ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.®
KAPPA OMEGA OMEGA CHAPTER WITH BAKERSFIELD IVY LEGACY FOUNDATION, INC.
PROUDLY PRESENT
44th ANNUAL
AFRICAN AMERICAN GRADUATION AWARDS PROGRAM
“SOARING TO GREATER HEIGHTS IN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE”
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Bakersfield High School - Harvey Auditorium
1241 G Street
Bakersfield, California
Program
Gree$ngs and Introduc$on of Masters of Ceremonies ........................................ Ruscel Reader
Master of Ceremonies .....................................................Brock Bownds and Broderick Bownds
Welcome ......................................................................................................... Harriet Edwards
Prayer ............................................................................................................... Radisson Banks
Flag Salute ....................................................................................................... Rome Rodriguez
Negro Na$onal Hymn ....................................................................................... Kimberly Graim
Special Acknowledgements ................................................................................ Gloria Cannon
Introduc$on of Miss FashioneIa 2022 ................................................................. Raquell Jones
Miss FashioneIa - Iamanni Jackson
Introduc$ons of Student Speakers ............................................................... Diane McClanahan
Noah Ford and Iynea GarreI
Special Presenta$ons ..................................................................................... Rhonda Williams
PROJECT BEST - Black Excellence in Scholarship and Training Dr. Ernest W. Williams, Jr. Scholarship
2023 AKA-BILF Scholarship Awards Presenta$ons ............................................ Harriet Edwards
Legacy Awards ............................................................................................... Shimeaka Hodges
Community Awards ............................................................................................ Raquell Jones
Eighth Grade Cer$ficate Presenta$on ..................................... Valencia ScoI and Kristal Brown
Closing ................................................................................................................ Ruscel Reader
Graduation Awards Program Committee: Harriet Edwards (President, Kappa Omega Omega Chapter), Raquell Jones (President, Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation), Ruscel Reader (Graduation Awards Chairman), Ashley Davis, Kalisha McCabe, Paula Parks, Annette Davis, Tomeka Franklin, Odella Johnson, E'Maginne Grant, Corey Hurd, Zadie Hurd, LaKira Boatwright, Vivian Gayles, Linda McKnight, Jaymi Taplin, Valencia Scott, Diane McClanahan, Michelle Shannon, Kristal Brown, Shirley Gordon, Holly Mitchell, Traci Powell, Jeanie Hill, Cheryl Hyde Reid, Kesha Owens, Rhonda Williams, Gloria Cannon, Tracie Fairley, Yamnah Sargent, Ruby Kelley, Shimeaka Hodges, Celadore Wilson, Pamela Smith and Susianna Anderson
Award SelecJon Criteria
Since 1979, Kappa Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., (AKA) has sponsored an Annual African American GraduaBon Awards Program. This program is a celebraBon of outstanding African American High School and honor roll Eighth Grade students in Kern County. High School graduates receive scholarships and Eighth Grade graduates are presented with CerBficates of RecogniBon.
AKA awards scholarships to High School graduates based on the following criteria.
Submission of a complete scholarship applicaBon packet. The packet must include completed applicaBon, personal essay, two sealed leMers of recommendaBon and an official transcript.
Successful review of the applicaBon packet for significant achievement in one or more areas including: grade point average, school leadership acBviBes, community service parBcipaBon or athleBc compeBBon. There is also consideraBon of financial need.
Submission of proof of registraBon in 12 or more college units. RegistraBon must be completed within the first grading period aQer high school graduaBon. High School students nominated for a scholarship must meet all of the above criteria. In the event a student fails to meet any of the criteria for the award (e.g. failure to submit proof of registraBon in college), the award will be returned to the scholarship fund to be awarded in a subsequent year.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority partners with Community Donors who wish to give scholarships to deserving High School students. Some Community Donors give funds to the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy FoundaBon, Inc. for scholarship distribuBon while others give directly to the students. AKA also invites churches and other organizaBons to recognize their scholarship recipients during the African American GraduaBon Awards Program.
Eighth grade students are presented Cer$ficates of Recogni$on based upon the recommendaBon of the principal or counselor of their schools.
The Bakersfield Ivy Legacy FoundaBon is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit 501©(3) CorporaBon that raises and distributes funds in support of the charitable and educaBonal programs including those executed by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Omega Omega Chapter
NOTICE OF POSSIBLE USE OF YOUR NAME, IMAGE, OR LIKENESS
Please be advised that attending and participating in this event may result in the use of your name, image and/or likeness in printed and electronic material; including but not limited to publication on the World Wide Web, social network sites, press materials, advertising, and marketing materials. You hereby specifically release Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and its agents from any and all claims arising from the use of your name, image and/or likeness based on any of the uses stated above.
2023 DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
NORMA BOYD MEMORIAL AWARD
Radisson Banks, Bakersfield
SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Brock Bownds, Stockdale
Broderick Bownds, Stockdale
SUSIANNA ANDERSON BOOK AWARD
Jayden Cox, Independence
DR. CAREN FLOYD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Sydney Fay, Centennial
ROCHELLE BUTLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Adrian Wright, Highland
VELASKA CARTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Brooklyn Stitt, Liberty
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Noah Ford, South
Ava Marantos, Independence
Daschl Sandles, University Bound
La Vestany Pollard, Golden Valley
Breanna Holifield, Ridgeview
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Tyler Stewart, Bakersfield
Christian
Masyn Williams, Centennial
Ava Seals, Mira Monte
Symphony Robinson, Independence
Julian Green, Stockdale
Rome Rodriguez, Arvin
David Tunde Adesanya, Independence
Tiana Grady, Independence
Channing Stewart, Bakersfield
Isaiah Perry, Garces Memorial
De’Andrea Marshall, South
Jaeden Merritt, Bakersfield
Kya Cooper, Golden Valley
Ariana Yates, Independence
Prince Ellis, Independence
Jaheem Hester, Bakersfield
Jeremiah Burton, Stockdale
LEGACY AWARDS
The following families or groups have worked with the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation to establish a scholarship fund in memory of someone. This Legacy Scholarship Fund is then open to also receive donations from the public. The Foundation is to award scholarships annually based on specific criteria set at the establishment of the fund.
Don W. Hicks Memorial
Don Hicks was an influential force in Kern County, California and indeed across the nation. He was a master and talented musician, singer and piano player. He inspired many to get closer to God, learn and share their musical talent, and just be the best they could be.
Jayden Cox, Independence
Kamilah Okafor Memorial
A Bakersfield native, Fresno State alumna, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Miss Kamilah Okafor was a writer and educator who suddenly passed away at age 33. Her writing meditates on Black spirituality, the politicized workplace, and leaving home and circling back again. Her fellow initiates into the Sorority established this scholarship in her memory.
Tiana Grady, Independence
David Tunde Adesanya, Independence
Channing Stewart, Bakersfield
De’Andrea Marshall, South
Ariana Yates, Independence
Keith Vernard McKnight Memorial
The Keith Vernard McKnight Memorial scholarship was established to honor the legacy of a young man who made a dynamic impact on the community during his 42 years. Keith had a strong work ethic while playing sports at BHS, which afforded him a full-ride college scholarship. He thought “out of the box” and his adventurous spirit helped others to reach out and learn new things. He was also a supporter of youth who were seeking higher education.
Broderick Bownds, Stockdale
SOROR’S CHILD AWARD
This category of scholarship is awarded by Kappa Omega Omega Chapter to sorority member’s graduating students.
Breanna Holifield, Ridgeview - daughter of Sorority Member Erica Mitchell
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS (OpJon A)
Part of the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation's work of with the Scholarship Committee is to reach out to the public to find individuals who want to support students with scholarships. The following individuals have donated scholarship funds to The Foundation to award based on specific criteria found in the application packet students submit to the Sorority.
Pam Baugher Scholarship Award
2023 Recipient: Iynea Garrett, Bakersfield
Pam Baugher, former elementary teacher in the Bakersfield City School District and member of the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education. Mrs. Baugher is an avid supporter of students and their families.
Maise Maria Baker Memorial Scholarship
2023 Recipient: Kya Cooper, Golden Valley
Maise Marie Baker was a lifetime learner. She desired to help students reach their full potential. This scholarship is presented to a deserving student with a strong passion and affinity for education and medical careers. Mrs. Baker received the best education academically and through her legacy, she desired to boost upcoming scholars on their academic journeys.
Gwendolyn Johnson Award
2023 Recipients: Noah Ford, South & Ariana Yates, Independence
Gwen Johnson, former teacher, program specialist in Special Education, vice principal and later principal of Casa Loma School in the Bakersfield City School District, and her son Darryl Johnson, District Administrator at Panama Buena Vista School District and grandson Grant Johnson, upcoming educator.
Davis-White Family Memorial Scholarship
2023 Recipient: Ava Marantos, Independence
Ulysses & Dazzie Ella Davis & Paul & Dossie Lee White, the grandparents of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member Ashley Davis. Although they were not afforded the opportunity to receive a college education, they emphasized the importance of education to their children and grandchildren. This award is given to a student with high scholastic achievement who plans to pursue a career in engineering or a related STEM field.
Lueether Ward Community Service Award
2023 Recipient: Damon Brown, Bakersfield
Arthur Ward Ethics Achievement Award
2023 Recipient: Iynea Garrett, Bakersfield
Lueether and Arthur Ward, who were hardworking individuals that cared about children in the community. They were long time volunteers in the Southeast areas of Bakersfield. Daughter, Fuchsia Ward, retired principal from the Kern High School District, established the memorial awards in her parents’ honor.
Gayles Family Award
2023 Recipient: Jayden Cox, Independence
Earl and Dr. Vivian A. Gayles, 39-year residents of Bakersfield. Earl worked in the electrical field for 50 years, and Dr. Vivian served as an educator and administrator in the Bakersfield City Schools District for 24 years. She also worked as the Director of Teacher Education at Fresno Pacific University.
TJ Jones Memorial Award
2023 Recipient: Jaeden Merritt, Bakersfield
Thomas J. Jones, Sr. and Thomas J. Jones Jr. were father and son, hard-working men who loved their family. TJ Jones, Sr. was a talented craftsman who worked to help build the old St. John Church building on Brundage Lane. TJ Jones Jr. was a CoGen Plant Operator for Texaco before his untimely death at the age of 46. Both men instilled a strong work ethic and a love for life and God in their children, Raquell and Keith Jones.
Karyn Bostick Memorial Scholarship
2023 Recipient: Rome Rodriguez, Arvin
Karyn Bostick volunteered as a dance instructor and director at Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center for more than 20 years. In addition to her love of dance, she valued education. Not only did she instill the value of education in her children, she wanted to see all children succeed by furthering their education.
Reuben and Vera Ford Memorial Scholarship
2023 Recipient: Prince Ellis, Independence
Reuben and Vera Ford embodied the philosophy of family unity, work ethic and living by one’s own goals through public service. Reuben Ford’s goals and discipline led him to his role as the first African American Postmaster of Fresno, California, and his retirement after 46 years of public service. This scholarship award, established by daughter Janet Ford Shell, is in keeping with his philosophy of giving back to “provide for and promote” our future leaders.
COMMUNITY AWARDS (OpJon B)
Since its inception, the goal of the Annual African American Graduation Awards Program is to celebrate as many graduating African American seniors that we can. Doing so, we want to introduce you to accomplished students you may not have heard about otherwise. In this spirit, we are delighted to announce the following awards that are sponsored by organizations and individuals in the community. These community members provide award monies directly to the student. Here are the 2023 Community Awards.
Charles Benjamin Hodge Education Scholarship
This award is given in honor of Charles Benjamin Hodge, a brilliant scholar, writer, teacher, Minister, community activist and proud army chaplain. He was an advocate and avid proponent of education at the highest level. This memorial scholarship was established to honor the father of sorority member, Jeanie Hill. The 2023 recipient of this award is Breanna Holifield, Ridgeview
Upside Academy, Inc. Scholarship
Upside Academy, Inc., is a California non-profit corporation which provides opportunities for youth ages 12-18 to give their time and talent to improve their communities through volunteer and community service hours. The organization focuses on providing volunteerism for local non-profits, schools, and community projects that include neighborhood clean-up, shelters, pantries, senior centers, community fundraisers, hospitals, animal shelters, tutoring and educational projects. The 2023 recipients of this award are Channing Stewart, Bakersfield and Jeremiah Burton, Stockdale
Lt. Paul Bradford Memorial Scholarship
The scholarships are given on behalf of the Lt. Paul Bradford and family. Lt. Bradford was the first Black lieutenant in the Bakersfield Police Department. Wanda Bradford, sorority member and retired Bakersfield City School District Director of Learning Support, established the memorial in her father’s name. The 2023 recipients of this award are Jesonna Porter, West and Katie Dyson, Bakersfield
Robert and Ruscel Reader Scholarship
This book award is sponsored by Ruscel Reader, sorority member and retired Bakers-field City School District principal, and Robert Reader, Professor Emeritus at Bakers-field College, owner of Robert Reader Real Estate and Alpha Phi Alpha member. Both are actively involved in the community and support youth activities. The 2023 recipient of this award is Adrian Wright, Highland
Irma Carson Scholarship
This scholarship is given by sorority member Irma Carson who served as the first African American female Sergeant and City Councilman, member of Bakersfield City School District’s Board of Education and Vice Mayor. The 2023 recipient of this award is La Vestany Pollard, Golden Valley
Ronnie and Holly Mitchell Family Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is given on behalf of Ronnie and Holly Mitchell. Holly Mitchell, retired Kern County Deputy District Attorney, and graduate of HBCU Howard University’s School of Law in Washington, D.C., and her husband Ronnie Mitchell, retired Oil Field Operator/Supervisor, and current owner of ILL Crafty's SnoCreme Frozen Dessert Food Truck here in Bakersfield. Mr. Mitchell serves as Vice-President and Board Member on the St. John Manor Board of Directors. Both continue to work and serve in the community to advocate for fairness and equality for all people. The 2023 recipients of this award are Rome Rodriguez, Arvin, Breanna Holifield, Ridgeview, Kya Cooper, Golden Valley and Jaheem Hester, Bakersfield
Brent McClanahan Scholarship
This scholarship is given on behalf of Brent & Diane McClanahan to recognize a South High School student who has excelled academically and whose performance as a school leader, athlete and involvement in community service, merits special recognition. Scripture for the student: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Joshua 29:11). The 2023 recipients of this award are Noah Ford, South and De’Andrea Marshall, South
Lynn and Grace Edwards Scholarship
This scholarship is given by sorority member and president, Harriet Edwards in honor of her father and mother-in-law, Lynn and Grace Edwards past Bakersfield Ward 1 City Councilman Lynn Edwards and his wife Grace. Both were BHS alumni as well as their children and grandchildren. The 2023 recipients of this award are Radisson Banks, Bakersfield and Channing Stewart, Bakersfield
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Delta Sigma Theta is an organization of college educated women who are committed to promote academic excellence and public service through programs in the local communities and the world. The local president is LaMeka Ross. The 2023 Love Luncheon Honorees are Radisson Banks, Kya Cooper, Noah Ford, Ava Marantos, La Vestany Pollard, Channing Stewart, Jeremiah Stowe, Adrian Wright, and Ka' Iulani Frink
EIGHTH GRADE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ® - Kappa Omega Omega Chapter and the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy FoundaBon, Inc. are pleased to recognize Honor Roll Students from the following School Districts:
Bakersfield City School District, Superintendent Mark Luque
Cato Middle School
Chipman Junior High School
Compton Junior High School
Curran Middle School
Downtown School
Emerson Middle School
Lincoln Junior High School
Sequoia Junior High School
Sierra Middle School
S$ern Middle School
Washington Middle School
Edison School District, Superintendent Edward Aldarelli
Edison Middle School
Fairfax School District, Superintendent Michelle Reid
Fairfax Middle School
Fruitvale School District, Superintendent Leslie Garrison
Fruitvale Junior High School
Greenfield Union School District, Superintendent Ramon Hendrix
Greenfield Middle School
McKee Middle School
Ollivier Middle School
Lakeside Union School District, Superintendent Ty Bryson
Lakeside Middle School
Norris School District, Superintendent Cy Silver
Norris Middle School
Panama-Buena Vista School District, Superintendent KaVe Russell
Ac$s Junior High
Stonecreek Junior High
Tevis Junior High
Thompson Junior High
Warren Junior High
Rosedale Union School District, Superintendent Sue Lemon
Freedom Middle School
Rosedale Middle School
Standard School District, Superintendent Jocelyn Hively
Standard Middle School
