New York, NY — Grace Moore, a 12-year old girl from New York, has made history as one of the youngest composers to join the New York City Philharmonic Orchestra.
Moore, who is a seventh-grade student at Poly Prep in Dyker Heights, is also enrolled in the organization’s Very Young Composers program. There, participants from the age of 8 are taught to create music.
The composition that Moore created for the program made a world premiere in a live performance by the NY Philharmonic in October.
Moore, who started showing her passion for music at the age of 2 when her mother gave her a piano, has showcased extraordinary talent.
Moreover, Moore hopes that as a woman of color, she can inspire others to create and appreciate music.
“I hope everyone follows their hobbies and do what they love,” Moore told PIX11.
Student Who Took 21 AP Courses Becomes the First Black Male Valedictorian at His High School
Stockbridge, GA — Rawlin Lee Tate Jr., an 18-year old teen from Georgia, has made history as the first Black male valedictorian in his high school. More than that, he has secured $1.3 million in college scholarships.
In a now-viral tweet, Tate shared his list of academic accomplishments which included having a 4.7 GPA, being the top of the class for 7 years, and being a Georgia scholar. He also took 21 AP courses and he never got any grade lower than 98.Tate has been accepted to 14 colleges such as Ohio State, Florida A&M University, Georgia Tech, Morehouse, Howard, Rose Hulman, Hampton, University of Georgia, North Carolina A&T, Tuskegee and more.
Out of those schools, Tate decided to go to North Carolina A&T, where he will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering in full academic scholarship.
Aside from his academic achievements, Tate also excels in extracurricular activities and clubs. He has played two varsity sports and become inducted into seven national honor societies. He was a part of the school band, taught himself how to play the piano, and is a rapper.
Despite all the success he achieved, he said he knew he has more to learn and he is not afraid to ask questions.
“My advice to others is to always stay humble and do your best, and don’t get preoccupied with competing,” he told Because of Them We Can.
