** Three MAIA Seniors Awarded Band Scholarships **

Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Contact: Ms. Amy Wesley
Email: awesley@sabis.net

For Immediate Release

 

Three students from Mt. Auburn International Academy (MAIA), a SABIS^® Network U.S. charter school, in Cincinnati, Ohio, recently earned full, four-year music scholarships to attend Kentucky State University (KSU).  Makayla Barnes, Delmarice Donald, and Daezan Freeman were accepted to Kentucky State University and awarded band scholarships based on their academic and musical accomplishments.  Together the scholarships earned by these three students are valued at $112,000.   

All three students credit their time at MAIA and their participation in the school’s marching band for contributing to their success. 

Makalya enrolled at MAIA in the 4^th grade and describes her school experience as her “second home.”  She joined the MAIA marching band in 2014 after discovering her musical talent, having learned to play the baritone and then the trombone. She is the first in her family to attend college and plans to study nursing. 

Delmarice also joined MAIA in the 4^th grade.  She is an inaugural member of the MAIA marching band and has played the baritone for four years.  She is an active member of the MAIA student community and currently serves as the SLO^® Head Prefect. She plans to major in business or journalism at KSU.

Daezan joined MAIA as a 6^th grader.  He excelled in English and learned to read music.  He is also an inaugural member of the marching band, where he found a sense of belonging while showcasing his musical talent, playing both the trombone and drums.   Like Delmarcie, Daezan has also been an active member of the MAIA community, serving as the SLO^® Head Prefect in the 11^th grade.  Daezan plans to major in business with the goal of starting a music engineering company. 

MAIA’s school leadership expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments.  “We are extremely proud of these exceptional students and the example their achievements set,” said MAIA Director Claudia Ehrle.  Terry Davis, MAIA Board Chair, echoed her sentiments saying, “The band is another testament to MAIA’s commitment to provide valuable experiences for our students. We’re immensely proud of Makalya, Delmarice and Daezan and believe that the foundation they’ve received at MAIA will support their personal determination to succeed.”    

Now in its fourth year, the MAIA marching band has grown from 20 to 58 students in grades 5 - 12 and was awarded first place this year in both the Trotwood Battle of the Bands in Dayton, OH, and the Proviso East High School Battle of the Bands in Chicago, IL. 

To learn more about MAIA, visit maia.sabis.net.  To learn more about SABIS^® Educational System™, visit sabis.net.

 

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