“I am a Silverstooler”: UESD Graduates Shine at Virtual Data Science Ceremony

Celebrating the first university cohort of the Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program

26 September 2024 | Virtual Event

The Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science Program celebrated a major milestone with its first university-level graduation ceremony (C1), held virtually for students from the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Ghana.

This event marked the successful completion of an intensive journey for a cohort of students preparing to become multidisciplinary development leaders — future changemakers equipped to make data-driven decisions for their communities and beyond.

Dr. Lyn Ametewee, PhD MA LLM MBA, Principal & CEO Founder of Silverstool and President of the Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program, opened the ceremony with reflections on the students’ growth, commitment, and potential.

The graduating Silverstoolers included:
Christabel Kekeli Acolor, Benjamin Atta Frimpong, Pearl Claudia Asare, Irene Edem Tsyawo, Mary Forson, Freda Korkor Ador, Stanley Stanislaus, and Joseph Foli.

In a surprise moment, Dr. Lyn named Christabel Kekeli Acolor as Valedictorian and awarded her the Silverstool Data Science Scholarship for Outstanding Silverstoolers. As part of the award, Christabel received a gift certificate to sit for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam — a step toward continued professional development.

Learn more: AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification

Dr. Dennis Nii Ayeh Mensah, PhD MSc, Dean of the Silverstoolers Program, presented an overview of the program’s journey, noting how students developed both technical fluency and emotional intelligence through hands-on data challenges.

Keynote remarks were delivered by Dr. Ernest Alema-Mensah, PhD, Associate Professor of Medical Informatics at Morehouse School of Medicine, USA, and Strategic Partner of Silverstool. He encouraged graduates to use data not only as a tool of analysis, but as a driver of social change.

Christabel delivered a thoughtful valedictorian speech, sharing how perseverance, mentorship, and peer collaboration helped her grow as a leader and aspiring changemaker.

Acknowledgment was also given to institutional and faculty champions:
Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, Pro-Vice Chancellor, UESD
Dr. Daniella Delali Sedegah, Dean of Students, UESD
Dr. Fatima Eshun, Lecturer, UESD
Professor Ben Klugah-Brown, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)

To close the ceremony, Dr. Lyn shared a second surprise: the debut of an original graduation anthem written entirely in code. Titled “I am a Silverstooler,” the song was written by Dr. Lyn and a recording was performed live by Ghanaian musician Alfred Mensah. The performance blended rhythmic lyrics and Python code, creating a fun and meaningful reminder of the graduates’ shared journey. The song left students smiling and singing along — a joyful close to a transformational experience.

Graduation Song No. 1 – “I Am a Silverstooler”

I am a Silverstooler, I love data science
I am a Silverstooler, I love data science
import numpy as np
Share the screen…

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 Noble College @GlobalTell (Nigeria), University of Environment and Sustainable Development (Ghana), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Presby Senior High Technical School – Adukrom (Ghana), Chabli Boys’ School (Kenya), Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, and Addison International Center for Emotional Intelligence (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?