Friends of Donesha Chew, Class of 2020

In the fall of 2020, a group of close friends of Donesha Chew came together to start a scholarship in her memory…

Donesha “Nesh” Floraine Chew was born November 30, 1998 in Leonardtown, Maryland to the late Katina Monique Yates and Donald Chew. Following the passing of her mother, Donesha was cared for by her aunt Kneeca M. Somerville-Blackwell and uncle James M.T. Blackwell, Sr., or “Blackwell” as she affectionately called him. At the tender age of 21, Donesha walked into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 9, 2020.

While enrolled at Leonardtown High School in the St. Mary’s County Public School System, Donesha attended The Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center where she completed a two-year program in graphic communications. Donesha was off and running to Frostburg State University where she majored in Secure Computing and Information Assurance (Cyber Security) with a minor in Graphic Design. While at Frostburg, Donesha was involved in a plethora of organizations on campus and was the owner of a small graphics business, Donnie’s Divine Designs, or D3 as it was commonly known. She was a devoted member and officer in numerous organizations, including the National Technical Honors Society, National Council of Negro Women (VP of Communications), Caribbean Student Association (Treasurer), Student Government Association (Senator), Paparazzi Perfect Modeling Team, Unified Voices Under God’s Dominion and National Society of Leadership and Success.

‘Nesh’ worked tirelessly toward her goals. To honor her merit, Frostburg State University will posthumously confer Donesha’s degree in May 2021, making her a part of the FSU class of 2020. This young lady was the definition of selfless; she cared immensely for her loved ones and was always the life of the party, dancing even when there was no music playing. Donesha leaves behind her beloved friends and Frostburg family, but her memory will live forever.