Growing up in Gary, Indiana, Rayven Anderson always dreamed of becoming an inventor. However, it was not until later that she discovered her passion for innovation. At the tender age of 10, this remarkable young woman embarked on a self-taught journey into the world of coding through YouTube videos and online tutorials. “I developed an immense love for code, and I acquired my knowledge independently,” Anderson said proudly after she and nine other Gary students received substantial STEM signing day bonuses valued at $750 in scholarship money and prizes from Boeing and the Chicago Area Business Aviation Association Educational Foundation. This event marked the fifth year of the highly anticipated STEM Signing Day.
Josh Hernandez, Vice President of the Chicago Area Business Aviation Association and an experienced pilot, took the stage to address the winners during the 5th Gary STEM Signing Day on April 23, 2024. (Courtesy: John Smierciak/Post-Tribune)
The well-deserved honors were bestowed upon the students following a celebratory lunch at Gary’s ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen. These exceptional students from West Side Leadership Academy, Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, and Steel City Academy had all commenced their high school careers remotely under the unprecedented shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anderson, who serves as the senior class president at West Side, transferred to the school during her sophomore year. She eloquently expressed her gratitude, stating, “I not only discovered a school; I found a community. With their unwavering support, I was empowered to emerge from my shell.”
While Anderson has yet to make a final decision regarding her university destination, she has set her sights on attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). May 1st serves as her deadline for making this crucial choice. Her fellow West Side classmate, Antwan Jordan, 18, aspires to become the first member of his family to earn a college degree. With unwavering determination, he plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Louisiana State University.
“I visited the campus and instantly fell in love with it,” Jordan remarked enthusiastically about the Baton Rouge campus. Reflecting on his high school journey, Jordan shared that he initially experienced anxiety about his class standing, fluctuating between the top three spots. However, he gained valuable insights along the way, realizing that “it’s not about the numbers; it’s about the journey itself. Success lies in becoming the best version of yourself.” Jordan acknowledged that while the remote learning format during the pandemic did not negatively impact his academic performance, it posed challenges in connecting with his teachers.
West Side senior Shakayla McDuffie shared her lifelong passion for mathematics, expressing her excitement about utilizing her signing bonus to pursue a degree in finance at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She was drawn to the university’s renowned finance programs and aspires to become a financial analyst.
Sheonda Anderson, Rayven’s mother, beamed with pride as she recounted her daughter’s transformation during her freshman year at West Side. “She blossomed like a beautiful flower. I am overwhelmed with pride for her accomplishments.” Rayven shared that she joined the school orchestra, brimming with confidence and expecting immediate success. “However, I was mistaken. Each day, I struggled to draw the bow across the strings, producing the most dreadful sounds imaginable,” she recalled.
Instead of pitying her, Anderson’s dedicated teacher chose to play alongside her, patiently guiding her through her struggles. “I came to realize that the magic of music lies in growth and discovery,” she said.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton addressed the students, urging them to never forget their roots as they embark on their higher education journeys. “It’s easy to leave and never look back,” he cautioned, challenging them to find ways to give back to their community in the future.
The selection of these exceptional students was based on their active engagement in STEM programs throughout their middle and high school years, both within the school environment and through extracurricular activities. This exclusive program is available only to Gary seniors who provide proof of acceptance into a two-year or four-year college or university and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in a STEM field.
The esteemed group of student award winners included: Rayven Anderson, Antwan Jordan, Shakayla McDuffie, Iyana Thomas, Yuri Villa, Jayla Walls, Jazzmin Brown, Naima Withers, Olivia Davis, and Jaylynn Dodson.
