2024 Honorees and Scholarship Recipients
Mikayla Willis
Northern Illinois
Mikayla Wilson is a dedicated senior at Evergreen Park High School, where she has excelled both academically and athletically. As a four-year athlete and a high honor roll student for all four years, Mikayla has demonstrated her commitment to excellence and perseverance in all her endeavors. She has chosen to further her education at Northern Illinois University (NIU), where she will major in Accounting. Mikayla’s career goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and eventually open her own accounting firm, providing financial guidance to individuals and small businesses in her community.
Taylor Blackshire
Valparaiso University
Taylor intends to major in biology and will be minoring in pre-med. Taylor has been offered $29,000 each year from Valparaiso University. After completing 4 years of college she plans on going into medical school and getting her doctorate.
Kaliek Lake
Kaliek Lake, a dedicated student at Lindblom High School, represents the vibrant community of Auburn Gresham, Chicago, with pride. With a remarkable 4.2 GPA, Kaliek showcases his commitment to academic excellence. His involvement in track, mentoring, Honors band, and the art club reflects his diverse interests and deep engagement within the school community. Beyond the classroom, Kaliek actively participates in after-school programs, including Chicago Scholars and Kappa League, where he contributes to his community and personal growth.
Madison Henderson
Kent State University
Tatierra is high school senior graduating in 2023 year. She loves to play clarinet and solve math problems. She has been playing clarinet for 6 years. Her future plan is to use my math skills to become an accountant. She also plans to be an entrepreneur and own an accounting firm.
Malaysia Willis
Dillard University
Motto Psalm 46:5 NIV “God is within her; she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day.
Art in Motion High School
Girl Scout of America Top Teen of America
Youth leader Fellowship Chicago Youth Department
Fellowship Chicago Church
Oakdale Convent Church
Dillard University Computer Science Internship
Howard University Computer Science Internship
Jasmine Bonner
Morgan State University
Jasmine Bonner, hailing from the west side of Chicago. She is currently a senior at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School and thrives on staying active and whipping up culinary delights in her spare moments. Her sights are set on delving into the world of corporate law, after law school.
Trinity Deer
Valparaiso University
Trinity graduated from Westinghouse High School with a 4.5 GPA and will be attending Valparaiso University in an accelerated physician assistant program where she will pursue her passion for the healthcare field by majoring in health sciences. Trinity loves learning new things and enjoys herr hobbies which include crocheting, baking/cooking, painting, sewing, hair, nails, scrapbooking, and many others. Trinity lives by the ideology of not living the same life everyday when there’s a whole world out there to explore.
Emmanuel Reese
Howard University
Emmanuel is a recent graduate of Lindblom Math and Science Academy where he was the valedictorian of his graduating class. In the fall he will be pursuing a computer science degree from Howard University.
Gabriella Coburn-El
Xavier University of Louisiana
Gabriella is a senior at Simeon Career Academy. She is a student athlete with a 4.3 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society and ranks #6. Gabriella plans to attend Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana as a STEM major. She loves helping others, reading, and drawing. She believes in the saying “Do it right so you won’t have to do it twice.” And she strives to be a successfully respected business-woman.
Kiara Johnson
Illinois State University
Kiara Johnson is a rising College Freshman of Illinois State University. She will be majoring in Exercise Science. a part of the Institution’s Allied Health Professions program to pursue a career as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. She will make a difference in underserved communities while simultaneously defying the norms of the less than 5% of Black OT’s. She prides herself on not only being a solid student but also making a difference outside of the classroom. A quote from the late Chadwick Boseman that she will continue to look back on in the next chapter of her life is, “ When you’re young, gifted, and Black, your journey will be filled with joy, challenges, and triumphs. Embrace every moment, and know that your hard work and faith will lead you to greatness”.