Scholar Spotlight
A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is a dynamic speaker and isn't shy about performing in front of an audience.
Scholar Performance
Tessa was featured with her chamber group on the national radio program 'From the Top'.
Raphael Johnson
“I have strived to maintain excellence in my academic endeavors at an extremely demanding and intense college preparatory school while participating as a student athlete.”
- Program: 2008 College Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Jacksonville, FL
- Hometown: Opelousas, LA
- Age: 19
- Four-year College or University: University of Florida
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Finance / Economy, Media / Communications / Marketing, Sports, Sports Management, Marketing
- Other Interests: Film / Photography, Greek Organization (Fraternity / Sorority), Visual Arts, Volunteer Work
Biography
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUNG SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE: Raphael discovered his future career and had his first opportunity to travel abroad. He attended the Texas A&M Youth Adventure Program, where he fell in love with sports management. He also attended a one-week movie camp at the New York Film Academy and the Duke Talent Identification Program Summer Studies Program in Theater Arts. The high point for Raphael was his Study Abroad program in Tuscany, Italy over spring break.
PROFILE: Throughout his high school career Raphael has been dedicated to his varsity football program, helping his team win two state championships and four district championships during his tenure as both a cornerback and running back. As a Young Scholar, he has also perfected his abilities as a trumpet player, playing in symphonic band, jazz band, and as lead trumpet in the Bolles symphony. His travels within the US and abroad helped hone his leadership abilities. “As a Young Scholar I have been able to mature and transform as an individual through travel. While at summer programs I am able to mold my personality and learn more about myself.”
INSPIRATION: “My parents have been a major influence on my life and achievements. They have pushed me towards excellence since day one.”
ASPIRATION: Raphael plans to pursue a career in sports management, including the business and marketing of sports.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: One afternoon in downtown Jacksonville, Raphael was walking home from a barbershop when he witnessed a grandmother purchasing cocaine in front of her three-year grandson. This episode changed his outlook on life, motivating him to become more assertive. He has since assumed leadership positions within his school and community. As a senior representative on the student council, Raphael helped initiate a fundraiser for the victims of the Bangladesh cyclone. As a coach and mentor for inner city youth, he helped lead his brother’s football team to the state championship.
ACCOLADES: Raphael was twice awarded his school’s prestigious academic award for maintaining A’s and B’s throughout the school year and was named the University of Florida African American Outstanding High School Scholar for performing well in the classroom and on the PSAT. On the musical front, he received an outstanding rating at the Independent Schools Solo and Ensemble Festival.
INTERESTING FACT: Raphael wrote, produced, directed and digitally edited his own silent film at MGM studios during a one-week movie camp at the New York Film Academy.
Other Scholars Like Raphael
Flavia Oleniewski
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
Maryland Institute College of Art
Hai Vo
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of California, Irvine
Daniel Gil-Marca
Graduate Scholar
M.A. Eastman / D.M.A Peabody
Kalin
Young Scholar
Westlake High School