Shakiera Stokes

Shakiera Stokes was the 2011 valedictorian of New Era Academy in Cherry Hill. A dynamic and engaged student, Shakiera participated in various activities at her high school including a mentoring program for girls and the debate team. Outside of school, Shakiera was a Law Links intern with the Murphy Law Firm, a Student Page for the most recent session of the Maryland General Assembly House of Delegates, and a student leader in the Baltimore City Teen Court. Shakiera also took a college-level Spanish class at Baltimore City Community College during her senior year.

Everyone who meets Shakiera remarks on her enthusiastic personality, and her desire to succeed.

“Bright smile on her face, hand waving frantically in the air, toes tapping as she has discovered the meaning of life and has to share it with everyone at this very instant. When I think of Shakiera Stokes, those are the first images that come to mind . . . With a smile permanently fixed upon her face, it’s hard not to like Shakiera” says New Era Assistant Principal, Jim Grandshire.

Her biology teacher, Darryl Richards declares: “As a teacher of eight years, I can say without hesitation that Shakiera is one of the most respectful, well-mannered students I ever had the pleasure to teach. She epitomizes the student who will try her very best . . . because she understands the importance of advancing her education and the pursuit of academic excellence.”

Megan Schulze, Shakiera’s AP Literature and Composition instructor shares that “Shakiera is a student who thrives on being challenged, that excels in tough situations, and that yearns for knowledge . . . Shakiera’s energy and excitement for learning and success have made her a force at New Era and I have no doubt that she will continue to amaze people next year when she enrolls in college.”

Shakiera will attend St. Mary’s College of Maryland in the fall, where she looks forward to majoring in Biology, with a minor in mathematics.