Elkhart Community Schools Honor 158 Black Students at 14th Annual Trailblazer Awards

The awards recognize top African American students for academic and athletic excellence.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Elkhart chapter of the Indiana Black Expo hosted the 14th annual 'Trailblazer Awards' ceremony, honoring 158 African American students in grades 4-12 from the Elkhart Community Schools for having the highest GPAs in their classes. The awards were started over a decade ago by Robert Taylor to celebrate black academic achievement and inspire more students to focus on their studies. This year's ceremony also recognized exceptional student-athletes Shaniyah Stout and Alonzo Newbern with the Garvin Roberson Award.

Why it matters

The Trailblazer Awards aim to highlight the academic success of Black students in Elkhart, countering the narrative that African American students underachieve. By celebrating their achievements, the awards seek to inspire more students to prioritize their education and strive for excellence.

The details

The Trailblazer Awards ceremony honored 158 Black students in grades 4-12 from the Elkhart Community Schools who had the highest GPAs in their classes. The awards were started over a decade ago by Robert Taylor, who was inspired by his own daughter's academic success. The ceremony also recognized two exceptional student-athletes, Shaniyah Stout and Alonzo Newbern, with the Garvin Roberson Award for their achievements in sports and academics.

  • The 14th annual Trailblazer Awards ceremony was held on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The awards have been held annually for the past 14 years.

The players

Robert Taylor

The president of the 100 Black Sons Initiatives, who helped start the Trailblazer Awards over a decade ago to celebrate black academic achievement in Elkhart.

Jarren Riley

A seventh-grade student at North Side Middle School who was honored at the Trailblazer Awards ceremony.

Shaniyah Stout

A high school senior who received the Garvin Roberson Award for exceptional student-athletes.

Alonzo Newbern

A high school senior who received the Garvin Roberson Award for exceptional student-athletes.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of these kids, classmates, they're here high-fiving, and we get to cheer on these kids in a positive light. It helps kids elevate. It helps kids to understand that you don't have to be the greatest athlete. You don't have to be the greatest philosopher. But if you do good in school, it'll take you a long way.”

— Robert Taylor, president of the 100 Black Sons Initiatives

“It just feels good at the end of the grading period just to have a good grade. It's something to strive for, telling your friends, 'Oh, I got an A-plus on this assignment. Oh, I got an A-plus in this class.' It just feels good.”

— Jarren Riley, seventh-grade student

“Because that was me at a point in time. I was looking up to the people that were older than me, looking up to my sister, and now it's me. So, I have a big shoe to fill, and I just want to leave everything I have here.”

— Shaniyah Stout, high school senior

“It shows black excellence, and it shows what the people on the outside don't see, but what's actually being done. You don't get much here if you don't achieve in the classroom. To do what you want to be great in life, it starts in the classroom. Education is a big reason in why I'm here now.”

— Alonzo Newbern, high school senior

The takeaway

The Trailblazer Awards demonstrate the academic excellence of Black students in the Elkhart Community Schools, countering negative stereotypes and inspiring more students to prioritize their education. By celebrating their achievements, the awards aim to empower the next generation of Black leaders and innovators.