May 13, 2025 -- Each day begins early for Kanyah Green, who wakes up quietly, waves goodbye to her grandma, and heads out for a full day of classes. Some of her courses take place at Columbus International, while others are at The Ohio State University through the College Credit Plus program. In the afternoon, Green takes her seat on the Columbus Youth Council, where she receives one-on-one mentoring from Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla D. Favors. It’s all part of a typical day for Green, senior from Columbus International High School.
“My biggest takeaway to anyone reading this, your circumstances don't define who you are,” Green said. “I am the first one in my family to go to college, I was raised by my grandmother. Opportunities aren't always going to be given to you.”
Set to attend Georgetown University this fall, Green pairs her sharp focus and determination with an infectious smile. At home, she cares for her grandmother, who has raised and supported her since childhood. That bond has anchored Green through a high school journey shaped by responsibility and ambition.
“This girl is just next level," said Jathiya Abdullah-Simmons, school counselor at Columbus International. “In my 13 years, [Green] is at the top of my list for grit. She puts her head down and grinds through every challenge with quiet strength and resilience. Her life circumstances didn’t break her, they built something internal that drives her to do incredible work. She’s also one of the kindest students I’ve worked with, always respectful, thoughtful, and ready with a bright smile.”
Diagnosed with a learning disability at a young age, Green built her academic success through resilience and a strong desire to achieve greatness. Green has since built an impressive academic record that won her the Jack Kent Foundation Cook College Scholarship, one of just 70 high school seniors nationwide. Green’s impressive resume includes participating in programs at Princeton, Yale, and Brown Universities, making her a standout star.
“Since I'm the oldest, I feel like that's where a lot of my motivation stems from, setting a better path for my younger siblings and cousins,” Green said. “I’ve seen the impacts of what a lack of education has on people. I’m trying to set a better path for my younger family members so they can have someone to help guide them.”
The Joyce Ivy Scholar and graduate of the Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America program, and the top student investor in the National DIME Financial Investment Club, has big goals of giving back to her community after graduating from Georgetown, where she plans to study financial markets and the mathematics behind them.
“[Some people] don't have the same financial means as their counterparts, and I want to be able to help stop that in the future, Green said. “I want to be able to come back and spread my knowledge into these neighborhoods.”
With a passion to give back and repay the favor, Green’s vision is to bridge knowledge gaps and create new pathways to opportunity in the communities she grew up in, like International High School.
“I wouldn't be the person I am today if people hadn't given their time and resources to me,” Green said. “Our teachers and staff here, if they would have set aside the time to meet with me, I wouldn't be where I am now. I've been able to gain newfound confidence from being a student at International. If I went without that help, I don't know where I would be.”
Green is remembered just as much for her kindness and character as she is for her impressive academic achievements. At any game, whether it’s a teammate or a competitor, you will see Green’s smile and hear her words of encouragement.
In the hallways of Columbus International, Green offers help when needed, keeps things light, and never hesitates to lift others. Despite her seriousness for education, Green still finds time to enjoy high school.
“It is great to see [Green] not feeling so pressured that she can't enjoy life,” said Bryan McClellan, school counselor at Columbus International. “[Anytime you interact with Green] she is always kind, supportive, helpful, and you always see that smile, which is great.”
While Green’s next chapter is still unfolding, Green has shown that it’s possible to dream big and achieve more while staying grounded. While her story already stands out as proof of what's possible with discipline and a deep sense of purpose, Green’s kindness and ability to balance ambition with joy make her an example for her peers and a source of pride for Columbus City Schools.
