The Stories Behind the Numbers: Black Issues  Salutes Outstanding  Members of the Class 2000

1Christine Lincoln, left, is congratulated by a fellow graduate after accepting the Sophie Kerr award during commencement exercises at Washington College in Chestertown, Md. Lincoln received the $53,266 award for being the graduating senior with the best ability and promise for future fulfillment in the field of literary endeavor. Lincoln, who graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average, also won the college's premier academic prize, the George Washington Medal.

2Jarrett Alexander, recipient of American University's prestigious President's Award for 2000, came to American on a full, four-year academic scholarship. A member of the Black Student Alliance, he promoted cultural diversity on campus by working with other student groups to form the Ethnic and Cultural Clubs Coalition. Alexander graduated with a 3.92 grade-point average with a bachelor of science degree in political science. He also held several high-profile internships, including positions with the Drug Enforcement Agency and in the office of Senator Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., while still finding time to tutor learning-disabled persons at the Greater Beulah Baptist Church and to teach Vacation Bible School at Gethsemane United Methodist Church.
3Lorielle Edwards graduated summa cum laude from Temple University's School of Communica-tions and Theater. Her junior year was spent in Los Angeles interning with CNN. The producers were so impressed with her ability they offered her a full-time position, which she turned down to finish her undergraduate college career. After returning for her senior year, she applied to Harvard Law and was accepted. Edwards plans to be a public interest attorney. "As an African American woman, I'm especially interested in helping people who come from traditionally disadvantaged backgrounds," she says. She is pictured here being congratulated by actor and philanthropist Bill Cosby, a Temple alumnus.