We Made It! Silverstoolers High School Cohort 1 Graduates

Hilltop Schools, Liberia & Presby Senior High Technical School – Adukrom, Ghana
11 July 2024 | Virtual Ceremony

The first high school cohort of the Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program celebrated their graduation in a heartfelt virtual ceremony connecting students and educators across West Africa.

This milestone event brought together students from Hilltop Schools in Liberia and Presby Senior High Technical School – Adukrom (Ghana) to reflect on a transformative journey in data science, problem-solving, and youth leadership.

Dr. Lyn Ametewee, PhD MA LLM MBA, Principal & CEO Founder of Silverstool and President of the Silverstoolers Program, opened the event with a message of purpose and pride. She reminded graduates that they “embody the original vision” she had for the program — youth who code with confidence, lead with empathy, and think beyond borders.

Dr. Dennis Nii Ayeh Mensah, PhD MSc, Dean of the Silverstoolers Program, followed with a program overview that traced the cohort’s learning arc — from Python basics to applying data in ways that could impact schools, communities, and even national policies.

A powerful keynote was delivered by Dr. Ernest Alema-Mensah, PhD, Associate Professor of Health Informatics at Morehouse School of Medicine, USA, who encouraged the students to treat data not just as numbers — but as stories, tools, and responsibility.

Guests, School Leaders and Faculty Champions were also recognized:

• Peter Kwasi Kodjie, Secretary-General, All-Africa Students Union, Ghana
• Sylvestine Gbessagee, Executive Director, Hilltop Schools, Liberia
• Christopher J. Richards, IT Instructor, Hilltop Schools, Liberia
• Mary Amlalo Lomokie, Headmistress, Presby Senior High Technical School – Adukrom, Ghana
• Gloria Manful, MSc, Guidance Counsellor, Presby Senior High Technical School – Adukrom, Ghana
• Professor Ben Klugah-Brown, PhD, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)

Certificates were presented to graduating Silverstoolers by Dr. Dennis Nii Ayeh Mensah, honoring each student’s dedication and progress.

In a touching surprise, Dr. Lyn awarded Emmanuella Mawutor, age 17, the Silverstool Data Science Scholarship for Outstanding Silverstoolers. Emmanuella, who dreams of becoming a data scientist, also received a gift certificate to sit for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam — an important first credential on her career path.

Learn more about the AWS Certification

As the ceremony drew to a close, the atmosphere turned emotional. There were a few sad faces, many smiles, and one shared understanding: this was not an end, but a new beginning.

Graduates were formally welcomed into the Silverstoolers Alumni Network, where they will continue to grow, collaborate, and lead.

Our Global Education Partners

This event was made possible by a strong network of international collaborators, including:
B.A.L.L.E Foundation (Ghana), Hilltop Schools (Liberia), the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (Ghana), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) and Presby Senior High Technical School – Adukrom (Ghana).

Be Part of the Silverstoolers Journey

The Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program empowers learners aged 14–22 to lead with curiosity, creativity, and code. From beginner Python to applied AI, students build real-world skills and the confidence to become global changemakers.

Are you an educator or leader at a school, college, or university?
Partner with us to bring this transformative virtual program to your students — and join a growing network of innovation-focused institutions across Africa and beyond.

Are you a student or parent?
Students apply through participating partner institutions. If your school, college, or university is already a partner, reach out to your local coordinator to get involved.
If not, encourage your institution to become a partner so more young people can access this opportunity.

Ready to get started?