April 27, 2024
The Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational and Charitable Foundation of Zeta Upsilon Lambda, Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., proudly presents the recipients of the prestigious 2024 Jewel College Scholarships for Fairfax and Loudoun County Virginia students. These outstanding individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic prowess, and commitment to their communities. They have distinguished themselves through their academic achievement, leadership skills, and dedication to serving their communities. Each scholarship provides $2,000 of financial support for the first year.
The Jewel College Scholarship program empowers and supports deserving students pursuing higher education. By investing in these bright young minds, we are fostering the next generation of leaders who will positively impact in our community.
“We are thrilled to honor these remarkable individuals with the 2024 Jewel College Scholarships”
said Kevin Pullen, Dir. of Educational Activities for Zeta Upsilon Lambda and Director of Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational and Charitable Foundation.
“Their dedication to academic excellence and community service is truly inspiring, and we are confident they will continue to achieve great success in their future endeavors.”
The scholarship recipients were formally recognized at the 43rd Annual Black and Gold Scholarship Ball on April 27th at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles, located at 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151.
Kendall George, a standout from Freedom High School, is destined to make waves in the fashion world. Heading to Drexel University for Fashion Design, her passion for art transcends mere creativity. A seasoned athlete, Kendall thrives in volleyball, embodying quick decision-making and leadership on and off the court. Committed to holistic sustainability, she champions biodegradable textiles, aligning her designs with environmental consciousness. Kendall’s journey reflects an open mind, embracing challenges in academics and athletics. With the Jewel Scholarship, she aims to fuse her diverse interests, becoming an artist, scientist, and educator dedicated to making a positive impact.
Logan Winthers, a dynamic senior from Potomac Falls High School, embraces her role as a leader with quiet strength and determination. Raised in a bustling household of six, Logan finds inspiration in her blended family, where love and support abound. With dreams as vast as her heart, she sees the Jewel College Scholarship as a gateway to higher education and a platform to make a difference. As a senior class vice president and president of the Black Student Union, Logan is committed to fostering inclusivity and empowerment. She plans to study Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Tech and is poised to shine.
Nicole Smith, a graduating senior at Rock Ridge High School, embraces diversity and community engagement. Penn State University-bound, she plans to major in Nutritional Sciences. Passionate about music, Nicole’s flute-playing journey mirrors her multicultural experiences. As a Youth Support Group Facilitator with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and a volunteer with Women Giving Back, Nicole advocates for mental health awareness and women’s empowerment. With the Jewel Scholarship, she aspires to become “Dr. Nikki” and tackle health disparities among minority populations through research. Nicole’s journey is a symphony of resilience, compassion, and determination, echoing melodies of hope for underserved communities.
Anthony Rios is a graduating Senior at Washington-Liberty HS. From Honduras to Virginia, Anthony’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. Raised by his extended family until the age of five, Anthony eventually joined his parents in the U.S., seeking a brighter future. Despite challenges, Anthony has carved his path, fueled by the dream of higher education. Now, on the brink of adulthood, Anthony is determined to break barriers and become the first in his family to graduate college. With the Jewel Scholarship, Anthony plans to pursue Information Technology and Business to build his own IT business and mentor at-risk youth. Together, we’ll turn obstacles into opportunities and rivers into pathways of success.
Braxton Washington, a senior at Mill Brook HS in Winchester, VA, is a passionate young man with a love for gaming and creativity. Diagnosed with High Functioning Autism, Braxton has overcome communication challenges and honed his skills in game design, drawing, and coding. His journey leads him to George Mason University’s Computer Game Design program, where he will blend his passions into a career. As Braxton embarks on this new chapter, the Jewel Scholarship is his beacon of hope, easing financial burdens and allowing him to focus on his studies. With gratitude, Braxton looks forward to embracing independence, making lasting connections, and pursuing his dream debt-free.
Fueled by hope and driven by ambition, Bryce J. Gunn is honored to receive the Jewel Scholarship. Committed to education and equity, Bryce is inspired by James Baldwin’s words: “Hope is invented daily.” With this scholarship, Bryce plans to pursue academic and athletic excellence at Boston University, striving to become a change-maker as a criminal defense attorney. Despite challenges, Bryce embraced lacrosse, navigating the sport with resilience and determination. As an ambassador and advocate for diversity, Bryce is dedicated to leveling the playing field. With the Jewel Scholarship, Bryce plans to continue his journey, empowered to make a lasting impact in his community and beyond.
Jayden Johnson, a resilient individual and senior from Independence High School, is determined to make a difference. Growing up in Loudoun County, Jayden has encountered racism and discrimination but refuses to let that define him. Through the Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Foundation, Jayden sees an opportunity to pursue his dreams of studying Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University while honoring the legacy of community leaders who championed education and service. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Jayden has led initiatives at his school and empowered fellow students through organizations like the Black Student Union. With this scholarship, Jayden is poised to continue his journey of impact and empowerment.
Meet Nathan Jenkins, a passionate engineer-to-be from Freedom High School. Nathan plans to attend either VA Tech or the University of Arizona, majoring in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. Nathan’s journey began in his father’s garage, where he honed his mechanical skills by fixing cars and crafting furniture. His fascination with airplanes ignited after visiting the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. As an Explainer at the museum and an Academy of Engineering & Technology member, Nathan solidified his dream of pursuing aerospace engineering.
As the youngest sibling in a financially challenged family, Nathan values community support. With aspirations to positively impact the aerospace industry, Nathan sees the Jewel College Scholarship as a gateway to achieving his dreams. With the support of the Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational & Charitable Foundation and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Nathan is ready to soar to new heights in his academic and professional journey.
Sean Cousins, a graduating senior from South County High School, is on the brink of a transformative journey in higher education. Contemplating Virginia Tech, William & Mary, or JMU, Sean aims to major in Biology on a Pre-Med Track. His interests span soccer, weightlifting, and cherished movie nights with family. Sean’s core values, shaped by his experiences, include standing up for beliefs, taking action to solve problems, and unwavering focus on goals.
In a soccer environment tainted by racial insensitivity, Sean courageously confronted bigotry, sparking positive change. He initiated a fundraiser, amassing over $4,000 to ensure every senior could walk the graduation stage, embodying his commitment to making a difference. Sean’s relentless pursuit of his dreams, exemplified by his determination to become a doctor, underscores his dedication to excellence.
The Jewel Scholarship represents more than financial assistance to Sean; it validates his values and enables him to pursue his aspirations without overwhelming
debt. With this scholarship, Sean is poised to continue his journey of impact and achievement, one conversation topic at a time.
Nicholas Glover, a determined scholar from Potomac Falls High School, is poised to embark on a transformative journey in higher education. Inspired by past challenges, he’s committed to Mechanical Engineering. Nicholas forged resilience and academic excellence in the shadow of a maximum-security prison. The Jewel Scholarship symbolizes validation of his dedication to excellence, leadership, and community engagement. With Jewel’s support, Nicholas plans to immerse himself in studies and explore opportunities for transformation. He aims to uplift his community, advocating for positive change within the Black community. Nicholas stands ready to make a profound impact at Alabama A&M or Tuskegee University, armed with education and the Jewel scholarship support.
Based in Reston, Virginia, the Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational & Charitable Foundation is a non-profit 501©(3) entity named in memory of three community leaders. Established in 2001, the foundation increases opportunities for achievement for African-American males through scholarships, mentoring, and charitable services.
https://jghfdn.org
Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. promotes academic excellence, leadership development, and community service through scholarship programs, community service, and Love for All Mankind. The chapter strives to uplift and empower individuals in Loudoun and Fairfax counties.
https://www.zul1906.org
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated is the oldest intercollegiate historically African-American fraternity founded in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, whose motto is First of All, Servants of All, we shall Transcend All. The international fraternity has over 730 chapters and is one of the ten largest intercollegiate fraternities in the nation.
Kevin Pullen
Director
Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational and Charitable Foundation
EDUCATION@jghfdn.org
Or
Herbert Davis
President
Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational and Charitable Foundation
president@jghfdn.org
