Stephanie Duncan will receive the Julian A. Taylor top scholarship this weekend, for her academic success at Ansonia High School.
The $5,000 award goes to the highest ranking African American student at the school each year, and helps pay for expenses at a four-year college or university.
Duncan has been receiving smaller awards from the Julian A. Taylor scholarship committee since she was in 5th grade.
She recently talked with the Valley Independent Sentinel about her volunteer work, her favorite memories from school, and her advice for younger students.
Name: Stephanie Lynn Duncan
Age: 18
College attending in the fall: Massachusetts College of Art & Design
Major: Undecided, but leaning toward art education, illustration or industrial design.
Interests: Art, music, entertainment news and media, and pop culture
Valley Indy: Stephanie, you have volunteered for My Sister’s Place, the Birmingham Group and Toys For Tots in the past. What kind of impact did those volunteer experiences have on you?
Duncan: Volunteering had a very positive impact on me. It showed me how important it is to help those in need. It also showed me that charities put in a lot of time and effort into the community.
Valley Indy: What is your favorite memory from your time at Ansonia High School?
Duncan: My favorite memory from high school was senior banquet. My whole graduating class was all together, united, having a great time. The night was amazing and emotional. It went very well. I’ll never forget it.
Valley Indy: Who was your favorite teacher?
Duncan: My favorite teacher while in school was Mr. Frederick Hashemian. He’s so intelligent and nice. You can tell he loves what he does and does it very well. His class was great and made you engage in critical thinking and philosophical concepts.
Valley Indy: What are your plans for this summer?
Duncan: My plans for the summer are to prepare mentally and physically for college. I plan to improve my art skills and to exercise and eat healthier. I am also looking for a job to help pay for college.
Valley Indy: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Duncan: In 10 years I see myself being very successful and happy. I would like to have a very well established art career and be married with children. I also hope to have a great spiritual life and still be doing great things and following my dreams.
Valley Indy: What was your reaction when you found out you were receiving the $5,000 award this year?
Duncan: Excitement and relief. I’ve been getting the award for many years and wanted very badly to be the top recipient my senior year. I felt and still feel very blessed and thankful to be receiving the reward.
Valley Indy: You’ve clearly been successful academically and in the community. What advice would you give to younger students who want to do the same?
Duncan: I would advise younger students to stay focused on their education and well-being. I would also tell them to be leaders and have minds of their own, and to do the right thing. They should always continue to work hard even after failure, and continue to keep their faith no matter what.
About the Scholarship
The Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Fund was established in 1981 to honor and continue the ideals of the late Rev. Dr. Julian A. Taylor, former Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church.
Like the late Dr. Taylor, the committee endeavors to motivate and to foster the importance of education to African American Students in the Ansonia Public School District.
In addition to the $5,000 award, 22 students in grades 3 through 11 will be honored as Julian A. Taylor (J.A.T.) Scholars receiving awards of $100 each. Over the past 30 years, the committee has provided over $145,000 in scholarships.
The awards will be presented at a banquet on July 8 at John J. Sullivan’s in Ansonia.
To reserve a ticket for the banquet, or to donate to the scholarship fund, please contact Mrs. Anderson at (203) 735‑0421 or Mrs. Lindsey at (203) 725‑0645.