Senior Spotlight - POPLI Graduates of 2025
Graduating from high school is a huge achievement. We are so proud of our seniors in Girls Taking Action and Boys of Hope for making it through! These leaders are making positive changes in their lives, families, and communities.
These incredible young men and women are on to their next chapter - college! In our programs, the four high school years are spent going on college tours, being mentored through tough classes, and having accountability to keep good grades. We want EVERY ONE of our graduates to go to college and continue their education in whatever path they choose.
"Don't let other people come in the way of your personal power and excellence. I became more confident, and there's always somebody to talk to if I need anything."
- Ashley
"I love meeting new people from all around, and making bonds with the girls always helped me when I was down."
- Destiny
"I've been in GTA for four years now. I feel like it changed me, personally. My freshman year I was all over the place and not really focused on school. I learned that it's about empowerment and about inspirational leaders, and learning that there's more to life than boys or being distracted or drama. I feel like that guided me, you know, back to focusing on grades and focusing on getting to college."
- Ayanna
"My biggest takeaway was to never give up on your goals. My favorite memory was meeting Dr. Verna and going to the GTA Tea, meeting new people, and collaborating with the group."
- De'Mieja
"I've in GTA since 2021. I learned a lot about teamwork, about learning to be independent and finding solutions to real-world problems."
- Shannon
"I think I was leader, and I feel like I lifted some of the other girls up. I feel like that was my biggest takeaway was leading and helping other girls get out of their comfort zone."
- Jaelynn
"I was a little bit shy to talk to other people, but after I've been in Girls Taking Action, I started to learn how to speak and tell how I feel and say 'no' to anything that I don't like."
- Nura
"I learned to stand in my personal power, and be more out there, and speak up for myself more."
- Naveah
"It's a community that welcomes anyone who wants to come. It's learning about leadership and learning what you're comfortable and not comfortable with."
- Lindzy
"My biggest takeaway is everyone always getting along, like we can all act like sisters, good friends, closest friends, without anything being weird and just being ourselves too."
- Maiya
"My time at Girls Taking Action has been nothing short of a great opportunity. I've been in GTA for 2.5 years, and they're a support system for young girls. My biggest takeaway would be raising my confidence and self-esteem, and to raise them as I meet new people."
- Jada
"My biggest Takeaway from Boys of Hope is just the impact on changing a boy to a man and the diverse amount of people who are there. One of my favorite memories was going to St. Cloud State, all of us together, it was just a fun time, and the mentors are always there for us."
- Namarion
"My biggest takeaway is that they taught us how to keep our mental status healthy, and pretty much to keep ourselves healthy physically, mentally, and how to plan for our future."
- James
"The reason why I joined Boys of Hope is because it really inspired me to grow for myself and help other people grow, and grow a better community, learn from other people's experiences, and get out of my comfort zone instead of being in my shell all the time. It helped me grow as a person, as a leader, and as a community member."
- Sabri
"I've been in Boys of Hope since 10th grade. It helped me learn a lot of lessons. I still talk to my first BOH mentor; he teaches me a lot."
- Micah
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
"My time at Boys of Hope has been a really great experience of meeting new people, going to new places, and having a wider understanding of the world and how a group of people can make you feel welcome."
- James
"I've been in Boys of Hope for 2 years, and Boys of Hope really helped me meet new people."
- Jeffrey
Azayah is signed to play basketball at St. Cloud State University!
"Boys of Hope helped me think more about not wasting a conversation or opportunity to have a conversation."
- Thor
POPLI Grads, For Life
Support for Girls Taking Action and Boys of Hope doesn't stop at high school graduation. We want every one of our seniors to go to college and continue their education in whatever path they choose.
Each of our seniors is awarded a $1000 scholarship from POPLI when they submit proof of enrollment. Partner with us to empower their new chapter of life!
