BALTIMORE (June 21, 2009)—The Department of Human Resources’ Maryland Commission for Women (MCW) awarded six young women with the Women of Tomorrow Award. Two of the awards went to young ladies in southern Maryland: Kiauna Nickole Freeman of White Plains and Jasmine Adams of Dunkirk.
This annual event acknowledges and honors young women who have made noteworthy and important contributions to their communities, and who unquestionably will assume leadership positions in their chosen fields. An awards ceremony was held in May.
Ms. Freeman is a student of Matthew Henson Middle School. Her compassion to serve extends throughout Matthew Henson Middle School where she is a member of Student Council, the Chorus, the Basketball Team and the Drama Club. She most recently performed the lead role in the school’s spring production, Supercomics. Kiauna consistently demonstrates excellence in creating, developing, and sustaining opportunities for community service, social action, and learning.
The extent and depth of her contributions include partnering with her local church and community in several ways. She is a dedicated member of Choose Life Church Ministries, where she gracefully serves as a member of the Dance Ministry, and the Youth Council.
Freeman's pursuit of academic excellence has aided her in maintaining honor roll status. She currently has an impressive 4.0 grade point average in the Scholars Choice of Study program (enrichment courses). While attending William B. Wade elementary school, she was the recipient of the United States President’s Award and has since received several Matthew Henson School Principal, Citizenship, and Honor Roll Awards. In addition, her qualifications have afforded her the opportunity to participate in the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth program. Kiauna constantly sets high standards for herself and anticipates one day becoming an Engineer.
Ms. Adams is a 12th grade student at Northern High School where she is ranked in the top 1% of her class. She is passionate about leadership through service, and speaking up for the voiceless. Jasmine aspires to become a lawyer, politician and one day perhaps, the President of the United States.
Adams' current mission is to make the academic environment a rewarding and enriching one for her peers. She serves as the President of the National Honor Society, Editor-in-Chief of the school’s newspaper, Vice President of the Student Government Association, and a student mentor at Northern High School. Her leadership extends to all students of Calvert County as she serves as the 2008 -2009 President of the Calvert Association of Student Councils (CASC). She made history in 2007 when she was voted the Student Member on the Board of Education for Calvert County, becoming the first African American, female, junior to ever serve in that capacity. At the state level, Jasmine is the Maryland Educational Liaison, a position that entails coordinating workshops, meetings and conferences for students to have the opportunity to interface with members of the Maryland State Board of Education, lobbyists and politicians.
Adams is active in her community and has received several appointments by politicians, school administrators and community leaders. Her appointments include student member for a special task force addressing students with multiple school suspensions; student member on the Maryland Youth Advisory Committee; and, student representative for Northern High School on the Calvert Advisory Committee.