West Orange Resident Selected for Prestigious College Honor

West Orange resident Alayjah Tennie Watson has been selected as one of only a dozen students to a prestigious group at the University of Southern California (USC).

Watson, a senior at the university, is the daughter of Anthony and Desiree Watson of West Orange.

She was selected to serve on the Order of the Torch – a prestigious group that recognizes students for their academic, community service and co-curricular endeavors.

In fact, it is considered the highest accolade a USC student may receive.

"It was a rigorous application process – three rounds of interviews and a speech," Watson said.

"When I found out I was selected, I was very surprised, but so excited for the opportunity to represent the USC student body," she said.

As a member of the Order, Watson will participate in orientation programs, community service activities, facilitate an Emerging Leader Program retreat and work for the university when called upon.

She and the other Torch members will also be able to select the senior "legacy" gift before graduation.

In addition, Watson was recently selected by her fellow Torch members to serve as "Miss USC," and will be initiated next semester.

But Watson’s schedule doesn’t stop there.

She is also co-executive director of Troy camp — an organization dedicated to providing mentors to more than 200 children in USC-area elementary schools.

She is also an executive board member of YEP, a program that mentors pregnant and parenting teenagers as well as being a member of USC Helenes, also known as the “Official Hostesses of USC,” an all-female community service organization engaged in volunteer opportunities both at USC and in the Los Angeles area.

Watson will graduate in May and plans on settling in the Los Angeles area to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.