Tyshawn Jenkins, one of seven siblings, was born and raised in Asbury Park, NJ. As a freshman in high school, Tyshawn was able to excel academically, but not without his share of hardships. The struggles he faced were instrumental in guiding his path, which is devoted to philanthropy and promoting educational success within his community. Over the past four years, he established an annual scholarship of at least $1000 to an exemplary student from APHS in honor of his grandmother who battled cancer, a sister who was murdered, and a victim of domestic abuse.

Tyshawn is a graduate of The College of New Jersey and a member of the Air Force. Currently, he is the 2nd Lieutenant and Public Affairs Officer in the United States Air Force at the 177th Fighter Wing.

In November of 2012, Tyshawn led a team in relief efforts immediately following Hurricane Sandy, where he guarded the shores and provide aid to families affected. In August of 2015, Tyshawn deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and because of his efforts, he was recognized by the NJ State Commander. Tyshawn served on multiple overseas deployments and most recently he led over 300 service members at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.

Tyshawn played a crucial role as a member of the Wing’s Honor Guard, which operates as a visible example of the Air Force in various ceremonies. Tyshawn completed his master of business administration degree in 2014, with a cumulative GPA of 3.5, while simultaneously passing the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test. He was selected as the Wing’s Maintainer of the Quarter, the 108th Airmen of the Year, and recipient of the Enlisted Association Air National Guard MSgt John E. Bodine Outstanding Airman Award of 2016.

As a member of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), he was selected to be a part of their National Campaign Team, representing veterans on a national level. His involvement with WWP has included packing 480 after-school lunches for underprivileged children at the Pennsauken Food Bank of South Jersey. Annually, Tyshawn volunteers at elementary schools during Read Across America; he also helps rebuild recreational areas in Philadelphia and Washington DC school districts and visits veterans at community homes across the nation. Lastly, Tyshawn is completing his doctoral program in business administration with a focus on organizational leadership.

Favorite Quote: "If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, and it may be both moral and physical, but it must be a struggle".