BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In a powerful display of purpose and community investment, the Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, in collaboration with the Valley Pearls Service Foundation, awarded $47,300.00 in scholarships to 19 outstanding high school seniors during its annual scholarship ceremony held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church, Pratt City.
This annual celebration of student achievement brought together families, educators, and community leaders to honor academic excellence, leadership, and service. The event also featured a motivating keynote address by Mr. Cameron J. Thompson, Vice President of Operations at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, whose presence underscored the importance of mentorship and opportunity.
Beyond the monetary awards, the program symbolized a broader commitment to nurturing the dreams and ambitions of the next generation. By supporting students as they transition into college and beyond, the Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter and the Valley Pearls Service Foundation continue to fulfill their shared mission of fostering educational advancement and uplifting the local community.
The Soaring to Greater Heights Scholarship Award recognized the following recipients:
- Katlyn Mathis, Huffman High School – $1,000
- Mackenzie Traylor, Ramsay IB High School – $1,000
- Jada Bell, Minor High School – $1,000
- Sa’Maaya Lawrence, Minor High School – $2,000
- Dejaii Anderson, Hueytown High School – $2,000
- Makayala Alford, Huffman High School – $2,000
- Syrai Pledger, Ramsay IB High School – $2,500
- Breonna Atkins, Carver High School – $2,500
- Trinity Marzette, Ramsay IB High School – $2,500
- Madison McMorris, Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School – $2,500
- Mariama Diallo, Jackson Olin High School – $3,000
- Jaeda Davis, Huffman High School – $3,000
- Michael Coleman, Ramsay IB High School – $3,000
- Chloe Washington, Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School – $3,000
Additional awards presented included:
- Ollie Dixon Memorial Scholarship Award
Steven Kampi, Parker High School – $1,300 - Upsilon Eta Omega HBCU Scholarship Award
Emiyah Wyatt, Bessemer City High School – $2,000 - Mildred O. Simpkins Community Service Scholarship Award
Rayla Patterson, Hueytown High School – $4,000 - Marguerite J. Stone Scholarship Award
Sydnee Allen, Ramsay IB High School – $4,000 - Dr. Tracey Morant Adams Leadership Scholarship Award
Rachel Morrow, Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School – $5,000
The ceremony not only recognized individual accomplishments but also reinforced the importance of investing in the future of Birmingham’s youth. By channeling resources and encouragement into education, the Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter and Valley Pearls Service Foundation remain steadfast in their dedication to building brighter futures, one student at a time. Their collective efforts continue to echo across the city as a beacon of service, scholarship, and sisterhood.
