Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority recently announced the names of the 2009 AKA Dollars for Scholars local scholarship recipients.
To be eligible for the award, students had to be female, graduating high school seniors demonstrating financial need, with an unweighted grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and an SAT score of 940 or higher and/or an ACT score of 19 or higher.
To apply, students had to submit an essay, transcript of grades and two letters of recommendation, as well as participate in an interview.
Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients:
Laura Anorue ($10,000 over four years)
Laura Anorue is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Woodfork. She attends Stanton College Preparatory School where she maintains a 3.45 GPA. Laura is a member of the marching, symphonic and jazz bands, and is the Trumpet Assistant Section Leader. She also holds membership in the German Club, Senior Women’s Club, National Honor Society and National German Honor Society from which she has received several recognitions for her achievements. She is a teen volunteer at Baptist Hospital at Jacksonville Beach and is an intern with Model Productions. This fall, Laura will enter Florida A&M University to major in nursing.
Shanel Woodson ($5,000 over four years)
Shanel Woodson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Woodson. She attends Sandalwood High School where she maintains a 3.03 GPA. Shanel is the treasurer of the American Sign Language Honor Society, secretary of the National Honor Society and chair/president of the Keystone Mentorship Club at Sandalwood. She volunteers with Big Brothers-Big Sisters, the Spirit of Praise Choir & Dance Team, Youth Leadership of Jacksonville XVIII, and is a team captain for Relay for Life. Shanel will enter the University of Florida to major in biology with a specialty in pre-med. Her dream is to become a pediatric oncologist.
Scholarship recipients of a special one-year award
Shirley Adonis ($1,500)
Shirley Adonis is the sister of Mrs. Suze Jorin-Adonis. Her parents are Mr. & Mrs. Louis Adonis of Haiti. She attends Terry Parker High School where she maintains a GPA of 3.70. Shirley is president of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Student Council. She volunteers to tutor other students at her school because it helps her to maintain focus and stay motivated. This fall, Shirley will enter the University of North Florida to pursue a degree in psychology.
DaBrielle Covington ($1,500)
DaBrielle Covington is the daughter of Ms. Sabrina Lockhart. She is a senior at Paxon School for Advanced Studies where she maintains a 3.30 GPA. DaBrielle is captain of the LaCrosse team and a Varsity Cheerleader. She is also the team captain for the Relay for Life team at Edward Waters College. DaBrielle will enter the University of Alabama this fall to pursue a dual degree in pre-law and marketing.
Jessica Lawson ($1,000)
Jessica Lawson is the daughter of Ms. Shanna Bertie. She is a student at Nathan B. Forrest High School, where she maintains a GPA of 3.06. She is secretary of Student Government. Her other school activities include, JROTC and the Young Ladies and Men with Direction Club. Jessica will enter Hampton University to pursue a degree in pre-law.
Conisha Mason ($1,000)
Conisha Mason is the daughter of Ms. Yashica Tukes. She attends William M. Raines High School where she maintains a GPA of 3.30. Conisha volunteers at St. Vincent's Hospital, where she has accrued over 100 volunteer hours, and with Big Brothers - Big Sisters. Conisha aspires to become a nurse practitioner. She will enter Florida A&M University this fall.
Tiffany McMahon ($1,000)
Tiffany McMahon is the daughter of Ms. Melinda McMahon. She attends Nathan B. Forrest High School where she maintains a GPA of 3.93. As a result of Tiffany’s academic achievement, she has been named Valedictorian of her graduating class. She is a member of the Advanced Chorus, National Honor Society and Drama Club. Tiffany has a desire to teach children with special needs. This fall, she will enter Florida Atlantic University to pursue a degree in education.
Janeca Parker ($1,000)
Janeca Parker is the daughter of Ms. Janice Parker. She attends Samuel W. Wolfson High school where she has a GPA of 4.14. Janeca is a star player on the Varsity Girls Basketball team where she mentors underclassmen team members to rise to her level of high academic achievement. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Sigma Phi Delta, National Honor Society, and Economics Club. This fall, Janeca will enter the University of Florida to major in business.
Felicity Price ($1,000)
Felicity Price is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Price. She attends Mandarin High School where she maintains a GPA of 3.02. Felicity is a member of the Drama Club, National Honor Society and the Student Council. In 2008, Felicity became the first African-American female to be crowned Miss Mandarin High School. She will enter Florida State University to major in political science.
The academic scholarships are made possible by Gamma Rho Omega Membership, the Alpha Jax Foundation, Inc., and patrons of the annual Ebony Fashion Show.
Scholarship applications for the AKA Dollars for Scholars Program are available at local high schools and colleges each year from November through February 15. For more information, students should contact their school guidance counselor or financial aid coordinator.
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