Press Release: Beat the Odds Scholarship Winners for 2019!

PRESS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2019

 

 

 

On April 11, The Foundation of the Alexandria Bar Association presented its 16th Annual Beat the Odds Scholarship Awards. This year, five residents of ARHA properties received these awards which honor outstanding high school and college students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic achievement, academic improvement, and given back to their community. ARHA is proud to recognize the following young scholars for “beating the odds.”

 

 

$2,500 Award Winners

 

Hannah arrived in the United States four years ago from Sierra Leone. She joined her mother who had been here for several years. When living in Sierra Leone, Hannah witnessed first-hand the devastation brought by the Ebola virus outbreak, she lost family members and her best friend to the virus and had to take many measures to prevent infection herself. Currently, she works very hard in school and at home where she helps her single mom maintain the household and care of her younger brother. Hannah has been accepted at Norfolk State University.

 

 

 

 

 

Hannah Bangura

 

 

Illiana has endure hardships and abuse, her resiliency and can-do attitude has led her to the right path. She works hard in school. Illiana is a cheerleader and participates in community service opportunities. She is committed to putting herself in the position to achieve her goals. She has been accepted by six colleges including Morgan State and Delaware State. She plans to study Social Work, Nursing or Teaching.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illiana Lynissa Moses

 

 

 

 

$1,500 Award Winners

Diondre is the oldest of three boys raised by a single mom. He has been a member of the Alexandria Boys and Girls Club since Elementary School, and now works there mentoring young men. He was the quarterback of the TC Williams football team all four years of his high school career but suffered a serious setback when the school he attended High School abruptly shut down due to an investigation for criminal activity. Diondre is committed to overcome the obstacles presented by the detour to his dream of playing college football and obtaining a college education. He will be enrolling in Delaware State.

 

 

 

 

Diondre Charlton

 

Najee is the oldest of six children. His father is disabled and Najee has taken on many household obligations. He is resourceful and hardworking. He thought himself to play the saxophone and often plays in busy public areas as a way to make money. He has a tremendous strength of character, a positive outlook and values education. Najee is a standout student in his automotive tech class, He has been accepted at Brigham Young University – Provo and Brigham Young University, Idaho.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Najee Elijah Dillard

 

$1,000 Award Winner

 

Audrey is a senior at TC Williams who plans to attend George Mason and study Graphic Design. Art is her creative outlet. She is the only child and assist her mother with her physical and medical needs. Her father was involved in the criminal justice system and the experience was traumatic for Audrey as resulted in her father not being able to be in her life. Despite her obligations at home, she works hard in school and volunteers at the library and mentor and tutor for children living in her community.

 

 

 

 

Audrey Kwakye

 

For More Information Contact: Gaynelle Diaz at 703.549.7115 or gdiaz@arha.us

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