Amari’ s academic record and leadership have also earned him the National Honor Society Scholarship Award, a prestigious honor given to only approximately 3 % of applicants nationwide. This honor underscores his dedication to academic excellence, leadership, character, and service.
Innovation Through Gaming: A Modern Approach to STEM Access
While Myakka City is known for its expansive farms and ranches, it has few high-tech resources available. Amari looked for creative solutions to bridge this gap. Recognizing the potential of gaming as a powerful educational tool, he envisions creating games that make STEM( science, technology, engineering, and math) more accessible to rural communities.
“ Gaming can bring STEM education to kids who would never have thought they could be engineers or computer programming specialists,” he says.“ It’ s important to make these opportunities accessible, no matter where you live or what resources you have.”
Amari plans to develop interactive games that engage students in teaching STEM concepts without access to resources. This innovative approach highlights his belief that technology can be a powerful tool for bridging systemic gaps and reflects his commitment to equity and innovation.
“ I was lucky to have people who believed in me,” Amari says.“ But I know there are so many kids out there who could do amazing things if they just had the resources and opportunities.“ This drives Amari’ s work to bridge opportunity gaps, from mentoring students to advocating for equitable policies.
A Call to Action for the Legal Community
Amari’ s story is a powerful reminder of what’ s possible when young people are empowered to lead. But it’ s also a call to action for the legal profession. Rural communities like Amari’ s are often overlooked, yet they are full of potential leaders who can shape the future if given the chance.
Amari shares that“ no community is too small to make a difference, and no challenge is too big to overcome with the right support”.
As legal professionals, we must do more to advocate for systemic changes that address rural inequities. Our profession has the power to create real, lasting change. Amari’ s journey from the country to the Ivy League is a blueprint for how we can uplift the next generation of scholars and leaders. His resilience, empathy, and commitment to justice serve as a challenge to all of us: to bridge the gaps, foster equity, and create a world where every young person has the chance to thrive �
Championing Black History and Social Change
Amari’ s advocacy extends beyond STEM and legal rehabilitation. He recently delivered a powerful“ Bridging America’ s Divide” speech at the 12th A. Jean Battie Scholarship Luncheon. His speech addressed history, systemic inequities, and the importance of unity in bridging social divides.
“ I wanted to shed light on how understanding history can help us move forward,” Amari says.“ If we don’ t acknowledge the roots of systemic issues, we can’ t build solutions that create lasting change.”
His passion for advocacy and education demonstrates his ability to engage with pressing societal issues and challenge others to take action.
Healthcare Advocacy and Leadership: A Vision for the Future
Amari’ s aspirations extend into medicine and public health. As a Teen Health Educator with Healthy Teen, Inc., he worked to provide peer health education throughout the community with a special focus on helping vulnerable youth.
Amari’ s vision is to become a health professional and a policymaker, bridging healthcare and justice. By addressing issues like healthcare funding and disaster-related recovery, he hopes to help communities like his own thrive.
Bridging the Opportunity Gap
Amari’ s acceptance to Columbia University is a testament to his perseverance and the importance of opportunity. Programs like Teen Court, Healthy Teens, ASALH, Divine 9 mentorship initiatives, and leadership organizations gave him the tools to succeed. Yet, he knows many rural youths don’ t have access to these resources.
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