3 New Scholars bring big dreams to ABC of Andover

The fall brings refreshed energy to ABC, with three new Scholars who’ve arrived with their own dreams and ambitions and are quickly adapting to life at Andover High. 

Janay Cox, from Newark, Delaware and Texas, and Nyeema Lewis, from Washington, D.C., are first-year students. Sophomore Alice Segun-Oside comes from Houston, Texas. 

Nyeema Lewis, who goes by “Lewis,” says she’s surprised by how fast she’s adjusted to life in Andover and at the ABC house. She remembers how welcoming everyone was during her first night, which the Scholars spent hanging out downstairs and playing games. 

“It was unreal how fast I got to know everyone and how comfortable I've become,” she says. “I thought it would take a few months, and it took a few hours until I felt like this was home.” 

Alice says a strong sense of community is part of what attracted her to ABC of Andover. “I enjoy the fact that there is always something to do, whether it is going downtown or just going to the mall with the girls in the house. We always have fun,” she says. 

In the first few weeks, the girls immersed themselves in Andover High’s academics and its many clubs. 

Lewis is a member of the Drama Guild’s tech crew and participates in the business leadership club DECA, while Alice hopes to join the tennis and cheerleading teams. Janay is participating in Fashion Design Club and the  Girls for Girls club. All three new Scholars have joined Diversity Club and Andover High's newly created Black Student Union, both of which were started by ABC Scholars.

“I definitely have what I wanted,” Janay says of her ABC experience so far, “friends, classes that are interesting to me, and a challenge.” 

Janay says she was steered toward the program by her grandmother and aunt, who’d both worked with ABC. At first, she found the essays and application process daunting. 

“I said I didn’t want to do this, why is she making me do this? And then I realized it was a really great opportunity; she knew it was good for me and how well it would affect me,” she says. 

The new Scholars at ABC of Andover, like those who’ve already settled into the world of classes, sports and extracurriculars at Andover High, come to town with big dreams and ambitions. 

Janay hopes to put a legal career together with her interest in the creative arts, perhaps by working in the fashion industry or with a museum. Lewis plans to study business but says she hopes to someday find a career that will allow her to travel and write. Alice says she’s planning a career in health, as an anesthesiologist or psychologist. 

As the ABC Scholars prepare for their years at AHS, college and whatever comes after that, all will take advantage of the opportunities -- and people -- in Andover that will help set them on their way. 

“I was surprised to see how much the school offered and how much they care about you and want to see you thrive,” says Alice.