Success Stories

Dr. Duane Richardson was born and raised in Hampton Virginia. Dr. Richardson attended Hampton City Schools and graduated from Hampton High School in 1994 with honors. While in high school, he joined the HRCAP Project Discovery Program. “Project Discovery gave me an opportunity to visit different colleges in the area. There were workshops, study halls, and exam preparations that prepared students for college. Ms. Miller really encouraged me and inspired me to be a better person and to make a success of my life. I would personally like the thank HRCAP Project Discovery and Ms. Miller for everything they have done for me,” said Dr. Duane Richardson.

After graduation in the summer of 1994, Dr. Richardson attended Hampton University’s Howard Hughes Medical Institute internship summer of 1994. He then attended Christopher Newport University as a Biology major for two years 1994-1996. Afterward, Dr. Richardson transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1999.

In 2001, Dr. Richardson attended Temple University School of Pharmacy and received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2005. He worked for several companies since graduating including Eckerd Pharmacy, Rite Aid Pharmacy, and Sam’s Club Pharmacy.

Dr. Richardson gives back to his community by providing free monthly health screenings to those in need of the following services: blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. He would also immunized patients with flu, pneumonia, shingles and varicella vaccinations.

Lindsey Serena Cooper was born on November 9, 1989 to Celia Louise and Curtis Cooper. Lindsey is the second oldest of four daughters and was raised in Newport News, VA. As a young child, Lindsey was very talented in neighborhood sports and in the arts. Over the course of her childhood, she taught herself how to play and read piano music. Lindsey also was involved in the HRCAP Project Discovery Program, which played a great deal in her journey into college.  Thinking back Lindsey stated, “Project Discovery has contributed so much to where I am. I stayed faithfully after school with Mrs. Miller and drowned her and the speakers with questions on what college was like and if they thought I could be successful.”

 A Project Discovery college visit to Howard University during Lindsey’s senior year in high school had completely changed her life. It was then that Lindsey decided Howard University was the college for her.  At the University, she participated as a Radio Hip Hop personality for WHBC radio station. Lindsey also served as an active and enthusiastic mentor for Howard University’s America’s Promise. She served as the Student Leader for Baptist Student Ministries while completing her studies in Legal Communications and at the same time serving her commitment to the Army ROTC program.

 While serving in the ROTC program, Lindsey took great pride in learning the craft of what it takes to become a successful Army Officer. No matter what obstacles came Lindsey’s way, she faced them head on and weathered the storm all the way.  Through her Army ROTC experience, Lindsey gladly says, “I have learned so much from being a part of this program. Being a part of the Bison Battalion has definitely prepared me for the ups and downs I may face as an officer in the United States Army.” Lindsey is very grateful for her close-knit battle buddies that she has made along her journey. “Their encouragement made facing the rain a little less stressful because we sat in the tents in the rain; together.”

 Currently, Lindsey serves as a Law Enforcement Officer for the City of Newport News and was commissioned into the United States Army Reserves as a Platoon Leader for the 424th Transportation Company in Ft. Story, VA. Lindsey Cooper is the first commissioned military officer in her family as well as a first generation college graduate. “I look forward to serving my country whole heartedly as an Army Officer. I also look forward to the mentorship as well as making a positive difference in my soldiers’ lives and to being inspired as well as inspiring others.”

 “HRCAP Project Discovery showed me that it was possible. I am truly grateful for the mentorship and guidance from the organization and I dedicate myself to helping someone as much as they helped me.”

Luna Powell, a recent graduate of Warwick High School, joined Project Discovery during her freshman year. Ms. Powell states “Project Discovery has changed me as a person and expanded my horizons. I am genuinely grateful to Project Discovery because, without it, I would have likely lack the essential knowledge about higher education and not be able to meet all the delightful people in the program. Project Discovery helped to become more extroverted and exposed me to new experiences that have led to who I am now”.