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The Invest in Success scholarship program was established to promote higher education among students of Hispanic and African descent, Mount Vernon school officials said. The scholarship covers full tuition, room and board for four years provided that the student maintains a minimum 3.0 grade point average, completes 30 hours each semester in Duchesne Center programs and remains in good social standing at the college.
Davidson has maintained a 3.14 (or 86.4) grade point average after six semesters at Mount Vernon High School while being temporarily homeless, diagnosed with scoliosis, working 10 to 15 hours per week and taking the most challenging courses the school has to offer, said school officials.
"Her GPA would have been higher had she merely settled for Regents level courses, or opted not to pursue an Advanced Regents Diploma," the district said in a statement. "But Dionnedra did not shy away from the challenge. Dionnedra watched her mother struggle with personal illness amidst it all. Rather than falling into a state of helplessness, Dionnedra allowed these challenges to fuel her desire to become successful so that she may care for her mother in the future."
Davidson is a member of the National Honor Society and many other school-based clubs and organizations such as the Model UN Club, Ladies of Distinction, STRONG Career Academy, Principal’s Advisory Council and Junior Achievement.
In addition, Davidson tutors peers and elementary school students, babysits community children and works with teachers to create classroom presentations and extracurricular activities.
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