2023 Scholarships Awardees
2023 Scholarships Awardees
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The Foundation distributed $7,000 in scholarships to college-bound seniors in May 2023. Five $1000 awards went to Mississippi residents and two to Illinoisians. Five Mississippians received the Chalmers Archer, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, funded with money earmarked to honor the memory of Dr. Chalmers Archer. The late Dr. Archer was a native of Holmes County, Mississippi. His relative, Ms. Rashunda Archer--a Holmes County School District employee---presented the awards on behalf of the Foundation during Class Day exercises on May 5 at Holmes County Community High School in Lexington. In addition, each awardee from Illinois received $1000 in scholarships from the Foundation’s earmarked William Jordan Campbell Memorial Fund, The Reedy Family Memorial Fund, and MHF General awards. To meet scholarship requirements, awardees wrote essays that followed the theme “My Heritage, My American Dream.” Excerpts from their writings, awardee photos, and other information follow:
Tishawnah RuleResidence: Tchula MSCollege/University: Mississippi State UniversityMajor: Fashion Merchandising with a Minor in Business AdministrationAward Amount: $1000Award Source: Dr. Chalmers Archer, Jr. Memorial Fund
Heritage-Inspired Goals: "The thought of being American is the dream of so many people. The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their version of success …. To truly appreciate being an African American today, just reflect back on the lives of African Americans who lived through segregation and discrimination and faced the many faces of racism. They were slaves and deprived of so many chances of excelling in life ….This (being deprived) is a daily motivator for me because I realize that I have the power within me to free myself from the trap set for me years. This is a constant reminder to stay focus(ed). … My family heritage is one of values, generosity, and respect. My parents talked about their ancestors when growing up, and it was based on them working hard during their childhood. Within my family, there are generations of hard-working men and women who contributed to me becoming who I am today."
Takeria JohnsonResidence: Cruger MSCollege/ University: Holmes Community CollegeMajor: Pre-NursingAward Amount: $1000Award Source: Dr. Chalmers Archer, Jr. Memorial Fund
Heritage Inspired Goals: "I really don't feel that people in my age group, "Generation Z," spend a great deal of time thinking about their heritage. At least, I didn’t until I sat down to write this essay. (I define) heritage as what we have inherited from the past to value and enjoy in the present and to preserve and pass on to future generations. ….My mother died of COVID-19 almost two years ago, stripping me of the opportunity to learn all that she would have shared with me about my ancestry and heritage…. (She) shared with me that she was born in Chicago. My grandparents, …her parents, made the decision to migrate to Mississippi before her sister was born. I often ponder what brought about the change. Was it the comfort of the South? Or could it have been the gifted people who came out of this place? Whatever the reason, …Mississippi has provided roots for my family, and it will always be home, a place of security and comfort for me. …. My mother and my grandparents made sure that I went to church and that I knew the awesomeness of having a relationship with God. … It is that faith that continues to give me hope that things will be okay. That hope gives me courage when I face new challenges."
Je'Milya HudsonResidence: Cruger MSCollege/ University: Holmes Community CollegeMajor: Pre-NursingAward Amount: $1000Award Source: Dr. Chalmers Archer, Jr. Memorial Fund
Heritage Inspired Goals: "I am fortunate to have two strong African AmerAmerican women who have instilled in me a solid value system: … my mother, who was a young single mother, and my grandmother, who raised me. … my grandparents took on the responsibility of helping to raise me when their daughter could not do it alone. I am thankful for the role each of them played in helping to give me a great foundation of love and support … (These ladies) taught me to know my own worth and not look for others to validate me. It is this self-confidence that I will take with me to Alcorn State University in the Fall to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice."
Roslyn KingResidence: Goodman MSCollege/University: Alcorn State UniversityMajor: Pre-NursingAward Amount: $1000Award Source: Dr. Chalmers Archer, Jr. Memorial Fund
Heritage Inspired Goals: "I was born in a family deeply rooted in fighting for the rights of African Americans during the Civil Rights and Desegregation Eras. My great-grandfather,… and great-uncle, … were civil rights activists who believed that black children, especially their own, should receive a quality education. Despite having crosses burned in their yards and threats made to their lives, they did not give up on their fight for equality for all. They instilled in their children and grandchildren the need to pursue a college education…. So, what does this have to do with my dream? All of this instilled in me the desire to pursue a college education, fulfilling my dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner. I've recently been accepted to Alcorn State University, where I will begin my pursuit of a college education and fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a Nurse. My goal for the future is to someday open my own medical clinic in my home county for low-income families who may not otherwise have access to medical treatment by a primary care physician."
Tyneshia WilderResidence: Durant MSCollege/University: Northwest Mississippi Community CollegeMajor: Pre-NursingAward Amount: $1000Award Source: Dr. Chalmers Archer, Jr. Memorial Fund
Heritage-Inspired Goals: "I came from an African American family who was not very wealthy. They suffered from being broke, … sick, and moving from place to place as kids. My grandfather was a farm worker who was raised to pick cotton (and) was known for his hard work around the farm. He … fed all of the animals and even drove tractors. (One of) my uncle(s)… on my grandfather's side of the family was a mechanic who helped work and fix cars. My grandmother … was a mother to 7 children…. (She and my grandfather) worked together to get things done…(Their) kids, my aunts, uncles, and also my mother helped to feed cows and haul wood…. Today, my family has become a group of educated and independent individuals. … I have a family of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses. They came a long way to pursue their dreams and to make their lives better. They inspired me to pursue my life goal by attending Northwest Mississippi Community College, where I plan an LPN major. My main goal is to not only make myself proud but also to make my family proud.
Sungie Cobb
Residence: Country Club Hills, ILCollege/University: Jackson (MS) State UniversityMajor: Civil EngineeringAward Amount: $1000Award Fund Source: William Jordan Campbell Memorial Fund & MHF General AwardsHeritage-Inspired Goals: "In my life, I have been blessed with many influential people. I have so many role models that I am always highly motivated. God has placed me in a circle with very successful and like-minded family members and friends. Two people who have had a significant impact on my life are my middle school Trio Mentor ... and my high school Trio Mentor …. These two have highly motivated me in my studies and my personal life. Because of them, I am goal driven. They installed prioritizing my schoolwork and my career goals in me at an early age. I learned the importance of networking and connecting with my peers just by watching them connect with others. They inspire me to be a blessing to others as they have been to me. I aspire to open my own Civil Engineering firm not only to inspire black women to pursue the field but to mentor young ladies like (me)."
Xavier WoodhouseResidence: Chicago, ILCollege/University: Morehouse CollegeMajor: African American StudiesAward Amount: $1000Award Fund Source: Reedy Family Memorial Fund and MHF General Awards
Heritage-Inspired Goals: "Losing grandma was the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. She was my greatest supporter and my biggest protector. Though her delivery of advice sometimes was a little harsh, it was only in an attempt to fuel and instill greatness inside of me. She fostered my connection with Christ and my motivation always to do my best. Even in her weakest physical moments due to her battle with breast cancer, she was still the strongest person in my life. There was nothing the world could hand me or give to me that my grandma hadn't prepared me for. Whether it be the deadly streets of Chicago or the emotional and physical challenges of a global pandemic …. Her death forced me to work harder not only to better myself but also to better the people around me. I had to become someone for my older brother to lean on and someone that my mom and grandpa could be proud of. Through her death, I also strengthened my relationship with Christ. I realize that won't be here for the majority of the milestones in my life, like my high school graduation, my first college acceptance letter, and my wedding. … I realized I needed to be the best student, the best leader, and the best version of myself to prove that all her sacrifices were not in vain ….Now in my next journey, … I plan to take the knowledge, faith, integrity, and independence my grandma has instilled in me to persist and prevail on a college campus."
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