The 2011 Scholarship Winners

Nabill Abdousalam

First off, I would like to thank the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Committee for choosing me as one of their scholarship recipients. I will be attending VCU in the fall where I will major in engineering. I chose VCU, because of the diversity the school has as well as for their engineering program. By receiving this scholarship, this has helped take a financial burden off of my mom's shoulders.

Linden Judith Abston

I am grateful to receive a Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. scholarship because this assistance with my higher education expenses promotes the realization of Reverend Dr. King's dream that every individual would be empowered, through equal educational opportunity, to contribute richly to the advancement of society. I've selected George Mason University for my undergraduate studies because of the depth and breadth of its academic programs, the strong reputation of its faculty, the diversity and vibrancy of its modern residential campus, and its location. I love the wealth of opportunity for learning that metropolitan Washington, DC offers and I wanted to attend college in the area. I currently plan to complete a double major in Sociology and Religious Studies to deepen my knowledge and understanding of human social activity and structures.

Camiel Dizon

I am honored and thankful to be one of the recipients of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Award. I am blessed that this foundation has put so much faith in me as I embark on a journey to achieve my goals, while making a difference in my community. This award will enable me to not only learn how to share my talents with the world, but my passion as well. Thank you again.

As I raved about the perfect ratio of icing to cake, a storm of confusion hit my friend's face. Cupcakes, something so familiar to me, hadn't made its way to Italy. This inspired me to share my culture with others, while learning in the process. It made me question what foreign ingredients could be infused into a cupcake. Would olives create the perfect frosting? Wanting to discover distinct flavors led me to study International Business Marketing and Management at New York University's Stern School of Business.

I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School next fall. I plan on pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Economics with a concentration in Marketing and Operations Management. There are many factors that led up to my decision to attend Penn. The university is known for its prestigious business program and Ivy League education. I had the tough decision of deciding between Columbia and Penn. What ultimately made me lean towards Penn was the incredible sense of community I felt as I walked around campus. I did not quite the same feeling when I visited Columbia's campus. I have lived in the suburbs for my entire life but have longed to be in the city. Penn is the perfect opportunity to live in the manageable city of Philadelphia. I am incredibly excited to explore Philly and eat my share of cheesesteaks!

As for my major, the Wharton program requires all students to major in Economics. I gladly accept the requirement because I thoroughly enjoy studying Economics. I took AP Econ this past year and it has been by far my favorite class in my high school career. My interest in the subject made reading twenty pages every night fun. I partly owe my enthusiasm to my over qualified teacher, Mr. Clement, who's sense of humor made class enjoyable. A major in Economics will also set me on the right path towards becoming a management consultant after college.

I can only attempt to tackle the impossible feat of expressing my gratitude to the Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Foundation for their consideration of me. I smile every time I think about the generosity of the Foundation and the selfless belief in my potential. This award is significant for the message it carries. It says that a refugee from Vietnam can and will overcome any obstacle in order to achieve her dreams. I believe that this award brings hope not just to the recipients of the award but those around us. Thanks to the Foundation, higher education is not just a dream anymore; it is my reality.

Briana Ford

Hi my name is Briana Ford. Going through the process of picking which university I wanted to go to the key facts I knew was that I wanted to attend an HBCU major in early childhood education and play volleyball. When I heard about Bowie State recruiting me I looked into that school more and fell in love. I never knew Bowie State existed until they contacted me by my recruited web page. I have been working with younger children for years and I love it there is nothing else better for me to do. Children are the world to me they are wonderful I would love to continue and work with them my whole life and that's part of the reason I chose to major in early child hood education.

Shane Grannum

Policymakers can transcend difficult and challenging boundaries to find sensible solutions to the monumental crises of our era, a major factor that has largely influenced me to pursue a career in politics and lawmaking. Getting involved in campaigns and politics from a young age has inspired me to more efficiently learn about the science of fair government at Brown University in the fall. Applying to Brown early decision last fall was a choice I made based on the wealth of opportunity the university offers. Not only does Brown provide a unique academic experience built on total academic freedom, but it offers me an environment where I will be able to thrive both intellectually and socially. Winning the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Award is a honor by which I am grateful for. It takes me one step closer to my academic future at Brown; one step closer to my dream of becoming a lawmaker. I cannot thank the Foundation enough for this scholarship and I look forward to giving back to the community that has allowed me the opportunities of a lifetime.

Jasmyne Grismore

I am greatly appreciative of the generous scholarship provided by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. Though I was ecstatic upon my acceptance to Williams College, I knew I would need additional funds cover the cost of attendance. This scholarship award will assist me in funding my education at my dream school, and I could not be any more grateful.

During my first visit to Williams, I remember sitting in one of the auditoriums and thinking to myself, "This is it. This is where I want to be for the next four years of my life". Each subsequent visit confirmed my admiration for the schools. Williams' excellent academic reputation, beautiful Purple Valley campus, and compassionate staff and faculty come second to its incredible, multi-faceted students. They are truly inspiring, and I know they will motivate me to accomplish great things. I look forward to engaging with them in class discussions and experiencing a culture rich in diversity. I plan to major in Environmental Studies with an architectural focus. By combining the knowledge of these fields, I hope to learn the intricacies of sustainable housing, thus catering to the practical needs within communities.

Thank you for providing me the momentum to confidently approach this new chapter of my life!

Reginald Hayes

I would like to express my gratitude to the Martin Luther King Cultural Foundation Inc., for the scholarship that you have bestowed upon me. Dr Martin Luther King Jr., was a man who sacrificed his life for humanity. For this reason, I am humble to receive this scholarship. This scholarship will help me continue my education and pursue my goal of becoming a Mechanical Engineer. I am a curious person with a fascination about how mechanical devices work. I suppose this curiosity led me to choose a career in Mechanical Engineer. After graduating from Herndon High School in June I will continue my studies at Old Dominion University. Old Dominion diverse community allows me to continue to appreciate and embrace the cultural difference while maintaining my cultural identity. I will do my best to honor the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and live up to the expectations placed upon me.

Wanda Hernandez

First and foremost, I would like to thank the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. for choosing me as a recipient of the award. Just when I had lost hope that I would receive any financial aid, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. gave me the honor, and my spirits have been lifted. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. is giving me the extra support I need to pursue my higher education at Virginia Commonwealth University.

VCU has been my first-choice since my junior year in high school. It offers a prestigious school of arts and a great abundance of other majors. This is of great importance to me because I am a Fashion Merchandise major, and plan to combine it with Mass Communications. My desired course of study will give me the opportunity to mix fashion's creativity with the logic of business. VCU holds the possibilities I seek within its streets of Richmond.

Overall, my decision to go to Virginia Commonwealth University is a big step for me because I recognize that not everyone is able to achieve post secondary education. I aspire to serve as role model to all students; and remind them of the importance of receiving quality education in order to attain their dream career no matter the obstacle that confronts them. Thanks to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc., I will be defeating some of my personal hardships.

Tionge Johnson

I am a senior at Dominion High School and will be graduating June 18, 2011. I keep busy not only with school work where all my classes are either Honors or Advanced Placement (AP), but also with extracurricular activities such as being a member of the School Band, the Flute Choir, The Battle of the Books Club, Cappies and also as a volunteer and committee member of the Good Sheppard Alliance as a way to give back to the community.

I chose the University of Mary Washington (UMW) for its diversity and interest in humanities. I believe that at Mary Washington I will find a safe place to study and learn about myself and all of the beautiful and wonderful cultures that make up its students and faculty. I am not sure yet what my major will be though I am very interested in creative writing. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Award means a lot to me because first, I can go to college feeling at ease that my parents do not have to shoulder the cost of my tuition alone, especially in this economy. Secondly, I feel blessed and grateful that the Foundation would chose me as one of their recipients for this scholarship for the award will enable me acquire the tools needed to further my goals in enhancing my critical thinking skills and exploring new horizons while studying at UMW.

Deborah Kamara

In the Fall I plan to attend James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. I chose this school because in retrospect, I can't imagine myself excelling academically and characteristically at the other colleges I applied to as much as I believe I will at JMU. I plan to major in Geology with a concentration on engineering. I also plan to double major in vocal performance and minor in German/German Literature. I am so appreciative of the Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Foundation Scholarship because it will help me begin my college education on a high note. For once in my life I will be financially secure, and a colossal burden will be lifted off my shoulders. Instead of worrying about gas money, textbooks, food, and clothing, I can focus on my education, and start this path I've been so eager to travel.

Jennifer Oppong

As a recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. Scholarship, I am more than honored to have been given such a wonderful opportunity! This award not only provides me with the funds to take care of college expenses but it also provides me with the motivation to reach greater heights in the near future. I have realized that I can achieve great success as long as I take initiative in the opportunities that are available to me. This being said, I am confident that I can truly do anything that I put my mind to!

In the fall of 2011, I will be attending the University of Virginia. As my first choice college, the University of Virginia is the perfect place to pursue my interest in Biology and pre-medical studies. I feel as though I will be able to grow as an individual of ambition and integrity at the University of Virginia while experiencing the challenges of college life. Once I reach my ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric specialist, I know that I will have many to thank and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation, Inc. will definitely be one of them! Once more, I am extremely thankful for this opportunity and I know that this scholarship has provided me with the start of my success as a leader in this world!

Justin Williams

When I was in elementary school I was a member of the morning announcement staff, and every morning I would tell the entire school the important news and celebrate the students' birthdays. I loved how just a few voices could connect an entire community. I look forwards to studying Broadcast Journalism and Mass Communication so I can enter a work force that connects people with their community and the communities around them. I am blessed to have received this scholarship and know that with this I will be more financially secure so that I can just focus on reaching my goals. Thank all who presented me with this opportunity and all who see the passion and potential in me.

Katherin Luna Yon

I chose Northern Virginia Community College because it offers a vast array of opportunities while catering to my financial needs. Psychology is my chose as a college major due to my need to help others. I am honored and grateful to have won the Martin Luther King Foundation Scholarship which will allow me to achieve my dreams.