Sean Essoka possesses such a calm, mature and pleasant demeanor that it is hard to believe he is only a senior in high school. “He greets everyone with a smile, a nod and a friendly hello,” said George F. Baker High School teacher Ryan Fitzsimmons. As noteworthy as his quiet, thoughtful and kind nature is, Sean’s academic successes are even more impressive.
Recently, Sean made a week-long trip with the New York Chapter of the National Black MBA Association’s (NBMBAA) Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) Program. He was one of 80 students on the Eta Theta Lambda Chapter College Tour, sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The tour included visits to 13 historically Black colleges and universities. Potential applicants gained a better understanding of the rich traditions and heritages, which will help inform their post-secondary decisions.
The NBMBAA granted Sean a $1,150 stipend to cover the cost of the trip.
The trip not only provided an opportunity to visit different schools and learn about what they have to offer, but also gave Sean a chance to meet other students with similar interests. Despite being the only teenager from the Hudson Valley, he was not nervous about going. “I really enjoyed meeting all of the new people and making connections,'' explained Sean, who plans on studying sound recording technology. “It was really fun for all of us to talk about dropping beats.”
A modern-day renaissance man, Sean’s talents extend beyond academics to include both musical and athletic abilities. When he is not finessing a bass drop, Sean can be found on the baseline with the Tuxedo Tornadoes Varsity Basketball team. “Sean is the ideal student-athlete and is an absolute pleasure to coach,” said Matt Takeuchi. “He is a two-year team captain who leads by example. His hard-working nature sets a positive example for his teammates as well as the younger players.”
“Sean is affable, caring and has a situational awareness to know when to be lighthearted and when to take things seriously. He makes George F. Baker a better place on a daily basis.”
Only time will tell where Sean will make his next impact. Wherever it is, according to his teachers, Sean will bring the same spirit of positivity he cultivated in Tuxedo. Keep up the great work!