Jadyn ’22 recognized by Princeton alumni

As a student leader, the senior has spearheaded multiple diversity, equity, and inclusion organizations and worked to integrate racially inclusive curricula into USN's history courses.
 
By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Communications Director
 
The Princeton Alumni Association has honored Jadyn Sheats ’22 with its Princeton Prize, which supports and encourages young activists committed to improving race relations. The local chapter recognized her during a lunchtime ceremony Thursday, April 14 in the Downtown Nashville Public Library’s Civil Rights Room.

Jadyn is the president of the Black Student Union and co-president of Core, a student-led organization that strives to promote self-reflection and inclusivity. As a student leader, she has spearheaded multiple diversity, equity, and inclusion organizations and five years ago used her Eighth Grade Change Project to help replace Eurocentric curriculum with lessons that include African American contributions throughout history. She met with USN’s History Department and audited Middle School classes and also has presented to Edgehill Campus visitors during the National Association of Independent Schools People of Color Conference in 2019 and at the Tennessee Conference on Volunteerism and Service Learning.

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recognizes and rewards high school students who have had a significant positive effect on race relations in their schools or communities through their volunteer efforts.

“I am honored to be the Nashville Region recipient of The Princeton Prize in Race Relations. I never thought that an Eighth Grade Change Project would set the foundation for years of work in Diversity Equity and Inclusion,” Jadyn said. “Over the past few years, I have worked diligently with faculty and staff, striving to create a more inclusive and connected community. Through the Black Student Union and Core, my team and I have found innovative ways to help the Edgehill community as well as build stronger connections within our own. Receiving this award is a reflection not only of my efforts but also of those who worked with me along the way.”

Additionally, the initiative allowed marginalized students to feel heard, made education more accessible to other students and fostered a stronger, more inclusive community. She emphasizes that change does not have to be revolutionary to transform how a minority feels in the classroom.

The Princeton Alumni Association of Nashville also awarded Morayo Kassim '22 a Certificate of Accomplishment for her work in restorative justice. 
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