Evanston Township High School hosted the 20th annual African-American Youth Achievement Awards (AAYA) to honor 38 African-American students from Evanston/Skokie public schools. These students were recognized on February 24, 2017 for their daily actions that pay homage to the visions and legacy of African-American pioneers.

The AAYA program is part of a Black History Month initiative and was sponsored by the City of Evanston, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Evanston North Shore Alumnae Chapter, Family Focus Evanston, First Bank and Trust, the Joe “Butch” Martin Fund, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Chi Omega Chapter, Northwestern University, McGaw YMCA, NAACP, Omega Pi Zeta of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Shorefront, in conjunction with Evanston/Skokie School District 65 and Evanston Township High School District 202.

2017 high school AAYA recipients

Michael Alexander

Gabriel Cheeks

Justin Davis

Kennedy Freeman

Mecari Macon

Lauryn Poyser

Saniet Rander

Elyjah Williams