AZARIA D. MAY
HIGH SCHOOL West Bloomfield High School
AGE 18
CITY OF RESIDENCE Pontiac
COLLEGE ATTENDING IN THE FALL Michigan State University
SPORTS I play lacrosse and swim. I hope to do intramural lacrosse in college.
ACCOLADES Graduated Magna Cum Laude; Golden Opportunity Scholarship; Delta Sigma Theta Inc scholarship; KFI Stem Scholarship; JV Defensive Player of the Year (2023); Varsity Defensive Player of the Year (2024); Varsity Defensive Player of the Year (2025); Varsity Ground Ball Champ (2025); and two varsity letters from swim and lacrosse.
MAJOR Human Biology
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE SPORT YOU PLAY? I love creating bonds with my teammates. At first you are just people on the same team, but some of these players have become my best friends. I cherish these people deeply to my heart and would not have met them if not for this sport. I also love the heat of the game — sometimes it gets intense but towards the end we know it was worth it and we put our all into the game.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR ACADEMIC FIELD? I love that it challenges me intellectually and to think outside the box. Although I sometimes struggle with science and healthcare, my love for them has never wavered, but continued to grow.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THESE AREAS OF STUDY? WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THEM? I’m passionate about understanding the human body and making a real impact through healthcare, specifically orthodontics. From these experiences, I’ve learned discipline, critical thinking and how rewarding it is to help others through knowledge and care.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’VE ACHIEVED? One of my major accomplishments are my awards in lacrosse. I ran track my first year of high school because I wanted to follow in my family’s footsteps. I quickly realized that I was not going to be as good as them and I ended up quitting. My sophomore year of high school I found lacrosse and I was instantly good at it. I finally found something that was uniquely me and not a reflection of others and it truly helped me get in touch with who I am.
DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL/MENTOR? Some of the many role models in my life are: Detrice Schultz, my teetee and one of my biggest supporters since I was a child — she always pushed me to be great. Also, my mother, Chelita Schultz, is an extremely hard worker whose influence has made me a dedicated student and person. And Angela Davis: Although she’s much older than I am, she is my best friend and someone I look up to dearly. I hope to one day be able to achieve all that she has achieved in her life.
WHAT GOALS DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE? I have many goals for my future, but a few are that I hope to make a bigger impact in the world. Fewer than five percent of dentists are African American, and the number of orthodontists is even smaller. I want to show young Black students that this path is not only possible but powerful. Through dedication in college and dental school, I hope to maintain a standard of academic excellence that reflects both my work ethic and my passions for the field. I’d like to open my own practice that strives for diversity and provides affordable oral care for those who need it.
TELL ME SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? The main reason I want to become an orthodontist is because as a child I was very insecure about my smile, but I gained confidence with it. I want to help others reach this confidence, too.
ASHLEE FRANKFORD
HIGH SCHOOL West Bloomfield High School
AGE 17
CITY OF RESIDENCE West Bloomfield
COLLEGE ATTENDING IN THE FALL Eastern Michigan University
SPORT I’m a competitive dancer and was on the varsity poms team.
ACCOLADES DAR Good Citizenship Award; NHS Outstanding Leadership Award; West Bloomfield Youth Assistance Award; graduated Summa Cum Laude
MAJOR Occupational Therapy
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE SPORT YOU PLAY? The sense of community, teamwork and the ability it allows me to express myself how I choose.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR ACADEMIC FIELDS? Being able to be very hands-on in my academics and having people that I could go to when needed.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’VE ACHIEVED? I’m proud of having a positive impact on so many remarkable people and having so many others make their marks on me, as well. I’m fortunate to learn from each and every person I get to work with.
DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL/MENTOR? My mom, because of the way she has taught me to do things and how supportive she always is.
WHAT GOALS DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE? I hope that I can continue to positively impact those in my community and around the world. I also hope to become an occupational therapist and work with students with special needs.
TELL ME SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I have a pet bunny. Her name is Feather.