HBCU Experience Panel opens doors, inspires White Plains High School students

White Plains High School students got a firsthand look at the opportunities and community offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities during an inspiring panel this week.

Eight current HBCU students representing Hampton University, Spelman College, Howard University and Morgan State University shared personal stories about academics, campus life and the culture that define the HBCU experience.

For many students in the audience, the HBCU Experience Panel offered both valuable information about colleges as well as a vision of possibility.

Moderated by graduating seniors Jadynn Person, who will attend Coppin State University, and Sara Espaillat, who will attend Howard University, the discussion created an open dialogue between current college students and their younger peers.

“I thought it was super useful for students who don’t know a lot about HBCUs, and I found what the panelists had to say incredibly valuable and helpful toward the Black community here at school,” Sara said.

The panel featured Genesis Bowman of Hampton, Madison Clark of Morgan State, Milana Farrar of Spelman, Austin Smith of Hampton, and Howard students Trinity Reid, Sasha Johnson-Star, Kylie Edwards and Bryce Williams. 

Half of the panelists are graduates of WPHS, adding an especially meaningful connection for students in attendance.

“I had the pleasure of returning to White Plains High School to speak on the HBCU Panel event and pour into Black students about the importance and impact of HBCUs,” said Genesis, a 2024 White Plains graduate. “I love this event because it gives me the opportunity to share my story and show young Black students that you can go somewhere where you feel seen, supported and empowered to succeed.”

Austin, a 2025 graduate, said participating in the panel gave him an opportunity to reflect on his own journey.

“I would like to say that this was an amazing opportunity. This experience allowed me to reflect as I gave advice to the high school students,” he said. “I’m honored to be able to share experiences and knowledge that is valuable for college.”

Fellow 2025 graduate Trinity expressed optimism for the future.

“I am really excited about the future and hopeful that more students will attend and graduate from HBCUs,” Trinity said.

One guest panelist from a neighboring Westchester County school district who attends Howard University shared a message that resonated strongly with students in the audience.

“You will be a minority all your life,” the student said. “You might as well go to an HBCU and be the majority for four years.”

The event also highlighted the lasting impact of student leadership and advocacy. 

Three Howard panelists from another Westchester school district explained how attending last year’s panel — and witnessing financial struggles faced by some classmates pursuing HBCUs — inspired them to launch fundraising efforts to support future students.

Their work resulted in the creation of a scholarship for Westchester County residents enrolling in HBCUs this fall.

Amy Estersohn, an English Language Arts teacher who brought her English 4 class to the event, said the panel demonstrated the importance of connection and representation.

“White Plains High School is already such an incredible community, and watching our graduates continue to find community in college and then return to our school to share their stories of community with underclassmen was an inspiration to all students,” Ms. Estersohn said. “Themes of leadership, kindness, connection and loving accountability came through.

“For some students who might be on the fence about going to a four-year college or going to college far away from home, this panel was testimony that yes, this is possible, and yes, the experience of something completely new and different can be incredibly rewarding,” she said.

School counselors Genevieve Little and Michelle Bason organized the event, which underscored the importance of exposing students to a wide range of postsecondary pathways and empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures.