Scholarship Recipients
2026 Scholarship Recipients
2026 Felecia Patrice Myers Irick Memorial Scholarship Recipients
It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2026 Felecia Patrice Myers Irick Memorial Scholarship Recipients. In 2026, we have awarded the following individuals with a total of $7,000 in
Scholarship Funds to be used toward their academic endeavors.
Erin Glover
Erin Glover is a recent graduate of Orangeburg Wilkinson High School and a South Carolina Palmetto Fellows Scholar. She graduated in the top 10% of her class and will attend the University of South Carolina, where she will major in Exercise Science. During high school she participated on the varsity volleyball team, in Emeralds of Distinction, Jack and Jill of America and the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Conference. She hopes to pursue a career in sports medicine, combining her passion for athletics with helping others.
Ramiya Tucker
Ramiya Tucker is a recent graduate of Orangeburg‑Wilkinson High School and a rising freshman at the University of South Carolina Upstate. She plans to major in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, with a minor in a world language. She is also committed to completing meaningful study‑abroad experiences during her undergraduate years.
Throughout high school, Ramiya was an active and dedicated student, participating in numerous organizations both in and out of school. She was a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, SkillsUSA, Choir, Drill Team, and the Soccer Team. In her community, she served through the S.A.F.E. Organization, contributing to a wide range of volunteer and service projects.
Ramiya graduated with multiple honors and awards and ranked sixth in her class, a reflection of her academic excellence and strong work ethic. She plans to begin her teaching career in South Carolina before taking her passion for education abroad to serve students in other parts of the world.
This scholarship will play a significant role in supporting Ramiya’s continued commitment to faithfulness, prosperity, dignity, and service—allowing her to uplift others while continuing to elevate herself.
THE
TEAM
Jaylen Jones
Jaylen Jones is a 2026 graduate of Orangeburg Wilkinson High School and an incoming undergraduate freshman at Coastal Carolina University, where he will be pursuing his bachelor's degree in Engineering Science. During his time at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School Jaylen was a member of multiple clubs and organizations such as The National Technical Honor Society, Orangeburg Technology Center Drone Club, and Orangeburg Technology Center E-sports team, and SkillsUSA where he placed third in Commercial sUAS Drone Flying. Jaylen has also done community service work for the Orangeburg Samaritan House, and Mount Calvary Baptist Church. He would be honored to receive the scholarship as it will help him further his academic goals and achieve his Bachelor's Degree.
Jaida Bowman
Jaida Bowman is an incoming freshman at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College, where she plans to pursue a career in nursing through the Pre-Licensed Practical Nursing Program. A recent graduate of Orangeburg Wilkinson High School , Jaida resides in Orangeburg, South Carolina. During her time in high school, she maintained an A/B average while actively practicing in Royal Court, Student Council, and Ladies of Kappa League, a leadership and service organization that promotes sisterhood, community involvement and personal development. She also completed two Sport Medicine courses and a Pharmacy Technician course and earned both her OSHA 10-Hour and CPR certifications. In addition to her academic achievements, Jaida demonstrated her commitment to serving others by volunteering with other student council members collaborating with The Salvation Army to help distribute Christmas gifts to local families during last year's holiday season. After completing the Pre-Licensed Practical Nursing Program, Jaida plans to continue her education in nursing earning additional credentials and degrees, and further develop her skills in the healthcare profession.
Deidre Graham
Deidre Graham is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. Originally from Prince George’s County, Maryland, she is a proud member of the Theta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This upcoming year, Deidre will serve as Vice President of the Mentorship and Outreach Student Team (MOST), a Student Success Center Peer Coach, and a Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Baby Hugger volunteer. Passionate about healthcare and service, she plans to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing and become a Labor and Delivery or NICU nurse. Beyond grateful to receive this scholarship, Deidre views her journey as a testament to the power of dedication, kindness, and perseverance. She hopes to inspire others to work hard, embrace life’s changes, and continue pursuing their goals while making a positive impact in their communities.
Jaciya Kanneh
Jaciya Kanneh is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina. Originally from Langhorne, Pennsylvania, she is passionate about serving others and improving the health and well-being of her community. Through her volunteer experience in healthcare, Jaciya has developed a strong commitment to patient care and compassionate service. She plans to continue advancing her education and building a meaningful career in nursing, where she hopes to make a lasting impact on the lives of others. Jaciya is honored to receive this scholarship and grateful for the support as she continues pursuing her academic and professional goals.
Peris Boozer
Peris Boozer is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Public Health on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. She is passionate about serving her community through healthcare and volunteerism. Peris volunteers with Lexington Medical Center, the American Red Cross, and MUSC Health. She is also a member of the Theta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she continues her commitment to service and sisterhood. Peris is grateful to receive the Felecia Patrice Myers Irick Memorial Scholarship as she works toward her goal of becoming a Physician Assistant.
Kennadi Olivia Murray Rollins
Kennadi Olivia Murray Rollins is a junior Honors Scholar at the University of South Carolina majoring in Criminology & Criminal Justice with a minor in Forensic Science. She aspires to become a forensic pathologist and is passionate about seeking justice and providing answers to families affected by loss. Kennadi is actively involved in organizations on campus to include the Black Honors Caucus, the Association of African American Students, the Elegant Essence Majorette Team, and the Theta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She currently serves as a Digital Pathology Intern at Atrium Health where she assists teams with laboratory workflow, data organization, and research support."
Ariana Perrin
Ariana Perrin, a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a junior majoring in communications with a minor in African American studies at the University of South Carolina. She is a Ronald E. McNair Scholar. Following her undergraduate studies, Perrin intends to pursue both a master's degree and a PhD in speech-language pathology. Her goal is to assist pediatric patients in developing their voices and to foster environments where children can express themselves vocally and celebrate their dialects.
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During her undergraduate studies, Perrin has participated in various organizations that have strengthened her commitment to community engagement and academic achievement. She serves as a student voting delegate on the university's Board of Publication and Communications, where she collaborates with faculty to recognize student leadership within Garnet Media Group organizations. Perrin also serves as a coordinator for the Multicultural Assistant Peer Program (MAPP), facilitating connections between first-year and upper-level students to promote inclusivity and access to campus resources. In spring 2026, she became a member of the Theta Gamma chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Jayda Snipes
Jayda Snipes is a rising senior majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences and is a student in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of South Carolina. She is passionate about pharmacy and committed to advancing patient care and improving health outcomes. She serves as the OTC Medication Safety Chair for the American Pharmacists Association–Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) and is an active member of the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) and the Minority Sisterhood in Medicine organization at USC. Jayda is grateful to receive this scholarship, as it will support her educational journey and help her continue pursuing a meaningful career in pharmacy.
Aubrey Grace Wilson
Aubrey Grace Wilson is a rising junior majoring in Sociology with a minor in Political Science at Morgan State University. As a very dedicated student athlete, she is a proud member of the Morgan State Women’s Volleyball Team. She also is a shining star of the Student Athlete Coordinating Committee, and serves as Miss Student-Athlete. She crossed the Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority incorporated in the Fall of 2025, and served as Pecunious Grammateus in the 2026 Spring semester. Aubrey has a strong sense of justice and will put this passion into pursuing a law degree post-grad. Aubrey is passionate about the fact that only 5% of attorneys are black women and wants to pursue this goal to increase representation and be an example for black girls everywhere. With a mission to serve and represent black Americans, Aubrey hopes to use her career to serve and advocate for Black communities while inspiring the next generation of Black girls to pursue their own ambitious goals with confidence and purpose.
Shakia A. Witherspoon
Shakia A. Witherspoon graduated from Morgan State University in Spring 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Organizational Administration. As a healthcare administrator with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, she is passionate about serving veterans and improving healthcare operations. Shakia is a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Morgan State University to further develop her leadership skills and advance her career in healthcare administration and business operations. She is honored and grateful to receive this scholarship, which will support her continued educational journey and future professional goals.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2025 Felecia Patrice Myers Irick Memorial Scholarship Recipients. We have awarded the following 6 young ladies with a total of $5,000 in
Scholarship Funds to be used toward their academic endeavors.
2025 Felecia Patrice Myers Irick Memorial Scholarship Recipients
It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2025 Felecia Patrice Myers Irick Memorial Scholarship Recipients. We have awarded the following 6 young ladies with a total of $5,000 in Scholarship Funds to be used toward their academic endeavors.
Brianna Watts
Brianna Watts is a rising senior, Sport and Entertainment Management student at the University of South Carolina. She is an active leader in the USC community, and participates in a myriad of professional, cultural, and creative pursuits. She has gained sports industry experience through her work with the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Football Club, and USC Athletic Department. She is grateful to receive the scholarship, as it will help her obtain a graduate degree and full time position in professional sports.
Alexandria Horne
Alexandria Horne is a rising senior majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Morgan State University. As a very well rounded student, she is a proud member of the Clara I. Adams Honors College and The President’s Leadership Circle. Alexandria currently serves as President of both the Maryland Epsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and the Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Deeply committed to increasing Black youth representation in STEM, she dedicates her time to tutoring and mentoring middle and high school students. Beyond STEM, Alexandria is also passionate about real estate, with a mission to expand access to affordable housing near colleges and universities across Maryland and beyond. A driven scholar and future innovator, it is Alexandria’s long-term goal to earn her Master of Engineering, Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Philosophy in Secure Embedded Systems.
Samaria Ellerbe
Samaria Ellerbe is from Florence, South Carolina. She graduated from Wilson High School in 2022 and is currently a rising senior at the University of South Carolina. Throughout her college journey, she has been passionate about leadership and service. She served as a Resident Assistant for two years, mentored fellow students through the MAPP Program, and held the role of Membership Chairman for Service Carolina. In Fall 2023, she was honored to become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is truly grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship and remain dedicated to empowering others through education, service, and community engagement.
Arielle Clayton
Arielle Clayton is a senior at Johns Hopkins University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies. She aspires to become a healthcare administrator, driven by her commitment to supporting underserved populations, addressing health disparities, and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare. Arielle is extremely grateful to be a recipient of the Felecia Patrice Myers Irick Memorial Scholarship and is committed to carrying forward Ms. Irick’s legacy through her passion for service and leadership. In the meantime, Arielle actively supports her local community as a dedicated member of the Xi Tau chapter, a Thread mentor, and as the President of TEDxJHU, where she works to spread meaningful ideas across the Johns Hopkins campus and the greater Baltimore community.
Daijah Pinckney Cornish
Daijah Pinckney Cornish is a senior at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Mass Communications and Social Media. After graduation, she plans to apply to law school to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an attorney.
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Throughout her time at USC, she has been actively involved in organizations that reflect her commitment to leadership, service, and advocacy. She serves as a mentor in the Multicultural Assistance Peer Program (MAPP), a program dedicated to supporting first-year students through guidance and mentorship from trained upperclassmen. Additionally, she is an executive board member of It’s On Us USC, a campus organization focused on raising awareness, providing education, and fostering prevention efforts surrounding sexual assault and interpersonal violence. She is also a proud member of the Multicultural Peer Program, where she works to help create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
Kennadi Olivia Murray Rollins
Kennadi Olivia Murray Rollins is originally from Lake Wylie, South Carolina. She is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, Columbia majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Forensic Science. In the future, she wishes to pursue a career in forensic pathology; where she will strive to bring closure and justice to families who have lost loved ones. She is a member of several clubs at USC; to include the Black Honors Caucus, the Association of African-American Students (AAAS), the Multicultural Assistance Peer Program, and the Theta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She enjoys participating in community service events to include volunteering in the local community. She is employed at the Boys and Girls Club, where she enjoys inspiring youth to make wise decisions and strive for excellence in all that they do.
2024 Scholarship Recipients
It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2024 Felecia Patrice Myers Irick Memorial Scholarship Recipients. We have awarded the following 6 young ladies with a total of $5,000 in
Scholarship Funds to be used toward their academic endeavors.
Jayla Hawkins
Morgan State University
Nursing
Jayla Hawkins is a dedicated junior at Morgan State University, pursuing her passion for nursing with a specialization in labor and delivery. She is a distinguished five-time Ben Carson Scholar, celebrated for her exceptional academic achievements. Beyond her studies, Jayla is deeply involved in her community. She volunteers as a mentor and holds the role of Vice-President of the Always Divine Alpha Delta chapter. She is also an active member of the Clara I. Adams Honors Council, contributing to campus leadership and academic initiatives. Jayla's long-term aspiration is to earn a doctorate in nursing and establish a healthcare practice in her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, where she aims to make a significant impact on maternal healthcare.
Victoria Robinson
University of South Carolina
Public Health
Victoria Robinson is a senior from Fort Mill, South Carolina at the University of South Carolina. A Public Health major on a pre-medical track with the plan to attend medical school and pursue a career in Family Medicine or Dermatology. She is honored to be a recipient of this scholarship, as it will assist with her pre-professional path to help underserved and minority populations suffering from health determinants!
Niyah Youmans
University of South Carolina
Public Health
Niyah Youmans is a senior from Alpharetta, Georgia pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health at the University of South Carolina. After her undergraduate years, she plans to attend dental school and later become a pediatric dentist. She believes all children have a right to dental care, and she will carry this throughout her career.
Harmony Onyinyechi Madu
Johns Hopkins University
Public Health and Natural Sciences
Harmony Madu is a rising junior at Johns Hopkins University from Abingdon, Maryland. She is double majoring in Public Health Studies and Natural Sciences and is on a pre-medical pathway. Harmony is a first-generation college student and the daughter of an immigrant. Her ultimate career goal is to become an obstetrician and to center Reproductive Justice and holistic care in her practice.
Davyia Burgess
University of South Carolina
Biological Sciences and Psychology
Davyia Burgess is a rising Senior at the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!) who has majored in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology to accompany. She plans to stick around Columbia for another year and obtain her Masters in a program that will assist her into being accepted into a PA program or MD program. She is originally from Greenville, SC where she was born and raised by her mother’s side of the family. Davyia spends the majority of her time cooking with her friends or attending events with her sorority sisters, whenever she is not at one of her two on-campus jobs. Being a Fall 23 initiate of the Theta Gamma Chapter, she is extremely appreciative of the legacy of Soror Felecia Myers Irick & the opportunity to be a recipient of this year’s scholarship.
Jermyzha Alexander
University of South Carolina
Nursing, Psychology & Health
Jermyzha Alexander is a Junior Nursing major with a minor in Psychology and Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior at the University of South Carolina. After college she plans to find a job in Columbia, SC then move to Charlotte, NC. Her next step will be to apply for medical school to become a surgeon. While on campus she is a mentor in the multicultural assistance peer program (a program to provide first year students with a trained mentor), the student nursing association, and savvy. In her free time she likes to hang out with friends, shop, and go out to different ice cream parlors.
2023 Scholarship Recipients
It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2023 Felecia Patrice Myers Irick Memorial Scholarship Recipients. We have awarded the following 3 young ladies with a total of $5,000 in
Scholarship Funds to be used toward their academic endeavors.
Joi Jones
Morgan State University
Family & Consumer Science
Joi Jones is a Senior from Chicago, IL at Morgan State University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences on the Fashion Merchandising Track with plans on becoming a buyer post-graduation. Her ultimate career goal is to one day have a career in luxury retail. Joi is a first-generation college student and plans to inspire little girls of color that anything is possible and strive towards their dreams no matter how hard it may seem. Joi's favorite quote to live by is "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Jada Payne
Morgan State University
Psychology
Jada Payne is a graduating Senior at Morgan State University and is from Washington, DC. Jada is also a first-generation student pursuing a degree in Psychology with plans to attend graduate school in School and Counseling Psychology. Jada's hopes after Graduate School is to become a Child Psychologist and help mold the new generation of children and adolescents to learn more about coping with life, relationships, and mental health.
Naeemah Merchant
Morgan State University
Architecture
Naeemah Merchant hails from Prince George’s county Maryland and is a recent graduate of Morgan State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in architecture and is continuing her education at Morgan State through the accelerated graduate program pursuing a master’s degree in architecture. She plans to pursue a career in architecture, initially in the federal government, with aspirations to one day open her own firm with a heavy representation of African American women, as they are the least represented in the field.
2022 Scholarship Recipients
It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2022 Felecia Patrice Myers Irick Memorial Scholarship Recipients. We have awarded the following 7 young ladies with a total of $5,000 in
Scholarship Funds to be used toward their academic endeavors.
Brooke Foyles
Morgan State University
Nursing
Jocelyne Lawson
Coppin State University
Early Childhood Education
DeMia Goddard
Coppin State University
Nursing
Alexis McCullough
University of South Carolina
Marketing
DaShanti D. Price
University of South Carolina
Public Health
Elexus Kelly
University of South Carolina
Pre-Nursing
Alexis Waring
University of South Carolina
Exercise Science
2021 Scholarship Recipients
Maya West - Morgan State University
Maya West is a senior at Morgan State University pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology with plans to apply to medial school upon graduation.
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In West's personal narrative essay, she describes her passion for working in the medical field.
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"While I have yet to determine my specialty, I know for sure I want to serve and help people in my community. Being a young woman of color, the health of my people holds a very special place in my heart. I have found that African Americans suffer from diseases and underlying healthcare issues more than any other race. According to WebMD, in the US, 41% of blacks have high blood pressure as compared to 27% of whites. Diabetes is 60% more common in black Americans than in white Americans. I desire to turn these numbers around."
Laurynn Jeter - University of South Carolina
Laurynn Jeter is a junior at the University of South Carolina pursuing a bachelor's degree in exercise science.
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In one of her essays, Jeter shares how a female leader inspires her.
"There are many women worldwide that have influenced me with their inspirational work, but perhaps the woman that has influenced me more than anyone else is my mom. My mom is undoubtedly a leader to me and everyone in my family. She has always been a God-fearing woman who has lived her life following the teachings of the Word, therefore leading by example. She has also taught the Word to me and my siblings. Being a leader means to have compassion for others and my mom is very compassionate and loving to anyone she encounters. By showing me her love, I have learned to care unconditionally for others and be genuinely good towards others. Being selfless is another good quality to have as a leader and it is a quality that my mom shows daily. My mom is a social worker, therefore it is basically her job to always do for others, but she does not only do for others because it is her job. She genuinely cares about other people no matter what background they come from. Seeing how selfless she is and willing to do things for other people has impacted me because it has made me want to give back to others whenever I can."
Christal Harvin - University of South Carolina
A senior in the University of South Carolina’s Honors College majoring in public relations and sociology with a minor in leadership studies and a cognate in corporate social responsibility, Christal Harvin plans to work as a creative strategist for a public relations agency, where she can create innovative social media content and strategy for brands that are inclusive of groups that have historically been marginalized and portrayed negatively in the media, especially people of color.
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"As someone who knows what it is like to feel like you cannot truly explore your passions, I am immensely inspired by Mrs. Irick’s life and legacy. She unlocked countless opportunities for students who may have never had someone so committed to advocating for them and implementing programs for their success. Additionally, she brought her own unique style and flair to every room she entered and walked in alignment with her divine gifts, which I know is not always easy for Black women in positions of leadership to do."
