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SCHOLARSHIP

2024 Scholarship winnerS

With our National theme of “ "listen to the children…enrich their lives", Chums’ Founders’ National Scholarship, established at the October 2001 Conclave at Hilton Head Island, SC. in honor of Chum Founders Mary Ward Barnes, Joyce Tate Brown and Theodora Jackson Cora.

This scholarship benefits young adults attending college for the first time who have a documented financial need.  

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The CHUMS Founders’ National Scholarship is a one-time scholarship award for a recipient who is nominated by a local chapter.   The recipient of the award will be voted on and announced at the annual conclave each October. 

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Many of our local chapters have fundraisers for the scholarship program offered through Chums Inc.  Although family members/relatives of a Chum are not eligible for this scholarship, we encourage all Chums’ families to help identify eligible and worthy candidates for this wonderful opportunity.

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Eligibility:
•    A high school senior 
•    A non-family member of a Chum
•    Has completed volunteer services for the last 3 years
•    Has a five (5) year plan of future education/career goals
•    Has obtained awards, distinctions and academic honors in the past 3 years

 

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1st Place: London Olivia Sydney Gaston

London Olivia Sydney Gaston is an accomplished and driven senior at Westlake High School in Atlanta, GA, excelling academically and artistically. Enrolled in the STEM Magnet/IB program on the Dance Pathway, she has earned numerous accolades, including being named in the Top 25 students of her class, 2024 Art Student of the Year, and a recipient of the Georgia Certificate of Merit. Her consistent academic excellence is reflected in her four-year streak on the Principal’s List and her active involvement in organizations such as Jack and Jill of America, the National Honor Society, and Beta Club, where she has honed her leadership and social skills.

 

An award-winning dancer, London is a three-year veteran of the Westlake High School Blue Reign Dance line and a member of the Sky Dance Academy competition team, earning prestigious awards in various styles of dance. Her dedication to community service is equally impressive, with over 200 hours devoted to impactful charitable work through Westlake Mighty Marching Lions, and Grady Health System. London Olivia Sydney Gaston plans to attend Alabama A & M University, pursuing a premedical track as the foundation for her aspirations in medicine. Upon completing a top medical school, she aims to specialize as a reconstructive surgeon, dedicating her career to addressing health disparities and improving access to equitable care.

2024 Scholarship Recipients

  • 1st Place - London Olivia Sydney Gaston (Atlanta Chapter)
  • 2nd Place - Emani Campbell (New York Chapter)
  • 3rd Place - Bijou Beni Bright (Houston Chapter)
  • 3rd Place - Genevieve Ispasu (Orlando Chapter)

 Scholarship Applications

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Available from the local Chums Chapter, which services your area.

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Chapters: go to the Members section/Forms for the scholarship application and instructions. 

2nd Place: Emoni Campbell

Emoni Campbell is an empowering and ambitious young woman whose journey reflects strength and dedication. A key member of the SPARK/Diversity Club at Bayside High School, she has grown into a compassionate leader, fostering inclusivity and community. Serving as a Public Relations officer, Emoni uses her creativity to educate and inspire peers through impactful events and collaborations, such as the Black History Poetry Slam and informational campaigns on social media. Her volunteer efforts extend beyond the school, as she actively engages in community service projects that bring joy and support to those in need.

 

A first-generation student, Emoni's aspirations are rooted in her desire to give back. She plans to major in computer science and become a UX Designer, with the ultimate goal of introducing underserved youth to the world of STEM. Emoni envisions creating STEM-focused after-school programs to teach programming, robotics, and other technological skills, empowering young minds and providing life-changing opportunities. Her gratitude for SPARK and her advisor underscores her belief in the power of mentorship and community to shape a brighter future.

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3rd Place: Bijou Beni Bright

Bijou Beni Bright is a natural leader who exemplifies professionalism and motivates her peers and underclassmen to pursue excellence. Her journey reflects resilience and the transformative power of change. During challenging times, a move to a small town became a pivotal moment, allowing her to embrace personal growth and newfound stability. Through involvement in the Theater Arts program and student council, Bijou reignited her passion for creativity and community engagement, building a purposeful and vibrant life.

 

Her commitment to service is evident in her volunteer work with Salem United Methodist Church's Youth Ministry, the Orange Public Library, and the WOSHS Adopt-A-Street program. As a Youth Leadership Southeast Texas graduate, Bijou has earned numerous accolades, including the U.I.L One Act Play, All-Star Technical Crew Award, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, and being crowned Miss West Orange-Stark. She aspires to graduate from Howard University with a degree in Strategic Communications and pursue a career with an impactful public relations agency. Bijou’s leadership and drive will leave a lasting positive impact on the world.

3rd Place: Genevieve Ispasu

Genevieve Ipasu is a dedicated and driven young woman whose life is shaped by her experience as a child of immigrants. Her passion for service and innovation stems from her family’s creation of African Family and Community Outreach (AFCO), a non-profit organization assisting immigrants in navigating life in the United States. Genevieve’s hands-on experience cultivated her love for helping others and inspired her to bring culture and compassion into every aspect of her life.

 

 Genevieve served as the President of the UNICEF Club, where she connected her non-profit background to engaging her peers on global issues impacting children. She successfully revived the annual Water Walk to educate members about the challenges children face in accessing clean water, demonstrating her ability to blend advocacy with action. Her leadership fostered a broader understanding among her peers of global issues and the impact they can have as changemakers. Genevieve's accomplishments include being an AP Scholar, earning the National African American Recognition Program honor, and becoming a finalist for the UCD United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Student Challenge. Beyond academics, she volunteers with AFCO, Orange County Public Schools, and New Covenant Anglican Church while pursuing personal interests like poetry, astronomy, playing musical instruments, and swimming.

 

Genevieve aspires to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on sustainable technology to create lasting solutions for local and global communities. Balancing her love for STEM with her passion for service has been a challenge, but she embraces this duality as an opportunity to grow and effect change. Her ultimate goal is to honor her parents' sacrifices by achieving academic excellence and using her education to empower others and build a more sustainable world.

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