Delta Kappa Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority awards scholarships to area students

Published June 16, 2020

Special to the Outlook

The Delta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated recently awarded scholarships to 16 college-bound high school graduates and one university student.

Recipients of the high school scholarships are: Ashley Sawyer, Florida State University School; Camille Zanders, Lincoln; Jazlyn Byrd, Lincoln; Quintin McGriff, Rickards; Andrew Reaves, Leon; Ansley Garrison, Leon; A’Kyrah O’Banner, Godby; NeRyan Forston, Lincoln; Taelor Barnes, Rickards; Morgan C. Richardson, Leon; Ameion Hamlet, Godby; Antia Womack, Leon; Tamia Howie, Godby; Alexis Scott, Rickards; Kinnedi Bonner, Rickards; De’Najah Johnson, Lincoln.

The recipient of the college scholarship is Deja Uzzell, Florida State University. Due to restrictions imposed by COVID-19, this year the sorority recognized the scholarship recipients on social media.

“The Delta Kappa Omega Chapter is pleased to recognize the academic excellence of these deserving young scholars,” said Dr. Shirley A. Jones, Chairman of the Scholarship and Awards Committee. “We are excited to make a positive investment in their future and look forward to hearing about their continuing achievements.”

The competitive scholarship is awarded yearly and based on several criteria, including grade point average, community service, leadership experience and a competitive essay. Information about the awards is sent to all area high schools. Students at Florida A&M University and Florida State University are also eligible for scholarships.

“I am honored to be a recipient of this scholarship,” said Ameion Hamlet, a Godby High School senior, who plans to attend Florida Atlantic University, majoring in Sociology. “I’m committed to my education and I look forward to attending college and succeeding at this next level.”

Ameion also recently served as president of the Pearls of Perfection, a leadership organization for high school girls run by the Delta Kappa Omega Chapter. She will be entering FAU with 21 hours of college credit.

Deja Uzzell, a senior majoring in history on a pre-medical track at Florida State University, won the undergraduate scholarship award.

“My goal is to become a plastic surgeon and receiving this scholarship is a great contribution toward helping me achieve my educational goals,” said Deja. “I love community service and one day I hope that I can help a student support their education with a scholarship like this one.” Deja is a member of the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and serves on several organizations on campus.

“As part of its service to the community, our chapter has awarded thousands in scholarship dollars to area youth to assist with their educational needs,” said Tiffany A. Randolph, president of the Delta Kappa Omega Chapter. “We understand how important this financial support is to their future goals. We’re excited about all of the great things to come as these young scholars continue to excel.”

Chartered in 1947, the Delta Kappa Omega Chapter embraces the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s international mission of ‘service to all mankind.’