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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.
Graduating Seniors from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School
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.
Collegiate AKAs
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.
Scholarship Application
Undergraduate members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. attending the University of
South Carolina (and surrounding Colleges and Universities in Columbia, SC), Morgan State University, Coppin State University, John Hopkins University, Notre Dame of Maryland, Loyola University Maryland, and Female or Male Students at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, SC (Felecia’s High School, Alma Mater)
Donors
The generous contributions of our donors are the reason this scholarship is possible. We will provide updates to individuals who have contributed regarding the status of the scholarship and announce scholarship winners.
​Scholarships of up to $1,000 will be awarded to graduating seniors of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, the cherished high school alma mater of Felecia. Both female and male students are welcome to apply and will be considered based on the established scholarship criteria; with the goal of supporting and encouraging their educational aspirations.