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Derrierika Black

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Finalist

Bio

Derrierika Black I am a senior at Canton High School with a passion for mental health advocacy and helping others. I was a dedicated member of HOSA–Future Health Professionals during my 10th and 11th grade years, and I had the privilege of serving as secretary in my 11th grade year. I'm also a proud member of the Beta Club, where I uphold high academic standards and participate in community service. After graduation, I plan to pursue a degree in psychology and become a mental health counselor to support and guide individuals through their challenges.

Education

Canton High School

High School
2022 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Psychology, General
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Mental Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

    • Cashier

      Mazzio’s
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Crew Member

      Wendy’s
      2024 – 2024

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Florida Care Properties Inc. — I assisted in a Halloween event for kids in my community.
      2023 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      Extra Table — My responsibility was to accurately weigh food portions to ensure each package met the required standards.
      2025 – 2025

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Aserina Hill Memorial Scholarship
    My name is Derrierika Black, and I am a high school senior who has learned the value of giving from the people who raised me and the community that surrounds me. I grew up understanding that sometimes you have to put others first, even when you do not have much yourself. That lesson has stayed with me and continues to guide how I show up in school, in my community, and in my future plans. Throughout high school, I have worked hard to stay focused on my education while being involved in activities that help me grow as a person. I am a member of HOSA, where I was introduced to the importance of health, service, and compassion. Being part of HOSA allowed me to see how much of a difference it makes when people truly care about the well-being of others, especially when it comes to mental and emotional health. I have also volunteered within my community, helping with events and nonprofit efforts that support families and students in need. These experiences taught me that sometimes support looks like listening, showing up, and being consistent. As a Black student, I have seen firsthand how stress, financial struggles, and unspoken expectations can weigh heavily on people who look like me. Mental health is often ignored or misunderstood in our communities, and I have watched people suffer in silence because they felt like they had no one to turn to. That is why I want to major in psychology. I want to be the person who listens without judgment and helps others understand that their feelings matter. After high school, I plan to attend college and pursue a degree in psychology so I can eventually work in mental health or counseling and serve communities that are often overlooked. If I could start my own charity, it would be dedicated to supporting Black and low-income high school students as they prepare for life after graduation. The mission would be to remove barriers that keep students from reaching their goals, whether those barriers are financial, emotional, or mental. The charity would provide scholarships, school supplies, mentorship, and mental health support so students feel prepared and confident in their next steps. Volunteers would serve as mentors and role models. They would help students navigate college applications, scholarships, and career decisions while also offering encouragement and emotional support. More than anything, the goal would be to remind students that their dreams are valid and that they are not alone. Aserina Hill’s story deeply resonates with me because she gave what she had so others could succeed. Her legacy is love, sacrifice, and belief in the future of others. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial support to me. It would be a reminder that someone believes in my dreams, just like Aserina believed in the students she helped. I would carry that belief with me as I continue my education and work to give back to my community in meaningful ways.