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East Kentwood Graduate Receives Rosa Parks Scholarship

Students rejoice in their academic achievements symbolizing hope and community service.

News Summary

Anaka Armstrong, an 18-year-old graduate from East Kentwood High School, has been awarded a $2,500 scholarship from the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation. The foundation aims to support Michigan students demonstrating social justice and community service. Armstrong plans to pursue a career in occupational therapy at Alabama State University. The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation, established to assist students with higher education, aims to promote social equity inspired by Rosa Parks’ values. This year, the foundation granted 33 scholarships among over 230 applicants.

Caledonia, Michigan – Anaka Armstrong, an 18-year-old recent graduate from East Kentwood High School, is the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship awarded by the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation. This esteemed scholarship is offered to Michigan high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional values of social justice and community service, aligning with the legacy of civil rights leader Rosa Parks.

The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation, founded in 1980 by The Detroit News and the Detroit public school system, aims to support students in their pursuit of higher education. Each year, the foundation provides one-time scholarships to deserving applicants, helping them cover tuition, books, and fees associated with their first year of college. In 2023 alone, the foundation awarded 33 scholarships from over 230 applicants, having distributed more than $2.5 million to over 1,300 high-achieving seniors since its inception.

Armstrong, who plans to attend Alabama State University to pursue a career in occupational therapy, expressed the significance of the scholarship not only for her but also for her family. The award holds great value as it comes from Detroit, where her father grew up, allowing her extended family to partake in her accomplishments. Upon receiving the news, Armstrong’s mother was jubilant, jumping up and down with excitement. Armstrong believes that the scholarship demonstrates her belief that “hard work eventually pays off,” and views Rosa Parks as an enduring symbol of resilience and inspiration.

The foundation emphasizes need-based applicants while encouraging all Michigan high school seniors to apply. The application process includes submitting an essay that addresses current social issues and the tenets of Parks’ values. The deadline for the current application cycle is February 28, with winners being notified in mid-May. Apart from the scholarships, recipients also have the opportunity to apply for two paid summer internships at The Detroit News.

A special awards luncheon will be held by the foundation to honor this year’s scholarship recipients, marking the 45th anniversary of the organization. This event is set to take place in front of the Montgomery bus that Rosa Parks famously occupied, symbolizing her pivotal role in the civil rights movement. In addition to the regular scholarships, the nonprofit will introduce an annual scholarship in memory of the late Detroit journalist Luther Keith, who passed away in March.

Karla McKanders, the director of the Thurgood Marshall Institute, will also be recognized during the awards ceremony. Furthermore, BrassCraft Manufacturing Company will sponsor four additional scholarships this year to further support Michigan students.

Michigan high school students are reminded that they can apply for the Rosa Parks scholarships annually by March 1, allowing for continued opportunities to achieve their educational goals. The foundation stands out not only for its commitment to supporting students financially but also for its mission to promote social equity and justice, inspired by the unwavering spirit of Rosa Parks.