“Education is one of the greatest pillars of our mission,” said Urban League of NWI President and CEO Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud. “We must seize every opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of our youth.”
For years, the organization would host a tri-county (Lake, LaPorte and Porter) scholarship luncheon where the youth are honored in front of their families, educators and peers.
The spread of COVID-19 caused organizers to get creative this year. Each recipient had a reserved time to walk the red carpet with social distancing being fully enforced. Supporters can view the presentations on Urban League’s Facebook page.
“There were several benefits to this virtual celebration,” added Allen-McCloud. “Every student had his or her big moment, people tuned in from anywhere, and if you missed the live broadcast, you can always watch the playback.”
A total of $35,000 was awarded from a diverse pool of donor organizations, companies and individuals. Several of the donors and board members were also in attendance to participate in the presentations.
“We were so excited that the team at the Urban League of NWI Indiana developed a creative way to honor the scholarship winners,” said Board Chairman Dr. Thomas L. Keon, Chancellor of Purdue University Northwest. “We are proud of their accomplishments, and I am sure the students and their families appreciated the recognition.”
For information about the Urban League of NWI, call 219-887-9621 or visit www.ulofnwi.org. Videos and photos of the celebration are also located on the Urban League of NWI’s Facebook page.
And the winners are ...
Horizon Bank Scholarship Five (5) $1000.00 Scholarships #1 - Laurentha Horton—Morton Sr. High School | Tyler Hemmons—Andrean High School | Indya Lewis—Hammond High School | Trinitee Hassan—Munster High School | Tomiya Hamer—Lighthouse College Prep.
Dr. Connie R. Horton Scholarship Two (2) $1,000.00 Scholarships - Tomiya Hamer—Lighthouse College Prep. | Khaon Andrael Robinson - Steel City Academy
Horizon Bank Mid Year (2019) Scholarship Five (5) $1000.00 Scholarships #2 Tyler Peppers—Donald Gavit high School | Tyler Hemmons—Andrean High School | Andrea Zaknoun—Michigan City High School | Alexis Wood—Calumet New Tech | Mareeya Amiyah Scully—Michigan City HS
Timothy Lamar Johnson Foundation Inc. Scholarship Fund—$1000.00 - Indya Lewis—Hammond High School
Martin Family Promise Scholarship $1000.00 - Tomiya Hamer—Lighthouse College Prep
National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. $250.00 - Tomiya Hamer—Lighthouse College Prep
Chester Arthur Jones and Robert L. Buggs, Sr. Engineering/Construction Trades Scholarship—$500.00 Each - Laurentha Horton—Morton Sr. High School | Trinitee Hassan—Munster High School
Givens Education Healthcare Scholarship $1000.00 - Mareeya Scully –Michigan City High School
NIPSCO “STEM” Power Scholarships One (1) $1000.00 Scholarship - One (1) $500.00 Scholarship Noah Ford—Indiana Corrections Academy (LaPorte) — $1000.00 | Mareeya Amiyah Scully - Michigan City HS—$500.00
Senator Carolyn B. Mosby / NIPSCO Scholarship Five (5) $1000.00 Scholarships Christian Haggard—Thea Bowman Leadership | Abigail Naumann—Thomas Edison Jr/Sr. HS | Alexander Worley—Calumet New Tech | Abigail Edwards—Whiting High School | Alexis Proudman –Crown Point High School
Guthrie Family Scholarship Two (2) $2000.00 Scholarships - Kennedy Rozier - West Side Leadership Academy | Desiree Taylor - West Side Leadership Academy
Joseph Trent Morrow Scholarship Two (2) $2500.00 Scholarships - Armoni Shonetra Jones - East Chicago Central High School | Desiree Taylor - West Side Leadership Academy
The Gary Frontiers Service Club Inc. Scholarship—$500.00 - Desiree Taylor - West Side Leadership Academy
Paul Steven Stewart Scholarship $1000.00 - Trinitee Hassan—Munster High School
Love Laila Nursing Scholarship $1000.00 - Zebaneeka Washington—Calumet New Tech.
Northwest Indiana Corvette Club Two (2) $1000.00 Scholarships - Alexis Proudman—Crown Poing High School | Razariah Combs—Merrillville High Schoo
Shalonda Crump Scholarship $500.00 - Christian Haggard - Thea Bowman Leadership Academy