Edward Ellsworth Stokes, Jr. Memorial Scholarship - Previous Winners
2023 Recipients
Jasmine Bellinger
Jasmine Bellinger is a resilient and determined young woman with an unwavering drive to succeed. As a graduate of Lassiter High School in Marietta, GA she excelled at Varsity Track and Flag Football. Also during her time at Lassiter, she was an active member of the Trojan Buddies program which promotes inclusion among disabled students by organizing school events.
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As a 12-year member of the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Jasmine has exhibited exceptional character traits while working towards her Bronze and Silver Awards. Her desire to help others can also be seen through her various volunteer activities such as reading to children, playing games with seniors at community centers, participating in school supply and recycling drives, partaking in Relay for Life events, and fundraising for St. Jude's Hospital. Her altruism earned her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records when she joined forces with Must Ministries for the most sandwiches made within an hour challenge with over 4226 sandwiches! Additionally, Jasmine served three years on the board of the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Teen Advisory Council where she was one of the top fundraisers every year including collecting 700+ stuffed animals for a Christmas toy drive.
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Jasmine will start her freshman year at Hampton University in Fall 2023, where she will study Biochemistry and Pre-medicine. Her career ambition is to work in the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics, helping patients with disabilities overcome obstacles by providing them with devices that restore their mobility and independence. With her unwavering determination and passion for helping others, there's no doubt she'll achieve remarkable things!
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Jasmine is thrilled to be on the path to becoming a catalyst by providing comprehensive care to marginalized populations while educating others and serving as a role model for girls. She is motivated, determined, and highly capable - making her an unstoppable force eager to create meaningful change within her community.
Jada Betts
Jada Betts is a Graduate of Western School of Technology and Environmental Science located in Catonsville, MD. Within her 4 years of High School, she was an active participant in the Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management Program where she received her Servsafe and ACF (American Culinary Federation) Certification to soon begin working in a commercial kitchen and one day open her own restaurant establishment, Ambrosia. In the fall, Jada will attend Morgan State University as a Hospitality Management Major with the intentions of strengthening her knowledge of business management and marketing skills that will continue to assist her on her entrepreneurship journey following her college years.
Mya Buchanan
Mya Buchanan is a graduate of Springbrook High School, where she successfully completed the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This is a rigorous academic program with a well-rounded curriculum that is customized for students to gain the skills needed for future success and accomplishments.
Throughout her entire academic career, Mya has tested multiple grade levels above her own, scoring higher than her teachers. Educators have consistently described her as gifted and brilliant, encouraging her family to lean into her genius with different programs and opportunities. Beyond her academic achievements, she fulfills her duties as a global citizen by being an active church member as a Royal’s Pathfinder, a junior deaconess, and a debutante in their Inaugural Cotillion-Beautillion. This fall, Mya will major in Health Sciences at Howard University, the most prestigious historically Black college and university in the U.S. After she completes her undergraduate studies, she plans to attend medical school to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist, lending her skills to reduce the Black maternal health crisis.
2021 Recipient
Gabrielle Jackson
Gabrielle Jackson is a graduate of Atholton High School, and a graduate of the Academy of Finance, a Howard County Public School System 2-year advanced college preparatory program specializing in business and finance. She was President of the Black Student Union, board member of the Sister to Sister Mentoring Club, member of the Suited for Success College Bound Program, scholar with the Studio A Modeling and Dance Academy, Varsity Cheerleading Team Letterman Award Recipient and member of the Varsity Women’s Basketball Team. Gabrielle has also served as an Assistant Instructor for the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, Troop 4016.
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As part of her commitment to service, during the pandemic, Gabrielle has served faithfully as Minister of Music for the Ebenezer Baptist Church located in Alexandria, VA. During her tenure there she has served in the Youth Ministry, Media Ministry, as well as choreographer for the Spirit Wings of Worship Youth Dance Ministry. Gabrielle was also a member of the Praise and Worship Team and Mime Ministry. In addition, Gabrielle volunteered as an Assistant Teacher for Vacation Bible School and Jesus Cares Feeding the Homeless Ministries.
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Nationally, Gabrielle has used her vocal gifts to minister at the Lott Carey Youth in Development Seminar where she participated in a week-long service event and packed over 100,000 meals for Kids Against Hunger. Gabrielle will attend Howard University in the fall and intends to major in Criminology with a minor in Psychology. Her career goal is to become an elite attorney advocating for the advancement of communities of color through the use of strategic leadership and negotiation skills.
2019 Recipients
Albert Jackson
Albert Jackson is a graduate of Atholton High School in Columbia Maryland. While attending Atholton, he participated in the National Honor Society, Alpha Achievers, as well as the Black Student Union. He also served as a Varsity Team Captain for the Men's Basketball team. Under his leadership, the team won the County Championship Title for basketball. He also served on the board of the Environmental Club and was also a leader for the O'Neil Peer Education Program at the Mount Saint Josephs High School. To culminate his senior year, he received the Administration Award of Distinction for the Class of 2019 at the Senior Recognition Ceremony which was nominated by the Principal and School Administrators. Albert will attend Xavier University of Louisiana in the fall as a Biology/Pre-Medicine major.
Alexis Massenburg
Alexis Massenburg graduated from the Center for Education and Human Development at Glen Allen High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, and President of the Rho Kappa Social Studies National Honor Society. She served in the Henrico County Student Congress for two years, and also founded the Diverse Hands at Work Club. Alexis gives back to her community through various mentoring programs at her school, as well as teaching flute lessons to underprivileged kids through the FRIENDS Association for Children. She will be attending the Honors College at George Mason University as a University Scholar. Alexis plans to major in Global Affairs and minor in French, in hopes to one-day serve in the United Nations.
2017 Recipients
Jessica Brisco
Jessica Brisco is a graduate of T.C. Williams High School. She has demonstrated high standards in her rigorous courses of studies in STEM, Business and Finance. She is also ranked in the top 10% of her class. Some of Jessica’s extracurricular activities include running Track and being president of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for two years. Through FBLA, she advanced to the regional and state-level competitions in Advanced Accounting. Jessica also received the Outstanding Student Award from the Career and Technical Education program and the Academy of Finance twice in a row. As an active member in the National Honor Society, she also participates in facilitating community events. In the Fall, Jessica will be studying Accounting and Information and Logistics Technology at Virginia State University.
Davis Holmes
Davis Holmes is a graduate of The Gilman School in Baltimore Maryland. While there he participated in the school's glee club as a bass, and concert band playing Clarinet. He also participated as a varsity pole vaulter on his school's track team. He was the president of the school's a cappella group, the Traveling Men, and the founder of the Gear Heads Club. He received the Dorthy Benjamin Caruso Music Award his senior year for his work in the arts throughout high school, as well as being on the honor roll all four years of high school.
Taylor Miles
Taylor Miles is a graduate of Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School. She was in the top 5% of the senior class. She was accepted in the National Honor Society and served as parliamentarian, which brought her great success with community service and her academics. In addition, she is an active member of her church Grace Gospel Worship Center. She will be attending Old Dominion University in the fall, where she plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in English and Spanish in hopes of becoming an attorney.
Jamaija Rhoades
My name is Jamaija Rhoades and I am a graduating senior at Richmond Community High School. I currently have cumulative GPA of a 4.3425 and I am number eleven in my class out of fifty-two students. I will be attending the illustrious Spelman College and I am undecided about a major but I am leaning towards the Pre-Med track with a minor in Spanish. I currently serve as the Senior Class President while I am also the treasurer of the National Honors Society, and a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Future Business Leaders of America, and Key Club which is a community service club. Over the course of high school I have volunteered at the William Byrd Community House, Mary Scott Elementary School, and currently St. Mary's Hospital. I enjoy watching movies, fashion, and spending time with others. I have received the Volunteer of The Year Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Most Improved Award, and a Scholar Roll Award. I also play the piano and enjoy planning events. Lastly, I currently am a Debutante with the Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated.
2015 Recipient
Courtney Martin
Courtney Martin graduated from William Fleming High School in the top 20% of her class and is a member of the National Honor Society. Throughout her high school career Courtney challenged herself with Advanced Placement and Honor courses. She served as Captain of her high school's basketball team and was recognized as "Second Team All District" and "Second All Conference". Courtney's discipline is known both on the court and in the classroom.
2013 Recipients
Kenyetta Chambers
Kenyetta Chambers is a graduate of Milford Mill Academy, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She received honors for being in the top 10% of her class. Very active on her track team, Kenyetta received awards and medals for relays and has been recognized in the Best Athletes in 2011. She was also honored by the United States Achievement Academy for mathematics and the All-American Scholar Yearbook for academics and leadership. Kenyetta will be attending Stevenson University in the fall for nursing.
Alexis Stevens
Alexis Stevens is a graduate of Hermitage High School where she was awarded the Randolph College Book Award based on leadership and academic excellence. Throughout her high school years, Alexis served as Class President for three years, Captain of Junior Varsity and Varsity cheerleading, President of United Sisters, and Organizations Editor of the school yearbook, The Panthian. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, the National Beta Club, Triangle One, and many more extracurricular activities. In the fall Alexis will be a student at George Mason University studying Communications with a focus in Public Relations.
Keena White
Keena White is a graduate of Louisa County High School. She has participated in many activities throughout her high school career. She was secretary of the National Honor Society, treasurer of her local youth group and secretary of the volunteer club. Keena also participated in musical theater and the jazz band throughout her years in high school. In addition, she is very active in her church. She is the youth co-choir director. She plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in educational leadership in hopes of one day becoming the superintendent of schools. Keena will be attending Spelman College in the fall.
2011 Recipient
Vonneice Canada
Vonneice Canada is a graduate of Oldfields School. She received honors for having an average above 90% and no grade below 80%. She also received the Marjorie Martinet Art Award and the Oldfields Poetry Award. Vonneice served in a leadership role for the Steppers, Prom committee and Library Proctors. She was a member of the Black Awareness Club, Art and Design Club, Images (singing group) and Teens Against Drugs and Alcohol. Vonneice received a Coach’s Award for soccer and also played badminton and volleyball. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity by building houses in New Orleans, worked at the Maryland Food Bank and served as a teacher’s assistant at a middle school. Currently Vonneice attends Temple University.
2010 Scholarship Recipients
Jerry and Jaren Maynard
Jerry Maynard is a graduate of Hermitage High School in the Humanities Center where he was recognized as a distinguished AP Scholar. At Hermitage he co-founded “More Then Conquerors”, a religious club, was community service chairman of Achieving Identity through Manhood (AIM), and Art Editor of Scroll Literary Magazine. Jerry was also a member of Key Club, BETA, National Honor Society and Art National Honor Society. Presently, Jerry is a prospective religious and business major at the University of Virginia.
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Jaren Maynard is a graduate of Hermitage High School in the Humanities Center. There she was a Superintendent Scholar, received the Second Academic Bar, and co-founded “More Then Conquerors”, a religious club. Jaren was also secretary of United Sisters and a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Currently Jaren attends the College of William and Mary.
Salim Council
Salim Council is a graduate of Cardinal Gibbons High School, where he was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and President of Jr. Knights of Peter Claver. Very active in sports, Salim participated in lacrosse, was captain of the varsity football team, as well as, captain of the field and track team. For football, Salim has been recognized as All Conference, All Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and is a Baltimore Touchdown Club Member. At this time, Salim plays football for Bowie State University.