Daionne Coleman

Passionate about adolescent psychology with a strong commitment to addressing drug abuse and mental health stigma in underserved communities. Inspired by personal experiences and community challenges, I aim to reduce barriers to care and increase representation in psychology, where African American women currently make up only 3% of the field. Dedicated to becoming a role model for young Black girls by pursuing a career as a psychologist and empowering others through advocacy, empathy, and innovative solutions.

• National Honors Society; Grade 11, 12

National Honor Society is a group of high school

students who embody the four pillars of

scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

• Founder of CAPA's Culinary Club; Grade 11, 12

I began this club with my friend, DJ. Me and DJ's

mission was to provide a platform for students to

engage in culinary activities, learn new recipes, and

develop their cooking skills. Everyone's role would

involve attending our club meetings, offering

advice and assistance, and sharing our cooking

techniques and recipe knowledge. Even if students

weren't specialized in cooking, we still wanted them

to join. Having many members will still be valuable

in helping us organize bake sales, workshops, and

potentially even participating in community events.

While we did our best to do all of these things, we

didn't get to. One exciting thing we did do was tour

the kitchen of Del Frisco's restaurant in the

Downtown Pittsburgh area. We were also able to

eat a wide range of cuisines for free.

• Eradicate Hate Youth Summit; Grade 11,12

A group of students chosen by their schools to go

meet up a couple times a year and discuss ways of

eradicating hate within their school. One of the

ways we did this was by having a cultural week

where each cultural student club, such as Black

Student Union, Jewish Student Union, etc., had a

table activity at lunch where students can come up

to do.

• Student Council; Grade 11

In this council we not only plan student events and

activities, but also address challenges within our

school body. One idea I brainstormed in student

council was to have an end of the year festival.

With the help of all of the student council

committees, we were able to have the festival, and

it was enjoyed by the whole student body.

• Caretaker of my Late Grandfather; Grade 9, 10

I fed him three times a day, gave him meds as

prescribed, did arts and crafts, and took him on

walks. Though it was challenging, it was a fulfilling

journey being able to help him like he once did with

me.

• CAPA Student Ambassador; Grade 9

I give tours to incoming students, speak at school

events, and assist with incoming student's

auditions for the art of their choice.

• President of Black Student Union; Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Our mission was to spread cultural awareness and

appreciation throughout our school. My school

received district recognition for our BHM Open Mic.

We always had at least two big activities per year,

including the open mic. I became president of the

cub in 11th grade.

• Dance; Grade 6, 7, 8, 11, 12

I started dancing 2014 but took a two-year hiatus to

focus on the start of high school. Within that time, I

switched dance companies. I now dance for Foxtrot

Dance Studio where I do jazz, tap, ballet, modern,

and hip hop.

• Dancer of the Year; Grade 11

This was awarded to me by my dance company at

our end of the year recital.

• Emerging Essayist of the Year; Grade 11

This is an award handed out by the nonfiction

writing teacher at my school. It is given at my

school's end of the year award ceremony.

• Emerging Essayist of the Year;Grade 10

This is an award handed out by the nonfiction

writing teacher at my school. It is given at my

school's end of the year award ceremony.