Our Scholars    

My name is Nickolas Harris, and I am a future high performance mechanic and rally driver. I’ve always been fascinated by engineering, engines, and everything that makes a vehicle perform at its best. Whether it's through hands-on work or pushing limits on the track, I know this is the path for me.

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ROK has played a huge role in my personal growth. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the impact I have on others—how my energy and motivation can influence those around me. Through community service, I’ve realized that staying upbeat and driven inspires others to do the same.

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During my 3 years in ROK, my confidence has grown tremendously.

To those who have helped me along the way—thank you. I promise to work hard and not let you down. My advice to others on a similar path? Stay busy, keep your priorities straight, and always be willing to correct yourself when needed. Success comes to those who stay focused and keep moving forward.

My name is Anthony Stanton, and I am a future NFL player. Football has always been my passion, and my goal is to play at the highest level before transitioning into a career as a trainer (where I will develop the next generation of athletes.) The idea of staying connected to the game while helping others reach their peak performance drives me to work hard every day.

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I plan to attend USC, where I can develop both as an athlete and a student. Competing at the collegiate level will push me to grow, while also preparing me with the skills and knowledge needed for a long-term career in different areas of the sports industry.

 

 Through the ROK program, I’ve learned the importance of communication and building relationships. In the last 3 years, I learned to engage with those around me and help raise the bar for our community. 

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My biggest supporters have been my Lord and Savior, along with my mom. Their belief in me has given me the strength to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges. To them and everyone else who has helped me along the way—thank you for standing by me and supporting my dreams.

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My name is Jahmar, and I am a future sociologist. I’ve always been fascinated by social behavior—especially how people interact in groups and across different cultures. Though I haven’t decided on a specific college yet, I’m working hard to achieve my goals.

 

Through ROK, I’ve learned a lot about leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork. My confidence has grown significantly, especially as I’ve taken on various leadership roles. The mentoring I’ve received has really helped me become more self-assured young man.

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Recently, my experience with ROK’s outreach efforts have helped to shift my perspective about community. I realized that in addition to helping my community directly, I can also highlight the great work others are doing, which feels just as powerful.

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I’m incredibly grateful to the people who’ve supported me, especially for taking the time to see my potential and helping me cultivate it.

My name is Dominique Gordon, and I’m passionate about softball, painting, drawing, and doing hair. Although I haven't decided on a profession, I do know that I want to attend Howard University to continue my education and find my purpose.

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Through ROK, I’ve found my voice and become more confident, especially when it comes to public speaking. I’ve also realized how much I enjoy helping people through community service. It feels good to make a difference, and I’m excited to continue that in the future.

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My mom, dad, and sisters have been my biggest supporters along the way, and I’m so grateful for their encouragement.​ To those in the community who have helped me, I want to say thank you. I won’t let your efforts go to waste. 

My name is Arihanna Winns, and I am a future FBI agent. I’ve always been interested in making a difference in the world, and working in the legal field with a focus on crime solving is where I see myself.

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Though I’m still figuring out which college to attend, UCLA is definitely one I’ve been considering for my studies. During my time in ROK, I’ve learned a lot, especially through community service activities, where I’ve gained leadership skills.

 

A major turning point for me was the ROK dinner last year, which helped me become more confident speaking in front of a crowd. Over the last year, my confidence has grown immensely. I now feel comfortable speaking up when I need to and approaching others to build connections. I’ve also learned to be a better leader.

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I’m truly thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way. To those who have encouraged me, I want to say thank you—your support means the world to me.

My name is Chevelle Ellis, and I am a future defense attorney. I want to fight for those who have been wrongfully accused because far too many people have suffered the injustice of losing their freedom unfairly. And I believe that needs to change immediately. My dream is to attend Penn State, Howard, or Moorehouse to pursue my passion for justice.

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ROK has taught me the importance of focusing on myself and giving back to others. Volunteering at different community service opportunities opened my eyes to the struggles of homelessness, while also bringing me joy that comes from seeing so many in my community helping those in need.

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To those who have supported me on my educational journey—God bless you. And to anyone walking on a similar path, my advice: “Stay focused. Don’t let anything slow you down because your dreams are worth the journey.”

My name is Fayth-Anjel, and I want to be a therapist or social worker when I get older. I’m passionate about helping kids with their issues, and hope to make a difference in their lives.I’m considering attending SUU for my studies, but I’m still figuring out the specifics.

 

Through ROK, I’ve learned the importance of helping others and showing care for the world. Although I’m not sure if my confidence has grown significantly, I do know that I’ve gained valuable experiences along the way.

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My biggest support has come from my brother, who has been there for me through both the good and bad times. I want to say, "Thank you to everyone who has supported me, even when I wasn’t at my best. Your constant presence means so much."

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My advice to others who are on a similar path is: "Push through, and if it’s really what you want, don’t let anyone change your mind."

My name is Kasia Marley Alapati, and I am a future registered nurse. I’ve always been drawn to the medical field, but nursing stands out to me because it blends science with compassion. I want to provide not just medical care but also emotional support to patients during their most vulnerable moments. My dream is to study at the University of Southern California (USC), where I can gain the hands-on experience needed to make a real difference in people’s lives.

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ROK has played a huge role in shaping my perspective. Through community service, like working with solar energy initiatives and health education fairs, I’ve seen firsthand how small actions can impact entire communities. The support and mentorship I’ve received from the ROK staff have pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and grow in ways I never expected.

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To those who have guided me—thank you. Your encouragement has fueled my passion and given me the confidence to pursue my dreams. And to anyone walking a similar path, "Embrace every opportunity and never stop believing in yourself. Your journey is just beginning, and the impact you can make is limitless."

My name is Keagan, and my dream is to become a marine biologist. I’ve always loved the ocean and everything in it, and I’m fascinated by sea life. One day, I hope to discover a new species and contribute something meaningful to our understanding of the underwater world. After high school, I would love to attend California State University, Long Beach to study marine biology and pursue this passion even further.

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Being active in soccer and cross country has taught me discipline, endurance, and commitment—qualities I know will help me succeed in my future career. Financial challenges, like the cost of replacing running shoes each year, have also shaped my perspective. They motivated me to apply for ROK, not only for support but also for the opportunity to connect with new people and grow through the experience. Even if I hadn’t been selected, I knew it would still be worth stepping out and trying.

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Serving my community has always been important to me. Through my church, I’ve participated in car washes and helped with a weekly prayer booth for the community. My grandmother motivates me every day because I want to make her proud and become someone who represents our family well. My mother has been my greatest supporter, constantly encouraging me and pushing me to do my best in everything I pursue.

 

To everyone who has helped me along the way, I simply want to say thank you for your support and encouragement—it keeps me moving forward no matter what.

My name is D’andria, and my dream is to become a nurse. I’ve always had a heart for helping people, and I want to make a real difference in the lives of those who need care and compassion the most. I hope to one day attend Harvard University to pursue my education and prepare for a career dedicated to serving others through healthcare.

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My love for poetry, drawing, and basketball has helped shape who I am. Creative expression allows me to process my thoughts and emotions, while basketball has taught me teamwork and perseverance. I decided to apply for ROK because I want to position myself for success and attend one of the best universities possible to achieve my goals. I know that helping people starts with preparing myself to be the best I can be.

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My sister, Dejah, is my greatest motivation and my strongest supporter. When no one else believed in me, she did—and that belief has meant everything. Her encouragement continues to push me forward, reminding me that I am capable of more than I sometimes see in myself. To everyone who has helped me along the way, I simply want to say thank you. Your support truly matters.

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If I could give advice to 8th graders walking a similar path, I would say this: “Keep believing in yourself, and don’t let what other people think about you affect the way you think about yourself.”

My name is Vida, and my dream is to become an actress. I’m fascinated by everything that comes with the career—TV production, scripts, premieres, and the creativity behind bringing stories to life. Performing allows people to express emotion, inspire others, and make an impact through storytelling. One day, I hope to attend UCLA or The Juilliard School to study acting and continue developing my craft.

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Outside of acting, I stay active through volleyball, basketball, and spending most of my time on the softball field. Sports have taught me teamwork, discipline, and how to stay committed even when things get tough. When I’m not on the court or field, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows—often studying performances and imagining myself in similar roles one day. While I didn’t always have access to the best classes in junior high, that challenge motivated me to seek out programs like ROK where I can find support, guidance, and opportunities to grow.

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My family motivates me every day. As the oldest child, I want to set a strong example for my siblings and younger cousins so they can see what’s possible. My coaches, teachers, and community also inspire me to represent them well and succeed. My parents have been my biggest supporters—celebrating every milestone, driving me to practices, helping with homework, and constantly encouraging me. To everyone who has believed in me, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for believing in me during moments when I couldn’t believe in myself. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.

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If I could give advice to 8th graders walking a similar path, I would say this: “Keep going. Even when it feels like a lot is on your shoulders, never back down. Always give your very best in everything you set your mind to—it will pay off one day.”

My name is Tramari, and I have big goals for my future. I want to become either a professional athlete or a lawyer. I’m passionate about sports, but I’m also passionate about making a difference. Whether it’s on the field or in the courtroom, I want to represent my community proudly and help uplift minorities. I hope to one day attend the University of Southern California (USC) and continue building toward a future where others can look up to me.

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Sports have always been a major part of my life, teaching me discipline, focus, and how to push myself beyond limits. One of the main reasons I applied for ROK is because I wanted to improve in school and truly commit to doing better academically. I realized that if I want to reach high goals, I have to put in high effort—not just in sports, but in the classroom as well. Participating in community service, like helping with a backpack giveaway, also reminded me how important it is to give back.

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I motivate myself by constantly pushing to another level, but my friends and family have supported me every step of the way. Their encouragement means everything to me. To those who have helped me along this journey, I just want to say I love and appreciate you. There’s no way I can fully repay you, but I’ll keep working hard and find a way to make you proud.

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My name is Cadence Storey, and I am a future founder and CEO of a firm that will combine cybersecurity, private investigation, and legal services. I’m passionate about safeguarding individuals from digital threats, uncovering critical information, and ensuring the right legal actions are taken.

 

​In the last 3 years, my experiences in community service have taught me the importance of teamwork and communication. Whether organizing events or helping others, I’ve realized that giving back isn’t just about offering support—it’s about building lasting connections and making meaningful change. 

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To anyone on a similar path, my advice is simple: "Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, and take advantage of the opportunities in front of you. Most importantly, believe in yourself, because the effort you put in now will pay off in ways you can’t even imagine.

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Through my time in ROK, I’ve learned the immense value of mentorship and community support. The guidance from our mentors has helped me grow in confidence, patience, and understanding.  ROK isn’t just a scholarship program—it’s a family.

Hi, I’m Sereena, and my dream is to become a registered nurse. I’ve always been drawn to helping people, and I want to make a difference in others' lives through healthcare. I’m considering UC Riverside for my studies, though I’m still exploring other options.

 

Through ROK, I’ve learned that kindness and service to the community go a long way. Even if you don’t have much, if you can help, you should. While I haven’t had any major changes recently, I’ve grown a lot since joining. When I first started as a shy freshman, I barely spoke. Now, I’m more confident and might even talk a little too much!

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Mr. [Derrick] Delton has been an incredible mentor and friend throughout my journey in ROK, and I’m deeply grateful for his support. To everyone who’s helped me, I just want to say, "Thank you." Your support means more than you know, and I promise I won’t disappoint you.

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If I could give advice to my 8th grade self, I'd say this: "Give it your all, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride—it doesn’t last forever!"

My name is Jahmere, and I am a future United States Marine. I’m drawn to this path not only because of the mental and physical challenges, but also for the many opportunities it will provide in the civilian world. My goal is to attend Cal Poly and use my education to support my career in the military.

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ROK has played a huge role in my personal growth. Through this program, I’ve learned that everything we give—whether time, effort, or support—matters. My confidence, especially in public speaking, has grown tremendously, and I’ve gained a new perspective on leadership and service.

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I’m incredibly grateful to Pastor Bushawn Carpenter and all the ROK members who have supported me along the way. Their guidance and sacrifices have helped shape who I am today.

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To those on a similar path, my advice is simple: "Have patience and always reach for the highest. Keep pushing forward, stay disciplined, and never settle for less than your best."

My name is Kira, and I am a future attorney. I’m passionate about justice, advocacy, and making a difference in people’s lives. UCLA is my dream school, and I’m determined to use my education to give back to my community.

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ROK has been a transformative experience for me. Through mentorship and weekly meetings, I’ve learned mindfulness, gained confidence, and developed a new perspective on handling stress. Pastor Bushawn and Mr. Delton have been my biggest supporters, guiding me through challenges and encouraging me every step of the way. Their belief in me has strengthened my confidence and motivation.

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The ROK community service activities I’ve participated in have taught me gratitude, reminding me to appreciate every moment and give back whenever I can. To anyone on a similar path, my advice is simple: "Keep going, no matter the challenges. Life is unpredictable, but always stay true to yourself, focus on your mental health, and remember that you are capable of amazing things."

Hi, I’m Ruben Marquez. Ever since preschool, I’ve wanted to become a teacher. My first teacher was really kind and helped me so much that I’ve always wanted to do the same for others. I’m aiming to attend UC Riverside to pursue my dream.

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Outside of school, I love playing baseball, reading, and hanging out with my friends. I've only been in the ROK program for 6 months, but in this short time, I’ve learned the importance of giving back to the community. Visiting places like Barstow Church of God and Christ and witnessing their food distribution showed me how impactful it is to help those in need.

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ROK has helped me grow a lot in confidence, build stronger friendships, and develop the skill of connecting with people. I’m really thankful for the support I’ve received, especially from Bushawn, who’s always been there for me.

To anyone following a similar path, my advice is simple: "Be grateful for what you have, because not everyone is as fortunate." Thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far!

My name is Jamari Smith, and I aspire to be a business owner when I get older. I want to be my own boss and create a successful future for my family and others in my community. I’m considering attending USC for college, but I’m still figuring things out.

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Though I haven’t had any glaring experiences that changed my perspective, ROK has motivated me to do better. I am constantly learning from the community service activities, and I am starting to understand how important it is to give back to others in my community. 

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My dad, grandpa, and grandma have supported me the most in my educational journey, and I’m truly grateful for them. To everyone who’s helped me along the way, I want to say thank you. My future is looking brighter every day.

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My name is Gerald Dill, and I aspire to be an NFL player when I get older. Although I don’t have a specific college in mind yet, I am leaning heavily toward Oregon and Hawaii. Right now I am only a freshman, so I’m simply focused on improving myself and working hard toward my goals.

 

Since joining ROK, I’ve grown a lot as a person. I’ve developed better social skills and learned how to talk to more people, which has helped my confidence tremendously. 

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The President of ROK, Mr. Delton, has been one of the biggest supporters of my journey, and I’m grateful for his guidance. To everyone who’s helped me along the way, I want to say thank you for all the support. 

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If I could give advice to an 8th grader about to enter High School, it would be: "Don’t dwell on the past. If you focus too much on what’s already happened, you won’t be able to see what the future holds for you. Keep looking ahead!"

Hi, I’m Leah, and my dream is to become an Air Force Pararescueman (PJ). I’ve always been drawn to serving my country and pushing myself beyond my limits—especially when it means helping others in their most critical moments. The idea of falling through the air to save lives excites me because it represents courage, commitment, and purpose. I’m planning to pursue my studies at UC Berkeley as I work toward achieving this goal.

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Through my experiences, especially with the California Cadet Corps (CACC), I’ve learned the value of discipline, leadership, and service. Watching my mom struggle to balance school and life events has also shaped me—it showed me the importance of perseverance and finishing what you start. Those challenges helped motivate me to apply for ROK and continue striving for something greater. Being part of this program is helping me stay focused on the future I’m building for myself.

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The people around me inspire me to keep pushing forward, but ultimately, I’ve learned to rely on myself the most. I hold myself accountable because I know my future depends on the work I put in today. To those who have supported me along the way, I simply say, “You tried, I did.” Your efforts mattered, and I made sure they counted.

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If I could give advice to 8th graders on a similar path, I would say this: “Don’t worry about who’s around you—worry about who you want around you.” Surround yourself with people who push you higher, believe in your vision, and challenge you to grow.

Hi, I’m Keagan, and my dream is to become a marine biologist. I’ve always loved the ocean and everything in it, and I’m fascinated by sea life. One day, I hope to discover a new species and contribute something meaningful to our understanding of the underwater world. After high school, I would love to attend California State University, Long Beach to study marine biology and pursue this passion even further.

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Being active in soccer and cross country has taught me discipline, endurance, and commitment—qualities I know will help me succeed in my future career. Financial challenges, like the cost of replacing running shoes each year, have also shaped my perspective. They motivated me to apply for ROK, not only for support but also for the opportunity to connect with new people and grow through the experience. Even if I hadn’t been selected, I knew it would still be worth stepping out and trying.

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Serving my community has always been important to me. Through my church, I’ve participated in car washes and helped with a weekly prayer booth for the community. My grandmother motivates me every day because I want to make her proud and become someone who represents our family well. My mother has been my greatest supporter, constantly encouraging me and pushing me to do my best in everything I pursue.

 

To everyone who has helped me along the way, I simply want to say thank you for your support and encouragement—it keeps me moving forward no matter what.

Hi, I’m Arianna, and my dream is to become a firefighter or police officer. I’ve always been drawn to careers that protect and serve others. Watching shows about first responders sparked my interest, but what keeps me motivated is the idea of being someone people can rely on in difficult moments. While I’m still exploring which college I want to attend, I know I’m committed to building a future in public service.

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Playing softball has taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that are essential in both firefighting and law enforcement. Attending meetings with Ruben and being exposed to opportunities through ROK encouraged me to think more seriously about my future and what it will take to accomplish my goals. I’ve also been involved in community service, including cleaning up my school through Cadet Corps and participating in peer counseling, which has helped me understand the importance of leadership and responsibility.

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My family and friends have supported me along the way, and they continue to motivate me. Seeing some of my family members not accomplish their goals pushes me to work even harder to achieve mine. I want to break barriers and set a new example. To everyone who has helped and supported me, I just want to say thank you—and I hope you accomplish your goals as well.

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If I could give advice to 8th graders on a similar path, I would say this: “Stay out of drama, get all your work done, and focus on yourself. But if you need help, reach out—there is always someone willing to support you.”

Hi, I’m Kahlil, and I have big dreams for my future. I would love to become a professional athlete in football, basketball, or baseball because sports excite me and bring me so much joy every time I play. If that path doesn’t work out, I want to become a rocket scientist. I enjoy math and science, and I’m fascinated by how things work—especially when it comes to space and innovation. While I’m still exploring college options, one school I’m interested in is the University of Alabama.

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Playing sports and even competing in video games has taught me focus, strategy, and perseverance. One of the biggest challenges that motivated me to apply for ROK is seeing my parents work hard to provide everything for me. I don’t like the idea of them carrying all the financial responsibility, and I want to work hard to build a future where I can not only support myself but also give back. One of my goals is to donate to charities and help people who are homeless or in need.

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My dad motivates me to push harder every day, and even the people I compete against inspire me to give my best effort. My parents and grandparents have supported me every step of the way, and I’m incredibly grateful for their love and encouragement. To everyone who has helped me along my journey, I just want to say thank you. I love you, and I hope to repay you someday for everything you’ve done for me.

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If I could give advice to 8th graders on a similar path, I would say this: “Don’t give up, no matter what you choose to do. Always have a dream in mind and chase it with everything you have. Stay focused, work hard, and you will grow.”