Forman Scholar Aaliyah Holden Aims to Give Back to Salem Community through Future Mentorship Opportunities

Aaliyah Holden remembers the many middle school assemblies that ultimately shaped her goals for her future – assemblies in which Salem High alumni would speak to current students about the values of determination and accountability. Aaliyah herself strives to one day fill the role of those speakers, sharing her story and imparting a bit of her wisdom to the younger generations. 

Through this work, Aaliyah plans on following in the footsteps of Dr. Forman S. Acton, the Foundation’s namesake and sole benefactor, whose generosity and commitment to the students of Salem fuels the Foundation’s work. In fact, Aaliyah and Dr. Acton share an interesting connection: she currently lives in his Salem birthplace! 

Before Aaliyah embarks on her mission of positively impacting the future students of her beloved community, the Forman Scholar plans to attend the University of Tampa this coming fall, studying criminology and criminal justice.  

“By the time I graduate from college, I want to have a plan to give back to the Salem community,” Aaliyah said. “That’s my goal, to come back and talk to the kids, and, if I can, provide scholarship money to students interested in criminology and criminal justice.”  

Aaliyah hopes to also provide the prominent mentorship that she once experienced in middle school.  

“The alumni back then would share their career paths, motivate us and inspire us to take responsibility for our future.”  

Aaliyah got a head start on the rigors of college life while a student at Salem High, during which she immersed herself in the National Honor Society, Health Careers Club, Ambassadors Club, STEM Engineering Club and Student Council. She also thrived in the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program, an accelerated, academically challenging course of study.  

Aaliyah found a particular interest in her engineering classes at Salem, saying that assembling parts and pieces has always been something she has enjoyed. Outside of the classroom, Aaliyah enjoyed the school choir and working part-time at Walmart, as well as two school sports, tennis and track and field.  

“With tennis, I was able to develop my skills each year,” Aaliyah said. “I had the best experience my senior year, when I was named captain and won first place in singles at the Tri-County Conference, a top honor for tennis.”  

When it comes to unfamiliar territory, Aaliyah is not afraid to dive into the unknown. Born and raised in Salem, she understands that the University of Tampa presents a brand new scene to explore as she launches her college education.   

“My mom was the one who drew me into the idea of Tampa,” Aaliyah recalled. “After doing some research, I discovered all that the school has to offer. I went to Florida to visit the campus, and it was just beautiful. The people were nice, and it’s a great environment with the town right next to campus. Most of the classes are very hands-on, which I have always loved. That’s when I recognized that this school is the best option for me.”  

And a major in criminology is just about as hands-on as you can get. Aaliyah explains that, right now, she sees herself working in law enforcement after graduation  

“Growing up, I was just so curious about things. My mom always said I was like a little detective; I was always questioning everything. I wanted the answers. And, of course, I loved CSI.”  

Aaliyah is especially curious about college life and living away from home for the first time.  

“A couple of days before I leave for college I’m turning 18, so this is just the start of my independence,” Aaliyah said. “I’m excited to prove to myself that I can do this on my own.”