This achievement was no small feat. The selection process is intensely competitive, with tens of thousands of applicants vying for just 50 available spots. To qualify, scholars had to maintain a strict grade point average throughout their entire middle school career, meet certain benchmarks, fill out a written application, and complete the interview process. Now that the award has been granted, Kingston will continue to meet rigorous academic benchmarks throughout high school to maintain the scholarship.
To understand the journey behind this milestone, both Principal Nia Hogue and Evan Sumlin, the Communities In Schools (CIS) representative and Kingston’s seventh-grade teacher, shared their perspectives on what this means for Kingston and the future of Emerson Academy.
A Milestone for the School Community
For Ms. Sumlin, this isn't just a personal win for Kingston; it is a beacon for the entire school.
"This moment shows the strength, determination, and potential of our students," she said. "Moments like this show that students from all backgrounds, with focus and support, can reach milestones that once seemed out of reach."
Principal Hogue’s vision has always been to expose middle schoolers to collegiate opportunities early, and seeing Kingston succeed has created a shift in the building.
"The bar has officially been raised," Hogue stated. Since the announcement, she has noticed a more engaged student body.
“I have noticed the outlook of our younger students is beginning to change as they realize the ‘why’ behind their hard work. The connection between daily effort and future success is finally starting to click.”
The NHA Advantage: Academic Rigor and Moral Focus™
As part of the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) network, Emerson Academy integrates Moral Focus™ curriculum into daily learning, emphasizing virtues like courage, respect, and perseverance. Kingston’s journey perfectly illustrates these values in action.
Ms. Sumlin recalls seeing these traits in Kingston when she taught him in seventh-grade ELA class.
"I remember thinking about how brave and determined he was even back then. That courage has only grown," she said. "What really stuck out about Kingston is that he’s never satisfied. He’s always eager to learn, always wants more, and pushes himself."
This internal drive was matched by the academic rigor provided by the Emerson staff. Ms. Sumlin emphasized that Kingston’s success was a true team effort. She credited Brown’s former and current teachers for their essential roles in his success.
"That support, along with the encouragement and high expectations his mom instilled in him from day one, made a huge difference," Sumlin added.
Bridging the Gap to Opportunity
The partnership between Emerson and CIS serves as a vital bridge, connecting students to life-changing external opportunities. Principal Hogue noted that this collaborative success between staff and representatives like Ms. Sumlin is what creates these life-changing moments.
"The partnership gives our scholars access to opportunities they might not see otherwise," Ms. Sumlin explained. "My role is all about helping students, staff, and teachers find ways to grow and enjoy what they do every day—and making sure our students get the support they need to reach milestones like this."
Looking Ahead
Huge congratulations to Kingston for the hard work required to reach this milestone. Beyond his own success, this achievement provides a powerful example for his peers, allowing them to see their own future potential in a new light.
Ms. Sumlin offers a simple roadmap for those who wish to follow in his footsteps.
"Focus on your goals. Keep them front and center... build those relationships; they’re more important than you think."
Congratulations to Kingston Brown and his family on this historic achievement!
About Emerson Academy
Emerson Academy of Dayton is a tuition-free, public charter school in Dayton, Ohio, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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