Class of 2014
Keith Oliphant
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Inspired by Black Lives Matter and recent protests against systemic racism across the country, Keith Oliphant was eager to do his own part to combat injustice in the Chicago community. He founded Movement for the Movement, combining two of his lifelong passions: mentorship and fitness.
MTFM engages members and friends of the fitness community, including academic experts and professional athletes, in a conversation about systemic racism in the United States. Its livestreamed events — which are free and open to the public — include a thought-provoking panel discussion followed by a workout for participants of all fitness levels. Donations to MTFM benefit Youth Guidance - an organization that provides school-based programs for more than 13,000 children in Chicago
The first event in 2020, which included Detroit Lions Linebacker Jason Cabinda, attracted 1,200 participants and raised more than $6,000 for Youth Guidance.
Raised by his mother, Mr. Oliphant said he constantly sought out mentors growing up. With their help, he eventually became the WHS salutatorian and attended Penn State, where he graduated at the top of his class with a degree in Finance. Now, Mr. Oliphant has assumed the role of a mentor himself in his work as a management consultant at KPMG, where he helps clients transform their finance organizations and works to recruit minority applicants and volunteers.
Billie LaRaé Owens
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Billie LaRaé Owens, an alumna of Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications, earned the title of Miss Pennsylvania USA in 2022, impressing the judges with her exceptional performance at the state finale. Being crowned Miss Pennsylvania USA granted Miss Owens a powerful platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, such as mentorship. As the first Black Miss Pennsylvania USA in over a decade, she used her reign to promote diversity, inclusion and representation, inspiring children of all races, genders, and backgrounds to believe in their potential for greatness. A former Shady Grove elementary student, Miss Owens enjoys being a guest reader at our elementary schools during Read Across America Week and a career day speaker at WMS.
Alongside her success in pageantry, Miss Owens is actively involved in female empowerment initiatives, notably the HoopHers Girls' Empowerment Program which uses basketball as a platform to equip young women with essential life skills both on and off the court. Since 2021, she has also served as the Girls & Women Empowerment Ambassador at Philadelphia Youth Basketball.
Miss Owens accomplishments serve as a motivating force for the Wissahickon community, encouraging us all to pursue personal growth, overcome obstacles, and stay determined in achieving our dreams.