates and scholarship recipients, building community through the SO Elite Top 30 Camp and Monthly Movement, and recognizing the accomplishments of students and leaders across our community.
Celebrating our Graduates
May was a month of celebration as we recognized the accomplishments of our staff, volunteers, students, and alumni who graduated from high schools, colleges, and graduate programs across the country. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each graduate for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
As they turn the page to a new chapter, we are excited to see them pursue their goals and continue making a positive impact in our community. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and look forward to celebrating their future success.
Scholarship Recipients
Our high school students have demonstrated a tremendous commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Four of our high school graduates have been awarded full-ride scholarships to their respective colleges. We are incredibly proud of each student’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their academic and professional careers.
Congratulations to the following students on receiving these prestigious scholarships:
Rebecca Boules — Susan T. Buffett Scholarship
Pelle Nyenga — Susan T. Buffett Scholarship
Maguva Elezai — Creighton University Grit Scholarship
DaWayne Kearny Jr. — Athletic Scholarship to William Penn University
SO Elite Top 30 Camp
To kick off the summer, we hosted the SO Elite Top 30 Camp at Hudson Catholic in New Jersey. The camp brought together talented student-athletes from all of our chapters. Participants learned from alumni and staff, competed alongside their peers, and received valuable mentorship both on and off the court. In just three days, we saw tremendous growth in leadership, confidence, and character. More importantly, events like these give our students a chance to connect with one another and build relationships that will last a lifetime.
Monthly Movement
Our May Monthly Movement event was a great success as we celebrated National Pilates Day on May 2. Community members came together for an energizing workout led by instructor Natalie Micale Schultz, followed by refreshing beverages provided by Ital Vital. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the event such a positive and uplifting experience.
Looking ahead, we are excited for our June Monthly Movement event on June 13 in partnership with NewMe Run Club. Participants will take on a modified 5K challenge consisting of a 1.5-mile run followed by a 1.5-mile cool-down walk before heading to the local farmers market.
Nunu Gatpan’s Pageant
We proudly supported Nunu Gatpan as she competed in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Jabberwock Scholarship Pageant. Nunu represented herself, her family, and our community with confidence, grace, and elegance, showcasing the hard work and dedication she has invested in her personal and academic growth.
Moments like these serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of showing up for our students. Through encouragement, mentorship, and support, we help young people feel seen, valued, and empowered to pursue their goals with confidence.
A message from our CEO: Jacob Idra
May is always a special time of year because it gives us the opportunity to pause and celebrate our students, alumni, staff, and volunteers for their hard work and accomplishments. Seeing them reach milestones like graduation is a powerful reminder of how important it is to continue building strong support systems for our students. Because of your generosity and belief in our work, we are able to walk alongside our students as they navigate key moments in their lives, overcome challenges, and discover their full potential.
A message from our CPO: Elezabith Rorei
It has been so inspiring to see all the achievements and milestones celebrated this month. From scholarships and graduations to personal goals being reached, there has been so much to celebrate across our community. Seeing ROSS Leaders students, staff, volunteers, and alumni accomplishing incredible things and supporting one another brings me so much joy. Every celebration reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion within this community.
All of our work is made possible through supporters like you. Your generosity allows us to provide meaningful programs, mentorship, and opportunities for the students and families we serve. Every contribution, big or small, helps us expand our impact, strengthen our community, and mold future leaders. If you believe in our mission and want to continue supporting this work, we invite you to donate today.
