As captain and MVP of the Anacostia High School cheerleading team, Aaliyah Williams’ experience at Anacostia has been shaped by the sport. “I always wanted to be a cheerleader,” Aaliyah says. “It taught me a lot about the value of friendship and sisterhood and how to interact with others even on your worst days.” During Aaliyah’s time at Anacostia, her team has won multiple championships, and she says she appreciates the opportunity to serve as a leader on the team and to set a good example for younger students. It was the combination of competitive cheerleading and her chosen major – criminal justice – that convinced Aaliyah that Savannah State University would be the right choice. “It was a perfect fit because they had my academics and my activities,” Aaliyah says. She wants to encourage younger students to find a mentor who can support them throughout high school. “Always find that one staff member or teacher who you can always count on to be there for you.” #DCPSGoesToCollege
