Ashland grad named Point scholar

Recent Ashland High School graduate Djamika Smith has been awarded a Point Foundation Scholarship.

The Point Foundation — the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students of merit — awarded 27 scholarships based on students' academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement and demonstrated financial need.

In addition to an average direct scholarship award of $13,200, Point also provides leadership training and mentoring to its scholars. Through Point's mentoring program, all scholars are matched with mentors who are successful professionals in each scholar's respective field of study. Point also conducts an annual Leadership Conference where scholars receive training in areas of leadership development, accountability, community service, advocacy and philanthropy.

Djamika Smith will be an incoming freshman majoring in graphic design at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, M.D. As a graphic designer, she hopes to work with humanitarian organizations that strive to bring an end to discrimination, intolerance and homophobia.

Smith was born in Bali, Indonesia, and lived there for seven years until she moved with her family to Ashland. Being bisexual, bi-racial and bi-cultural, Smith said she has learned that the lines created between different cultures and lifestyles are inconsequential.

She co-founded and co-led the Gay-Straight Alliance at Ashland High School and helped coordinate the school's Day of Silence, Gay-Pride Week and presentations on the importance of tolerance. Off-campus, Smith volunteered at Food for People and the Ashland Library, as well as working as a counselor at both the Lost Coast Camp and Fresh Start (a retreat to help incoming high school freshman build self-esteem and new friendships).