Eight students earn sorority scholarships

Standing from left are AKA Eta Tau Omega Chapter sorority members Debra Aiken, Audrietta Izlar, Lillie Brown, Joyce Shelton, Linda Lofton, Colby Robinson, Fredna Wilkerson, Gail Quirk, Trellis Hagins, Sharon Bourges-Jones and Leah Taylor. Sitting from left are scholarship recipients Kamarea Jenkins, Kayden Mitchell, Oubrei Godwin, Meia Reaves, Kierstyn Foskey, Calise Smith, Anida Rabb (sitting in for her daughter, A’Zareyah Dart) and Grace Davis. [Submitted photo]

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Posted July 7, 2025 | By Leah Taylor, Special to the Gazette

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Eta Tau Omega Chapter recently recognized and celebrated the achievements of eight outstanding high school students who were awarded scholarships to further their education. All of the scholars will attend a college or university in the state of Florida.

The young women—A’zareyah Dart, Grace Davis, Kiersten Foskey, Oubrei Godwin, Kamarea Jenkins, Kayden Mitchell, Meia Reaves and Calise Smith—have demonstrated exemplary academic performance and leadership potential at their high schools and in the community. Davis was named the recipient of the Gwen Sims Scholarship in the amount of $2,500. Sims was an esteemed member of the chapter and a dedicated guidance counselor at Vanguard High School.

“Watching these young ladies walk boldly into their next chapter is a reminder of why our mission matters,” said Colby Robinson, vice president/scholarship representative, Eta Tau Omega Chapter.

Founded in 1908 at Howard University, AKA emphasizes academic excellence to empower Black women, foster personal and professional development, and address societal challenges through education. The Eta Tau Omega Chapter has grown from 16 college graduates to more than 50 women and, to date, they have awarded over $100,000 in scholarships through annual fundraisers and community support.

The 2025 process started in January with the annual scholarship night at Howard Academy. Recipients were selected based on factors including scores from their written application, the quality of their personal essay and performance in a panel style interview with members of the scholarship committee. Individual scholarships ranged from $2,500 to $500. The recipients may use the funds to cover college tuition, housing, books, school supplies or any reasonable educational expenses incurred during their college journey.

A new series of workshops for high school juniors and seniors will begin in the fall. The goal is to help prepare students for the scholarship application process, college readiness and personal development. Interested parties should email [email protected] for more information.

To see more, including profiles of the 2025 scholarship recipients, go to facebook.com/ETO1962