Outstanding graduates recognized by York Road BID
Students participated in programs at Bridges, Next One Up
The York Road Improvement District is pleased to recognize five outstanding local students for their dedication and hard work. These students, who are graduating from high school this year, are products of two outstanding programs along the York Road Corridor that are focused on youth development and preparing young people to meet the challenges of the future.
“These students represent the best about the York Road Corridor, and their stories are truly inspiring,” said Sam Storey, executive director of the York Road BID. “We are grateful to be able to share this news of their success, and we celebrate their families, friends, teachers, coaches and mentors who brought them to this point”.
The BID has initiated what it hopes will be an annual recognition process to highlight the energy and good work that is happening on the York Road Corridor. “We pay a lot of attention to buildings, public spaces and other physical assets, but the really important development work that is done here and across the region is helping young people achieve their maximum potential,” Storey said.
In addition to certificates of recognition, award winners will also receive gift cards to celebrate their achievements at restaurants along the York Road Corridor.
The two programs that nominated students for this year’s awards are based across Belvedere Avenue from each other in Belvedere Square: Bridges and Next One Up.
The students being recognized this year are:
- Temi Adeniyi/Bridges/Mercy High School
- Jordan Dodd/Next One Up/Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
- Richard Ingram/Bridges/ Baltimore School for the Arts
- Maison Johnson/Next One Up/Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
- Deion Walker/Bridges/Baltimore City College
2026 Student Recognition Awards
Certificates of Excellence–Achievement
Jordan Dodd/Next One Up/Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Jordan Do
dd is a graduating senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School who has distinguished himself through outstanding academic achievement and dedication to excellence. Jordan has maintained an impressive 3.5 GPA while also excelling as a student-athlete and leader within the Next One Up program.
Through his hard work and perseverance, Jordan has earned acceptance to multiple colleges along with scholarship offers totaling more than $130,000. This fall, he will attend Saint Vincent College where he will continue his academic and athletic career as a track athlete.
Jordan’s accomplishments reflect his discipline, ambition, and commitment to creating a successful future for himself and his community.
Richard Ingram/Bridges/ Baltimore School for the Arts
After graduating from the Baltimore School for the Arts, Richard Ingram will attend The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. He plans to double major in jazz saxophone performance and music education. He hopes to pursue a career as a music teacher.
Richard joined Bridges the summer before his fourth grade year at Hamilton Elementary/Middle School. Over the years, Richard returned to Bridges throughout the summer and school year, building academic skills while forming meaningful connections with peers and staff on the campus of the St. Paul’s Schools, one of Bridges’ four independent school partners. He recalls activities like field day and the student/staff basketball game that helped him build a strong community in Bridges.
When he reached high school, Richard had access to regular tutoring, career exploration, and post-high school guidance. Through Bridges workshops and field trips, Richard explored future opportunities and learned the value of networking and building professional connections. He also worked closely with Bridges staff to navigate the college application process and get accepted to one of the most competitive music programs in the country.
As Richard enters college, he’ll continue his Bridges journey with individualized support, career-focused programs, and opportunities designed to help him prepare for what comes next.
Rationale for the recognition
Richard is a talented and driven student. He is an avid saxophone player and has learned to balance practice with his rigorous workload at the Baltimore School for the Arts. He’s always looking for opportunities to grow and is never afraid to ask for support when he needs it. Throughout his time in Bridges, he’s made meaningful connections with his peers and Bridges staff. He is consistently looking for ways to help others and has had a profound impact on those around him.
Student quote
“What excites me the most about graduating and entering college is being around a whole new group of people. They can push me past where I’m at and can help me to be the best at what I do.”
Maison Johnson/Next One Up/Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Maison Johnson is a graduating senior at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute who has demonstrated strong dedication both academically and athletically throughout his high school career. Maintaining a 3.0 GPA while balancing the demands of being a student-athlete, Maison has consistently shown discipline, perseverance, and commitment to his future goals.
Maison has been a valued member of the Next One Up program since his freshman year of high school and has grown into a respected young leader among his peers. His work ethic and determination have earned him the opportunity to continue both his education and football career at Missouri University of Science and Technology this fall.
Certificate of Excellence–Leadership
Temi Adeniyi/Mercy High School/Bridges
After graduating from Mercy High School, Temi Adeniyi plans to study public health and hopes to work for the National Institutes of Health. She will be attending the University of Maryland College Park.
Temi joined Bridges the summer before her 4th grade year at Yorkwood Elementary School. Over the years, she participated in Bridges programs during the summer and school year, taking part in experiences that helped her grow more confident speaking up and advocating for herself. She recalls field trips to local organizations like the Baltimore Sun and Baltimore Police Department, where she grew more comfortable speaking up, communicating with professionals, and advocating for herself.
When she reached high school, Temi took advantage of tutoring, career exploration opportunities, and post-high school guidance. She worked closely with Bridges’ staff to explore financial aid options, calculate tuition costs, and determine which schools would be the right fit.
As Temi begins college, she’ll stay connected with Bridges individualized guidance and career-focused programs as she prepares for what comes next.
Rationale for the recognition
Since Temi joined Bridges, she has grown into a strong, independent, and driven leader. Throughout her time in the program, she’s built a powerful support system and taken every opportunity to grow as a student and person. This past spring, she had the opportunity to serve as a student page for the Maryland House of Delegates. She experienced the legislative process and met with various state leaders, including Gov. Wes Moore. As she prepares for college, she’s excited to experience a new environment and meet people with different perspectives.
Student quote
“I’m excited to meet new people and begin to learn more about the things I’m passionate about. I have a really good network right now so I’m really excited to see who else I’m going to meet, especially people with different perspectives and experiences.”
Certificate of Excellence–Character & Development
Deion Walker/Bridges/Baltimore City College
After graduating from Baltimore City College, Deion Walker will attend Keystone College and plans to study economics. He’s interested in pursuing a career in financial advising.
Deion joined Bridges the summer before his 4th grade year at Leith Walk Elementary School. Throughout elementary and middle school, Deion stayed involved with Bridges year-round, continuing to build skills and explore new opportunities through Summer Institute and school-year programming on the campus of the St. Paul’s Schools, one of Bridges’ four independent school partners.
As he moved through high school, Deion took advantage of tutoring, career exploration opportunities, and guidance through Bridges while preparing for his next step. Alongside his peers, he attended career field trips to local companies and organizations, where he explored financial advising and connected with professionals in the field. As Deion begins the final portion of his 13-year Bridges journey in college, he’ll continue engaging with Bridges through individualized guidance and career-focused opportunities as he prepares for what comes next.
Rationale for the recognition
Deion is always looking for ways to grow and step out of his comfort zone. As a busy student athlete, he takes full advantage of the resources he needs to succeed, including Bridges Loft Tutoring. Deion visits the Bridges Loft weekly, where he can complete his work and receive academic support from college-aged tutors. Deion also offers a helping hand whenever he can. This year, he’s also served as a tutor at the Loft, supporting a Bridges middle schooler. Deion has cultivated a strong support system in Bridges and serves as a fantastic role model to all those around him.
Student quote
“I’m excited to make new friends, explore, have new opportunities, and do things that I’ve never gotten to do before.”
The 2026 recognition rewards are part of the York Road Improvement District’s focus on youth development efforts in our area. In previous issues of the newsletter, we have reported on programs such as Next One Up and My Fathers Plan.