Now in its 73rd season of recognizing Black female high school graduates for their academic achievements,  community leadership, and community service, The Owl Club of Denver, Inc. recognized 16 outstanding young ladies on Saturday evening, June 2, 2024.  Recent graduates from high schools across the metro Denver area, the Class of 2024 debutantes—a group of accomplished and driven individuals poised to make a positive impact are:Theodora Boateng demonstrated exceptional dedication to service work, theatre, and dance throughout high school. As a committed member of the National Honor Society and the International Thespian Society, she has also earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, a prestigious recognition of her proficiency in both English and Spanish. With her theatre scholarship, Theodora plans to pursue a Drama and Political Science degree at the University of Denver. Her ultimate goal is to advocate for positive Black representation in film and on stage. Her parents are Lisa Yeboah and Owusu Boateng.Cyndee Dalton, a Denver East High School graduate, has left an indelible mark with her impressive accomplishments, including winning awards in DECA competitions. Her commitment to community service, reflecting her selflessness and dedication, is evident through her volunteering at the Colorado Mission Center. Dalton’s determination to study nursing at Regis Jesuit University is a testament to her admirable commitment to helping others. Her career goal as a labor nurse further underscores her unwavering dedication to the well-being of others, a quality that we all admire. Her parent is Cynthia Pogue.Diana Susan Diggs, a distinguished graduate of Eaglecrest High School, has demonstrated exemplary academic achievement and leadership. As the president of DECA, she has shown remarkable organizational and strategic planning skills. Diana’s commitment to community service is evident through her involvement in various clubs and her contributions to fundraising events. She aspires to pursue a dual degree in business economics and philosophy at The University of Denver, followed by a career in law. Diana’s dedication to making a positive impact within her community and future endeavors is genuinely inspiring. Her parents are Lisa Darrell and Kim Diggs.Madison Farnsworth, a graduate of Broomfield High School, has been a shining star in the Broomfield High School Eagle Marching Band for four years. Her talent, a testament to her dedication and skill, has earned her numerous awards. Madison’s commitment to community service is evident through her volunteering with Feet Forward in Boulder and her strong advocacy for anti-bullying initiatives. With a $ 28,000 scholarship, she is set to pursue a PhD in fashion merchandising and a Bachelor in Apparel Law at The New York City Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM), a testament to her academic prowess and future potential. Her parents are Gwen Turner and Jeffery James Farnsworth.Jordyn Danielle Gallien is an accomplished DSST Green Valley Ranch High School graduate. She has been an active True Light Baptist Church member and has dedicated herself to community service. Jordyn excelled as the girls’ varsity basketball team captain, leading the team to [specific achievements]. Her leadership role is a testament to her determination and ability to inspire others. She is determined to attend Spelman College to pursue her studies in health sciences on the pre-med track. Her unwavering goal is to become a sports medicine doctor. Her parents are Byron and Tiffany Gallien.Ryan Simone Hackett, a standout graduate of Vista Peak Preparatory, excelled in Girls Golf for four years, won the Best Teammate Award in Volleyball, and consistently made the Dean’s List. She mentored first-year students, volunteered extensively, and plans to major in Architecture at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to make a lasting impact in her community. Her parents are Ronald and Ronette Hackett.Thandiwe Manyothwane excelled at Westminster High School, serving as Vice President of the National Honor Society, receiving prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Student Award from the University of Colorado Boulder and the College Board’s National African American Award, and leading the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District’s Teen Council. She actively volunteers and plans to attend the University of California Irvine to double major in political science and psychology. Thandiwe is determined to attend law school and become an attorney to advocate for individuals from similar backgrounds. Her parents are Dana and Thami Manyyothwane.Jaianna Rene Moore is a graduate of Denver’s East High School. Her accomplishments include participating in varsity wrestling and cheerleading, being honored in the Ladies First club, receiving a BOLT scholarship, and securing a $3200 grant for her high school. She plans to study Criminal Justice at South Carolina State University and later specialize in Forensic Science to contribute to her community.Meet Savannah Newton, an outstanding graduate of DSST: Conservatory Green High School. She’s passionate about STEM and is a leader in the Black Student Alliance, dedicating her time to fundraising for the Denver Women’s Homeless Shelter. Her internship at the Denver Urban Farm showcases her commitment to giving back to her community. With unwavering confidence, she’s pursuing a forensic science and human health degree at The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, driven by her ambition to become a successful criminalist. Her parents are Willard Newton and Angela Guy.Eva Simone Parks is a distinguished graduate of Valor Christian High School. At Valor, she excelled in various clubs and sports, including basketball and lacrosse. Eva graduated cum laude for all four years. She also served on two international mission trips to Panama and Mexico. She plans to pursue a pre-med degree in Biophysics to become an orthopedic or cardiac surgeon. Her parents are Bettina and Jerome Parks.Schuylar A’kire Pearson, a Denver’s East High School graduate, is an active Ladies First and the Black Student Alliance member. She enjoys volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and participating in Comcast Cares Day. Despite her busy schedule, she has excelled academically, with a GPA of 4.9, and was awarded the esteemed Posse Scholarship. Schuyler looks forward to studying international relations at Case Western Reserve University to positively impact global issues and embrace diverse cultures. She is determined to overcome any challenges that come her way with a smile. Her parent is Erika Evans.Leilani Marie Ransburg graduated from Rangeview High School. She excelled academically and has been deeply involved in extracurricular activities, including being captain of the varsity cheerleading team and a valued four-year swim team member. Her passion for biology has led her to receive a swimming scholarship to study biology at Ottawa University, where she hopes to specialize in dental anesthesiology and provide compassionate care to others. Her parent is Takeshia Van Ross.Annika Celine Rouse, a Cherry Creek High School graduate, is an exceptionally accomplished competitive dancer with numerous awards, titles, championships, and scholarships. She has demonstrated strong leadership by serving in various roles at her school and church. She has been consistently recognized for her outstanding academic achievements. Annika will attend San Diego State University, majoring in sports journalism, and proudly dances on the D1A dance team.She attributes her accomplishments to Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”Her parents are Pastor William and Caramel Rouse.Victoria Abbie Ware is a Denver East High School graduate and an active member of Our Faith Baptist Church. She has been deeply involved in the 4-H organization since age nine, excelling in showing llamas, rabbits, and chickens at the National Western Stock Show, woodworking, and shooting sports. Using her CAES 1890 scholarship, Victoria will attend North Carolina A&T in the fall, majoring in animal science. Her parents are Veronica and Jerry Ware.Kiara Rihanna Wilson, a Denver East High School graduate, has many accomplishments and is deeply involved in her community. She volunteers at the Rocky Mountain Food Bank, Denver Health, and non-profit hospitals for her EMT certification as part of her medical clinical trials. She is a recipient of the Mile High Scholar Award and has participated in the National Youth Leadership Conference. Kiara plans to attend South Carolina State University to major in biology with a minor in oncology, become a trauma surgeon, and eventually own her own practice. She is determined to pave the way for more young Black women to enter the medical field. Her parents are Kevin and Tracy Wilson.Zalayha Young recently graduated from East High School, where she excelled academically and in extracurricular activities. She is now preparing to start her academic journey at South Carolina State University to pursue a business management and administration degree. Throughout her high school years, Zalayha was deeply involved in various initiatives. Notably, she played crucial roles as a manager for the basketball and cheerleading teams. She participated in the Link Crew program, which allowed her to actively contribute to fostering a supportive and inclusive school community while maintaining a 3.0 GPA.