MPS Foundation awarded $115,000 in scholarships to the Class of 2024

On Wednesday, May 8th, families, friends, donors, and community members all gathered at the warm and welcoming confines of the University-Milwaukee Grand Ballroom to honor more than 25 extraordinary MPS college-bound seniors. Graduation was still weeks away, so what warranted the generous spread of delicious food, cake, and cool atmospheric beats from DJ Bizzon? And why were congratulatory sashes bestowed on these seniors the moment they walked in the door? 

The MPS Foundation recognized students from 12 MPS high schools with approximately $115,000 in scholarships. The awardees mirrored Milwaukee’s unique diversity, representing high schools from North to South Sides. Nearly 75% of the recipients are prospective first-generation college students, 96% are students of color, and many come from refugee and immigrant families. The scholarships received will soon support so many soon-to-be-declared majors: Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Arts, Fashion Design, Business, Natural Resources and Conservation, Nursing, Public Administration, and Social Services.  

Winning one of these scholarships is a huge deal. Every year, hundreds of MPS seniors apply for the prestigious scholarships. The competitive applicant pool has increased because MPSF collaborates with community partners, MPS high school guidance staff, principals, College and Career Centers, College Possible, and the Boys and Girls Club to recruit and ensure that as many MPS seniors as possible have access to college preparatory assistance. Only after careful assessment of written essays, background, academic journey, and college aspirations were winners determined.

In the formal presentation highlighting the achievements of the Class of 2024 MPS Foundation scholarship awardees, our Executive Director reminded the room, 

“MPS is Milwaukee. There is no other institution you can look to that represents our city more authentically. If we want to make Milwaukee a more equitable city—supporting the students, teachers, and families that compose MPS is the immediate and long-term solution.” 

Willie Jude II, Executive Director, MPS Foundation

Other notable speakers included the Superintendent of MPS, Dr. Keith Posley, and Alberto J. Maldonado, Director of the Roberto Hernández Center and Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor for DEI at UW-Milwaukee. In receiving the award, each scholar walked up to the stage and shook the hand of MPSF Vice President and community leader Jacqueline Herd-Barber. 

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Below are all the recipients of the 2024 MPS Foundation Scholarships:

Anderson Family Scholarship

Taylor Ivy, Milwaukee School of Languages, $1,500

College: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

April Swick Family Memorial Scholarship

Nay Oo, Bay View High School, $3,000

College: Marquette University

Alicia Esparza, Rufus King High School, $3,000

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bernice K. Rose Scholarship

Zion Owusu-Yeboa, Reagan College Preparatory High School, $5,000 

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Timothy King, Milwaukee High School of the Arts, $5,000

College: Milwaukee Area Technical College

Jackie Addison, Golda Meir High School, $5,000

College: Texas Southern University

Donna Jenni Memorial Scholarship

Emily Vang, Rufus King High School, $4,000

College: Marquette University

GE Healthcare Sam Speake IT Scholarship

Sherjeel Asif, Reagan College Preparatory High School, $10,000

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Keaton Grady, Reagan College Preparatory High School, $10,000

College: University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point

Adonijah Bolden-Murrell, Milwaukee School of Languages, $10,000

College: Hampton University

Selene Yang, Reagan College Preparatory High School, $10,000

College: Mount Mary University

The Milwaukee Madison Alumni Academic Scholarship

Emounty Pitts, James Madison Academic Campus, $1,000

College: University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee

Milwaukee School Counselor Scholarship

Muhammad Noor Amin Muhammad Harun, Milwaukee High School of the Arts, $500

College: Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)

Patricia Cadorin Women in Leadership Scholarship

Angelina Kielman, Vincent High School, $2000

College: Marquette University

Payton-Price Family Scholarship

Mariah Pulliam, Rufus King High School, $4,000

College: Prairie View A&M University, Texas

NylaeMarie Flowers, Alexander Hamilton High School, $4,000

College: Savannah State University, Georgia

Petrovic Nature & Art Trust Scholarship

Treyshaun Penson, Reagan College Preparatory High School, $3,000

College: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Shirley Kersey Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers

Isabella Rivera, Reagan College Preparatory High School, $1,000

College: Alverno College

Simpson Family Scholars award

Aida Ochoa-Macedo, North Division High School, $500

College: Mount Mary University

Tabak Family Scholarship

Itzel Gonzalez, Reagan College Preparatory High School, $500

College: Marquette University

Karena Clark, Riverside University High School, $500

College: Marquette University

Brakia Evans, Milwaukee School of Languages, $500

College: Mount Mary University

Maria Curiel, South Division High School, $500

College: Alverno College

Tad Dugan Memorial Scholarship

Nakilah Ransom, James Madison Academic Campus, $3,000

College: University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Ariyanna Miller, MacDowell Montessori, $3,000

College: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Cargile Family Scholarship

Imani Hall-Kneemiller, North Division High School, $5,000

College: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Khamarri Lee, North Division High School, $5,000

College: University of Wisconsin – Parkside

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