Dallas Native To Receive M.D. Degree In Havana Cuba “Focus Is In A Class Of Its Own”
“Focus is in a class of its own”
Darnna is the daughter of Mrs. Wanda Banks, her role model, and Mr. Darn E. Banks.
Growing up, Darnna was always extremely dedicated to her studies. Nothing could keep Darnna from school, not a house fire, chickenpox, or even an asthma attack. As a young teen, Darnna was introduced to the Encounters Youth Group by Mrs. Travis T. Lewis, a golden life member of Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 2004, Darnna was the first runner up in the Miss Fashionetta Debutante Ball hosted by the Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of AKA.
Darnna is an alumnus of the School of Performing and Visual Arts at Booker T. Washington High School (Class of 2004). She graduated in top 10% of her class. While attending Booker T. Washington as an actress in the theater cluster, Ms. Banks earned several accomplishments, including: student council representative, A Honor Roll, President of the National Honor Society, International Thespians. She was featured as an All American Scholar, Presidential Scholar, Outstanding Student of America, Ventures Scholars, and Who’s Who among American High School Students.
Ms. Banks’ community service endeavors included volunteering at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, where she was honored as the first teen to dedicate over 1,000 hours of service. Darnna was awarded The Governor Rick Perry Volunteer Award, Kohl’s Kids Who Care National Winner, Distinguished Texas
Scholar and selected as Volunteer Governor of The Year for the Power Crew of North Texas.
Darnna is a first-generation college graduate of the University of Hawaii. She double majored in Biology and Theater. Her minor studies were in Spanish. Originally, Ms. Banks aspired to earn a doctoral degree in both fields. However, in 2008 Darnna was accepted into the International School of Medicine located in Havana, Cuba. As a medical student, Darnna attended the International Scholars Laureate Delegation on Medicine in Australia, China, India, and South Africa. Ms. Banks will be awarded a degree of Doctor of Medicine at Jose Marti Theater, Havana, Cuba on July 23, 2015 at 9 o’clock a.m. GPA 4.75.
After graduation, Darnna plans to return to Dallas and apply to the medical residency program at UT Southwestern Medical School in the field of pediatrics and surgery. She will be mentored by Dr. Waymond Drummond. Upon her return, she will be mentoring young adults and sharing her experiences and talents with them. Darnna is an active member of St. Paul Bible Fellowship Church, where Kenneth Fincher is the pastor.
Darnna extends special thanks to her parents, Mrs. Wanda Banks and Mr. Darn E. Banks, the Encounters Youth group, the Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., her church, special tutor Dr. Lloyd McGriff M.D., and Mr. Henry McClendon, Pastors for Peace, IFCO, the late Rev. Lucious Walker, and the entire Dallas community.
Congratulations to Dr. Darnna Evett Banks, M.D.
