The two-year project of Moniaka ’19 focused on pedestrian safety in major Antioch intersection.
by Juanita I.C. Traughber, communications director
Moniaka Bonds ’19 earned her Girl Scout Gold Award this spring and is receiving media attention for the gravity of her work and the impact it has made.
The Gold Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. Each project must be no less than 50 hours of work and reflect the scout’s interests, identify needs in the community, and attempt to meet those needs.
For her project, Moniaka focused on crosswalk safety at the intersection of Murfreesboro Road and Pin Hook Road, the site of many accidents. The senior worked with Metro Council and Metro Public Works to have safety signs and interval timers installed at the major intersection. Over the course of two years, she also spoke at community meetings about crosswalk safety as well as produced pamphlets, car decals, and T-shirts.
The Tennessee Tribune, a weekly newspaper written for the African American community, has published an article on Moniaka’s work, and WKRN Channel 2 has expressed interest in broadcasting a feature on her.
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.
USN Mission: University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.