Dr. Lillian Adams Parks Scholarship
The Dr. Lillian Adams Parks Scholarship was established by the Gateway (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated in honor of the chapter’s organizer, Dr. Lillian Adams Parks. As an educator who served children and families of East St. Louis, Illinois, Dr. Parks has inspired generations of young people to believe in themselves and to obtain an education that would assist them in building their lives and to support their family and community. As a life-long resident of East St. Louis, Dr. Parks’ involvement in her church, community, and civic and professional organizations is a testimony to her commitment and willingness to share her time and talents to serve others. These values are incorporated in each student that is awarded the Dr. Lillian Adams Parks Scholarship.
The Dr. Lillian Adams Parks Scholarship supports African American high school students who reside in the metropolitan area of St. Louis, Missouri and East St. Louis, Illinois, who are planning to attend a 4-year college or University. Students must demonstrate their involvement in organizations within their school community, the African American community and provide commentary in an essay format that addresses a recent social event impacting the local and/global community. The scholarship is renewable up to three years to current scholarship recipients.
The Dr. Lillian Adams Parks scholarship is currently funded by fundraising activities hosted by the Gateway (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and individual donations. In addition to the legacy of our beloved Link sister, the promotion of education is a part of the five facets of The Links, Incorporated, specifically The Arts, Health & Human Services, International Trends & Services, National Trends and Services and Services to Youth. The first scholarship was awarded at the Chapter’s Founders Day luncheon. Below are the 2024 Dr. Lillian Adams Parks scholarship recipients.
To learn more about the Dr. Lillian Adams Parks Scholarship application process and deadlines, interested students should go to . Awards are announced no later than June 15th.
Dr. Lillian Adams Parks Scholarship Awards
| Name | College | Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skylar Hunter* | University of Illinois - Chicago Major - Neuroscience |
$1,000.00 | Sophomore |
| Eric Byas, Jr.* | Hampton University Major - Chemical Engineering (Dean's List) 3.681 GPA |
$1,000.00 |
I attend Hampton University as a chemical engineer major which was made possible partly through the generous donors of the Gateway (IL) Chapter of Links Incorporated. The financial assistance from the Dr. Lillian Adams Parks Scholarship has assisted me in closing my 15k Hampton University tuition gap while helping me achieve my short-term goal of graduating from college with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. My long-term goal is to
continue my education and obtain a Master of Science Degree as well. During my 1st Hampton University Semester, I had to make some adjustments to balance my challenging STEM coursework and playing football at the Collegiate level. In addition to being a Football Collegiate Scholar Athlete, I am also an active member of the following career-focused societies/clubs:
|
| Kierra Ship | Marquette Catholic High School - Alton 3.9 GPA Howard University>br /> Major - Nursing |
$1,500.00 | Kierra graduate of Marquette Catholic High School in Alton, IL. Maintained a 3.9 GPA. Career goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner – AP Government, AP Calc, 21 Credit hours Lewis and Clark, 6 hours at UMSL. Varsity Cheer Leader captain and National Honor Society. |
| Keteyian Cade | Metro Academic & Classical High School 4.33 GPA University of Oklahoma Major - Architectural Engineering |
$2,000.00 | Keteyian Cade is a graduate of Metro Academic and Classical High School. He attends the University of Oklahoma, studying architectural engineering, in hopes to further his passions of art and math. He received academic and athletic honors while in high school (e.g., Collegeboard National Recognition Award, AP Scholar, St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete). He looks forward to his next steps in life and plans to participate in many activities whether academic, athletic, or community oriented throughout college. |
| Charles Ewing | John Burroughs School 3.4 GPA Miami University - Architecture |
$2,500.00 | Charles Ewing III, a proud graduate of John Burroughs School. Charles maintained a 99% attendance rate in high school and successfully completed honors and advanced placement courses, showcasing his commitment and dedication to his education. Charles was actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities including the Men’s Choir, varsity football (Manager) and the Architecture Club. He also participated in the Book Buddies Program at the St. Louis County Library, tutored students at Froebel Elementary School, and volunteered at the Cornerstone Early Childhood Center. Charles will pursue his passion this fall at Miami University where I will major in architecture. I look forward to this next chapter and plan to take advantage of all the opportunities college has to offer. |
| Tamara White |
Westminster Christian Academy 4.0 GPA Saint Louis University Major - Forensic Science |
$3,500.00 | Tamara is drawn to forensic science as a person who has always been drawn to solving mysteries and using science to figure things out. It’s more than just a job but a way to bring justice to people who need it and give closure to those who’ve been affected by crimes. |
| Name | Amount | College/University | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skylar Hunter | $3,000.00 | University of Illinois Chicago | Skylar Kit Hunter is the youngest beloved child of Chaunsey Hunter and Tiffany Corley. Skylar is a Cum Laude graduate of Belleville Township High School West where she was an award-winning debater, novice debate coach, Harambee leader, flute section leader, president of Next Generatin, and a member of the National Honor Society. Skylar volunteers at the Belleville Area Humane Society, the Belleville Public Library, and the Metro East Diaper Bank. In the fall, Skylar will atend the University of Illinois at Chicago on full academic and merit scholarships. Skylar plans to major in neuroscience and aspires to pursue a career that merges neuroscience, neurodivergence, and fashion. Skylar plans to live a life that pleases God and the ancestors. |
| Eric Byas, Jr. | $3,000.00 | Hampton University | Eric is an honors graduate of Desmet Jesuit High School where he was inducted into the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. In addition, he received the following honors: DeSmet Jesuit HS 2023 Man of the Year, Army Reserve Scholar-Athlete Award, and Missouri Football All-State - 2nd Team Award. He served as the Black Student Council President, and co-Captain of the Varsity Football and Track and Field teams. Eric plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at Hampton University. |
| Candace Weeden | $2,500.00 | Tulane University | |
| Zoey Hall | $2,500.00 | Howard University | Zoey Hall is from St. Louis, Missouri. She attended Clayton High School where she took part in numerous leadership roles such as Student Body President, Black Student Union President, Speech & Debate Public Speaking Captain, Student Representative for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Robotics Programming Lead, amongst many others. Zoey currently attends Howard University as an incoming freshman majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Journalism. She is also a part of the 7th Cohort of Karsh STEM Scholars Program. After college. She plans to receive a PhD in Data Science and become a clinical studies data analyst working to help end the Black Maternal Mortality Crisis. |
| Wasihun Gema* | $1,500.00 | St. Louis University | Wasihun is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Health Science on the pre-med track. Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a deep passion for healthcare and a strong desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Currently, I work as a pharmacy technician, which has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in the healthcare field. My dedication and hard work are evident in my academic pursuits, where I have consistently demonstrated a strong aptitude for the sciences and a genuine curiosity for understanding the intricacies of the human body. This has led me to choose a career in medicine. |
| Name | College | High School | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan | Brown | $1,500.00* | Jackson State University |
| Wasihun | Gema | $1,500.00* | St. Louis University |
| Takia | McMorris | $3,000.00 | University of Missouri-St. Louis |
| Danielle | Stewart | $3,000.00 | Parson School of Design New York |
| First Name | Last Name | Amount | College/University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valerie | Bownes | $1,500.00* | Tuskegee University |
| Jordan | Brown | $3,000.00 | Jackson University |
| Ashanti | Hoffman | $3,000.00 | Western Illinois University |
| Jordan | Ryan | $1,500.00* | Grinnell College |
| Amarian | Woods | $3,000.00 | Savannah College of Arts and Design |
| First Name | Last Name | Amount | College/University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brendan | Ball | $1,000.00* | University of Missouri-Columbia |
| Brittany | David | $2,500.00 | University of Kentucky |
| Donovan | Dixson | $2,500.00 | Washington University-St. Louis |
| Wasihun | Gema | $1,500.00 | University of Missouri-Columbia |
| Lailah | Hall | $1,500.00 | North Carolina A&T State University |
| Mikayla | Hennings | $2,500.00 | Xavier University |
| Bricyn | Johnson | $1,500.00 | Austin Peay State University |
| Christian | LeNoir | $1,500.00 | Purdue University |
| Skyla | Owens | $1,500.00 | Southern University |
| Mason | Player | $1,500.00 | University of Kentucky |
| Jordan | Ryan | $1,500.00 | Grinnell College |
| Kaylin | Walters | $1,500.00 | University of Denver |
| Angelina | White | $1,000.00* | John Carroll University |