Patterson HBCU Scholarship Recipients

Kaxoriyah Bell - 2025

Kaxoriyah Bell
2-time Carson Scholar
Los Angeles, CA
Howard University

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2025: Throughout high school, Kaxoriyah held a number of leadership positions including vice president of Black Student Union, mentee with Good City Mentors, president of My Crew, a club that promotes mental health for Black students, and volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club and her school’s Black Student Achievement Plan.  Her dreams are big, with aspirations of becoming an actress, model and CEO of her own companies one day, while also helping and inspiring others along the way.  In the fall, Kaxoriyah will attend Howard University to major in business and minor in sociology.

Israel Goodridge - 2025

Israel Goodridge
2024 Carson Scholar
Baltimore, MD
Morehouse College

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2025: As a senior vocal major at Baltimore School for the Arts, Israel served as a section leader in his choir which enabled him to lead warm ups, help younger students learn their parts and maintain a professional rehearsal environment that resulted in high-level performances.  Israel also served as a youth mentor with YouthWorks through the organization Excellence and Ambition.  In this role, he guided younger students in leadership development, goal setting and personal growth. Israel aspires to become an immunologist and continue practice his craft as a professional classical vocalist. He will continue his academic journey this fall at Morehouse College.

Nadirah Jenkins - 2025

Nadirah Jenkins
2017 Carson Scholar
Linden, NJ
North Carolina Central University

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2025: Nadirah has made a lasting impact through her leadership and service at Linden High School. As an assistant teacher in the special needs dance class at La Danse School of Performing Arts, she discovered the transformative power of movement and has been inspired by her students’ expression. At Linden, she served as cheer captain and dance team captain, where she grew in leadership and broke barriers as the youngest to hold the role. Nadirah also served as a Chick-fil-A Leader, guiding students to help the community through service and advocacy. She will attend North Carolina Central and hopes to make a meaningful impact in the field of kinesiology.

Tatyonna Martin - 2025

Tatyonna Martin
8-time Carson Scholar
Greensboro, NC
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

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2025: Tatyonna has demonstrated commitment to advocacy and service through her leadership roles at James B Dudley High School. She has served as treasurer and social justice chair for the Gate City Youth Chapter of the NAACP, where she worked to fight discrimination and educate the community on civil rights. Her impactful work earned her the NAACP “Youth of the Year” award. Tatyonna has also been active in SGA through her leadership positions sophomore and senior year, working to organize events and raise student morale. She will attend North Carolina A&T State University to pursue a career in nursing, specializing in mental health.

Abdul Samad Oladele - 2025

Abdul Samad Oladele
2017 Carson Scholar
Fort Pierce, FL
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

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2025: As a 12^th grader at The SEED School of Miami, Abdul Samad held the esteemed role of Assistant to the Deans. His academic achievement and compassionate spirit distinguished him from his peers and afforded him great responsibilities within his school community. Abdul Samad has dedicated himself to serving his peers through distributing snacks, facilitating communication between Overnight Resident Advisors and being a welcoming and friendly classmate to all. Abdul Samad’s passion for helping others has led him to pursue a degree in social work at Florida A& M University.

Elizabeth Onafuwa - 2025

Elizabeth Onafuwa
2024 Carson Scholar
Dundalk, MD
Howard University
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2025: As a bright and motivated student at Dundalk High School, Elizabeth served as the president of both Girls Who Code: Baltimore and Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy. She facilitated communication between leaders and members of the clubs and conducted outreach to the community, connecting with local news stations and businesses for events. Her talent for coding, coupled with her passion for her community, has taught her the transformative power of technology when fueled by a genuine desire to make a difference. Elizabeth’s eagerness to lead will propel her to continue to achieve as she embarks on her next journey at Howard University.

Dawn-A'leice Rosier - 2025

Dawn-A’leice Rosier
2024 Carson Scholar
Cooper City, FL
Delaware State University

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2025: Dawn-A’leice is a dedicated student leader from Cooper City High School. As vice president of the science club and manager of the volleyball team, she inspired teamwork and created a cohesive club for her peers through her consistent support and encouragement. Dawn-A’leice dedicated time over two summers volunteering at a STEAM camp, leading students in video production projects and mentoring them through hands-on learning. Dawn-A’leice will be attending Delaware State University and she dreams of becoming a pilot. She hopes to one day mentor young pilots and give back to her community through service and leadership.

Karielle Sutton - 2025

Karielle Sutton
2024 Carson Scholar
Chattanooga, TN
Howard University

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2025: Karielle is a driven student from The Howard School and has challenged herself academically as part of the University High program. On top of her rigorous college-level coursework, Karielle was captain of the cheer leadership team and won awards for being most dependable and most spirited. She aspires to pursue a career in healthcare to directly help patients in need. Her experience volunteering at Erlanger Hospital in the mammography and women’s oncology centers taught her the importance of empathy, communication and service. Karielle will pursue the next step in her journey at Howard University.

Donne' Ward Jr. - 2025

Donné Ward Jr.
4-time Carson Scholar
Manhattan Beach, CA
Southern University and A&M College

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2025: Donné exhibited tremendous leadership throughout his time at Mira Costa High School. From schoolwide events to one-on-one mentoring, Donné’s impact has touched a broad community. As president of the Black Scholars Union, Donné led discussions about Black history and discrimination, and implemented an inaugural Juneteenth Celebration in his city. He also served his peers as a Link Leader and a Peer Counselor. Donné will pursue a bachelor’s degree in science at Southern University and A&M College. He aspires to become a neurosurgeon and advocate for progress in neuroscience, inspired by men like Dr. Keith Black and Dr. Ben Carson who paved the way for him.

Erin Webb - 2025

Erin Webb
2017 Carson Scholar
Fort Pierce, FL
Bethune-Cookman University

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2025: Erin is a driven and humble student and active member of her church. At The Temple of Restoration Ministries, she founded Destined to Praise, a youth praise dance team. Her passion for dance became a way to uplift others and develop self-confidence. She also organized and participated in food and clothing drives, school supply giveaways and Vacation Bible School programs. In school, Erin excelled academically, graduating early while simultaneously working towards an Associate of Arts degree. In the fall, she will attend Bethune-Cookman University, continuing a proud family legacy and continuing to make an impact on the community around her.

Urenna Acholonu - 2024

Urenna Acholonu
3-time Carson Scholar
Bowie, MD
Hampton University

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2025 Update: Urenna is a kinesiology major on the pre-med track at Hampton University, with a minor in psychology.  She is a committed tutor, researcher and community leader, with experience in cardiovascular health research and faith-based youth mentorship. Urenna co-founded and coaches a middle school step team, coaches youth cricket and leads the youth ministry at her church. As an aspiring physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, she is passionate about service, education, and advancing health equity in underrepresented communities.

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2024 : After noticing that her school planned various activities and field trips for English and arts classes but not for STEM classes, Urenna, along with a few classmates, decided to revive the Science National Honor Society at school.  She currently serves as the treasurer and helps fundraise for STEM-related trips and activities including trips to Johns Hopkins research labs and the National Museum of Health and Medicine.  Urenna also serves as a children’s Bible study leader at her church and the founder and leader of a step team for middle school students.  Due to her love for sports and medicine, she aspires to become a doctor specializing in sports medicine.

JahslynRose Bush - 2024

Jahslyn-Rose Bush
2021 Carson Scholar
Chattanooga, TN
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

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2025 Update: Jahslynrose is a second-year pre-med/physical therapy scholar at Florida A&M University and is from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is passionate about sports medicine and plans to expand her studies to support athletic performance and injury prevention. Her ultimate goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon, where she can combine her love for movement science with a commitment to healing and giving back to her community.

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2024: Jahslyn-Rose created a program for girls ages seven through twelve called Girl’s Empowerment Mentoring Session to enable them to learn how to love themselves and create community amongst other girls their age.  Through her school’s community service program, she led the decorating/aesthetics team for a Christmas party put on for children.  In her spare time she enjoys reading, singing and playing volleyball.

Isabella Ervin - 2024

Isabella Ervin
2-time Carson Scholar
Ooltewah, TN
Tuskegee University

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2025 Update: Isabella is a rising sophomore attending the #3 HBCU in the country, Tuskegee University, where she is majoring in business administration. She prides herself on her work ethic, her effective communication and her organizational skills.  She enjoys reading, writing, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

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2024: Isabella has dreamed of going to a HBCU since the day she decided that she wanted to go to college.  Throughout high school, she served as a leader in the Chattanooga Mayor Youth Council where she was responsible for volunteering and planning events for the community.  She also served as manager of the girls’ track team for two years.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading and practicing cosmetology and self-care.  Isabella has volunteered at the Chattanooga Food Bank, a local Iron Man race and at a children’s holiday event at the local recreation center.  She aspires to become an entrepreneur or a CEO before eventually pivoting to a role in politics.

Denim Fisher - 2024

Denim Fisher
3-time Carson Scholar
Baltimore, MD
Spelman College

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2025 Update: Denim is a writer, a creative and a student studying English and Spanish at Spelman College.  Her work moves through journalism, art and activism, centering around racial healing, Black student perspectives and soul awareness.  She believes in the power of unearthing untold stories and shining a light on what’s often kept in the shadows.  With heart and intention, Denim creates at the intersection of truth, memory, and liberation.

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2024: Denim is a mental health ambassador for her school’s Mind Over Matters Mental Health Club through which she promotes understanding and support for mental health within her school community.  She coordinated an event for Autism Awareness Month and led a discussion on neurodivergent thinking and advocacy efforts.  Within her community, she worked for Healing Youth Alliance, an organization that aims to promote mental health awareness in the Black community and was given the opportunity to speak at a conference on the importance of therapy for Black men.  Denim also serves as a youth civic advocate for Beyond Youth Organizing, which allows her to collaborate with community advocates to implement the consent decree for the Baltimore Police Department, focusing on shaping a framework for inner-city youth.  She also holds an internship with the Smithsonian Research Center which allows her to explore various facets of environmental science and its intersections with social justice.

Trenyce Harvey - 2024

Trenyce Harvey
6-time Carson Scholar
Douglasville, GA
Alabama A&M University

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2025 Update: Trenyce is a broadcast journalism major at Alabama A&M University with a strong passion for storytelling and media. Originally from Atlanta, she is dedicated to using journalism as a tool to uplift voices and inform communities. As a proud recipient of the Patterson HBCU Scholarship, she focuses on academic excellence and preparing for a career that makes a meaningful impact. She is deeply grateful for the support that’s helping bring those dreams to life.

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2024: As a senior dance student at her high school, Trenyce choreographed a group performance and fostered a collaborative environment among the team.  In addition to writing, designing and publishing the dance piece for her final performance at school, Trenyce coordinated performances at local events in the community.  It comes as no surprise that her favorite hobbies are dancing, singing and acting.  In the future, she aspires to pursue a career as a postpartum nurse in order to help others.

Micah Lee

Micah Lee
4-time Carson Scholar
Riviera Beach, FL
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

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2025 Update: Micah intends to major in civil engineering at Florida A&M University where he is also involved in the Engineering Living Learning Community and the FORD Test Track Competition. Eventually, Micah hopes to apply the skills and knowledge gained in college to a civil engineering career in the construction and environmental fields. He is looking forward to participating in an undergraduate research opportunity this summer.

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2024: Micah served as the social media and event coordinator for Dwyer’s Hope Ambassadors club, whose mission is to spread love, positivity and kindness throughout the school.  He also served as the committee head for community service and the parliamentarian in the Student Government Association and the secretary for his school’s newly reestablished Black Student Union.  Micah plans to major in Civil Engineering and, no matter what, continue to remain an active member in his community.

David Riley II - 2024

David Riley II
2-time Carson Scholar
Atlanta, GA
Morehouse College

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2025 Update: David is a rising sophomore at Morehouse College majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance. He is passionate about using financial literacy as a tool to close the racial wealth gap and empower underserved communities. David earned a 4.0 GPA in his first semester and was honored at Morehouse College Scholars Day as one of only 20 freshmen to achieve a perfect GPA. His long-term goal is to launch a nonprofit that teaches financial literacy to Black youth and creates pathways to generational wealth.

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2024: David is a volunteer and mentor for the Chessology School for Chess Education, a comprehensive chess program for students aged five through thirteen.  He has dedicated more than 150 hours to tutoring and mentoring over 25 chess students and plays a key role in organizing chess tournaments, including an online international event.  David also volunteers for Plywood People, a nonprofit that trains and supports a global community of social impact leaders, by participating in and supporting entrepreneurial workshops.  He has also served as president of his school’s Computer Science Club and co-founder and vice president of a student group where fathers and sons read and discuss books on various subjects, including leadership and financial literacy.

Benjamin Sledge - 2024

Benjamin Sledge
4-time Carson Scholar
Harrison, TN
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

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2025 Update:

Benjamin is a dedicated electrical engineering student at North Carolina A&T State University, where he is a member of the Honors College. He has earned placement on the Chancellor’s List and was recently nominated for induction into IEEE-HKN, the international honor society for electrical and computer engineers. Benjamin is actively involved in student organizations such as IEEE, deeply committed to community service and remains grounded in his Christian faith. He aspires to use his engineering skills to drive innovation and make a lasting, positive impact on the world.

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2024: Benjamin is the outreach leader for the STEM Electric Car Club which allows students to take on the roles of designers, parts coordinators, project managers, marketing directors, engineers and drivers and exposes them to various engineering fields.  Benjamin’s leadership has provided the club with top scores on presentations and a sponsorship from Volkswagen.  He also serves as a leader in the 4K Microscopy Club, through which he has access to a medical-grade microscope to conduct studies and create lesson plans for elementary students with the microscope at the center of their focus.  Finally, he is a coordinator for the STEM Jubilee, an event designed to engage local elementary students in STEM through hands-on activities.  Benjamin plans to pursue a career as an electrical engineer to promote sustainability by improving renewable energies, creating faster electric vehicle chargers and a trash can that automatically sorts waste into recyclables or compost.

Andaiye Smith - 2024

Andaiye Smith
3-time Carson Scholar
Laurel, MD
Howard University

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2025 Update: Andaiye is a rising sophomore at Howard University where she is majoring in chemical engineering and minoring in computer science and mathematics. To prioritize connecting with fellow engineering students, Andaiye joined the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers and the Caribbean Student Association. After her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue a PhD in nanobiotechnology and cell engineering research.

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2024: Andaiye served on the executive board of her school’s Student Government Association (SGA).  This role allowed her to plan student activities, work with the student body and represent the SGA at monthly PTSA meetings, Board of Education meetings and county Student Council meetings.  She has also been co-captain of her school’s dance team for three of her four seasons and has co-led 15 dance performances at sports events and school-wide activities.  Andaiye is the owner and founder of her own business, Andaiye Smith Photography and Graphic Design, which she launched during the pandemic to provide creative solutions to small businesses and entrepreneurs.  She aspires to become a mechanical engineer and hopes to combine her academic studies with practical applications to address challenges within her community.