Alumni Stories

Davon and Danielle Yonkers, two music teachers who fell in love in college are making beautiful music together in Henrico County. Davon Yonkers, the Director of Bands at Highland Springs High School, teaches valuable lessons in his classes. "Band not only teaches you music, it teaches you life skills," he explained. In fact. Mr. Yonkers said a band is like a family. Maybe that is what attracted him to another musician some time ago. "When we first met, we didn't think we were going to be together,” Danielle Yonkers laughed. Mrs. Yonkers, who teaches music at Elko Middle School, said the pair met at Norfolk State University when they were in the Spartan Legion.

Jaz’s basketball background, having played four years at Norfolk State University, laid the foundation for her physical prowess and work ethic. After a few years in the fitness industry, a twist of fate propelled her into the world of rugby, where she found her true calling. Despite early losses, Jaz’s resilience and dedication caught the attention of the USA team, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.

At its meeting on January 18, 2024, the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional Board (RSB) elected Kenneth Pritchett as the chair for 2024. Pritchett has been a member of the RSB since 2007, and during this time, he has served on various committees, including the committee responsible for developing the school’s strategic plan and the committee in charge of hiring school directors. Pritchett has previously held the position of RSB chair in 2023, 2013, and 2012, as well as vice-chair in 2022 and 2021. He represents the Petersburg School Board.

Barbados’ vice-captain Shonte Seale has earned a fantastic early birthday present, signing to play professional volleyball in Asia. The high jumping Seale, who turns 25 on February 9, landed a two-year-old pro contract to play for Amaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan which could see the former Springer Memorial all round athlete competing in the Asian Cup. Seale plays for domestic team Deacons and her last outing for Barbados was the 2023 Caribbean Zonal Championships where the outside attacker played a key role in Barbados taking a bronze in Suriname. She also represented Barbados in junior and senior netball.

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Have you watched Amazon Prime's Candy Cane Lane yet?

Two Norfolk State University Music Media alumni played pivotal roles behind the scenes of the movie, starring Eddie Murphy and Tracie Ellis Ross. Emoni Matthews, a 2016 NSU graduate, made her mark as the Music Coordinator, overseeing her first major film. She played a crucial role in hiring band consultants to provide an HBCU-inspired band for both on-screen performances and recordings. Alex Blake, a 2010 NSU graduate, served as the band consultant. His responsibilities included hosting auditions and selecting the cast for the on-screen band.

Candy Cane Lane is out now on Amazon Prime. Just remember, when you watch it, know that NSU Spartans had a hand in making sure the movie warms you up this holiday season.

A single dad of two girls, Kenneth Pritchett had accomplished a lot as a medical records technician for nearly 25 years and as a local school board member. But there was one thing he didn’t have: a college degree.

Inspired by his eldest daughter, who was thriving at Norfolk State University, Kenneth decided it was time to fix that. “I was just energized, because I wanted to show my girls that no matter how old you are, you still can get your degree,” Kenneth recalls. “You can do it if you put your mind to it. My girls were so excited to see me take this step.” -Brightpoint Community College

At 43, entrepreneur, music industry executive and television producer Phil Thornton ’03 has the resume that many people decades older could only dream of. And he’s far from finished. The Hampton Roads native’s accomplishments are due, in part, to an early start. At age 5, he started a bookmark business with his cousin, making and selling bookmarks with cartoon characters for a nickel. He knew at age 10 that he wanted to be involved with the entertainment business, and by the time he was 12, he was an intern at local radio station WOWI-FM. At 15, Thornton interned with Arista Records, working with Notorious BIG, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. 

Glenna Hawkins Moore '74

Glenna Hawkins Moore is a changemaker. She hails from a family of changemakers. She fits into two categories of changemakers: the social driver, dedicated to the progress of a group of people, usually marginalized groups, and the activist: who leads movements against oppression and systemic injustices. A Norfolk State College (now Norfolk State University) alumna, she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1974. Moore continued her education at Virginia Tech obtaining a master’s degree in Urban Affairs in 1976.

Otis Jones '83

Otis Jones ’83 comes from a long line of watermen. The Northern Neck native grew up in a family where his great-grandfather, grandfather, father and uncles spent their lives working on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries oystering, crabbing and fishing for menhaden. Although Jones took his career down a different path, he keeps his connection to the water through his service on the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Board of Trustees. After five years on the board, serving in several capacities, in January 2023, he was elected chair.