Janiah Piper is a young person on the move. Just look at her. But you might need to put your sunglasses on first, because the radiance and pure sparkle from Janiah is that serious. Whether Janiah is soaring through the air as the accomplished Captain of her dance team or pushing through a challenging senior year bereft of longed-for traditions, Janiah keeps it moving. When asked for her fondest high school memory, then, it is no surprise that Janiah recalled a program from 10th grade, Celebrating Our Roots, where she danced in all the routines, choreographed multiple dances, and, importantly, “had a blast and spent time with friends in preparations.”

Spending time with friends and family is important to Janiah and “family time” was one of her most comforting resources during the pandemic (TV binging as well, and hey, we are all humans here). And somehow, between all the family time, dancing, choreographing, music listening, TV watching, plus senior year general surviving with learning, online assignments, more dance, more homework, time with family and friends, Janiah also managed to apply and be accepted to the Posse Foundation scholarship! The Posse Foundation will now hold Janiah and her posse of fellow scholars up as they make their way together to Rochester University this fall. Janiah told us that the most beautiful story of her life she could imagine would be, “my journey through college, which has yet to begin,” and so, now, she goes forth bringing her sparkle up the East Coast.

Asked what she was super into these days, Janiah all capped us with, “FLANNELS, PURPLE, TASSEL EARRINGS,” and we love the enthusiasm, the sparkle, the love and big space that Janiah makes for all of her many pursuits and passions. Janiah says she would tell her younger self, “Be more confident in your decisions. Live up to your own expectations. You are strong and beautiful, don’t let the world take that light away.” What powerful words for a young woman to say and hear.

It is our greatest wish for Janiah to heed her own loving guidance and to continue to love and affirm her radiant self as she sets off on hernext adventure. Shine on Janiah, and may your radiantlight within illuminate your way.