The inaugural Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Workforce Development Summit concluded successfully on day four, with the announcement of the winners of the Cal & Annette Johnson HBCC Scholarship winners serving as the crowning moment
Eleven students were selected to receive a scholarship of up to $15,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year. The announcement was kept a surprise to the winners, so emotions were running high during the presentation.
Annette Johnson addressed the participants before announcing the recipients. She said she was delighted to meet and see so many of the conference participants this week. Johnson said she and her husband both required a hand up to pursue their education and it made all the difference in their lives.
Scholarships recipients included:
- Kayla Andrews, Bishop State Community College
- Trenice Paige, Bishop State Community College
- Ra’Niyah Daniels, Denmark Technical College
- Kawonna Maple, Denmark Technical College
- Quinton Moore, Drake State Community College
- Dyamond McCadney, Gadsden State Community College
- Giaus Spurgeon, Gadsden State Community College
- Taylor Grace, Lawson State Community College
- Montana Pozos, St. Philip’s College
- Aremoni Pettway, Trenholm State Community College
- Danyel Ware, Trenholm State Community College
Daniels said the scholarship will have a profound impact on her academic and professional journey by providing the financial support necessary to focus on her studies without the burden of financial stress.
Spurgeon said the scholarship will help him complete his short-term certification in carpentry and further his education in business.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to even be here, and I probably wouldn’t be in this spot if it weren’t for people like my campus director, Ricky Tillis, as well as the entire TMFC staff,” Spurgoen said.
Moore said the scholarship will allow him to continue his education and pursue a mechanical engineering degree.
“If anyone receives the opportunity to attend a TMCF conference of any kind, I recommend it! TMCF will take care of you so you can take care of yourself,” Moore said.
Paige said the scholarship is a tremendous blessing.
“It helps lighten the financial burden of pursuing my education while balancing my responsibilities as a single mom of five and a full-time student,” she said. “My journey hasn’t always been easy, but I am determined to succeed and show my children that resilience and hard work pay off.”
The rest of the main stage presentation focused on key takeaways from the conference, celebrating student growth and leaving with a clear roadmap for next steps.
Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, president of Lawson State Community College provided an inspiring message for participants.
“When we strive for excellence, success will follow. Diligence and hard work are requirements for both,” Anthony said. “If you work hard and strive for excellence, success will follow.”
Tamara Thompson, chief programs officer, provided closing remarks.
“This may have been the first Workforce Development Summit, but it will definitely not be the last,” she said. “We are so thankful for all our schools, all of our students. You chose to be here to represent something: the future that you all will lead.”
The conference concluded with a nod to Mardi Gras, as a brass band took the stage as a final surprise.
