RCB Foundation Jim Hughey, Jr. Scholarship awarded to 8 BCS seniors

The Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) is pleased to announce the recipients of the recipients of the 2024 Rotary Club of Birmingham Foundation Jim Hughey, Jr. Scholarship. The scholarship was commemorated this year in memory of RCB Past President Jim Hughey, Jr. and in celebration of RCB’s 110th anniversary.

The eight outstanding seniors selected attend Birmingham City Schools: Jonece Abrams and Jewel Allen, Woodlawn High School; Haley Dates and Erika Lemus Lopez, George Washington Carver High School; Jacari Dillard, ShaMiyahlynn Knott and Amber Moore, Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School; and Shuntasia Williams, Wenonah High School. 

69 Birmingham City Schools seniors applied to the competitive annual scholarship program. Students were selected based on their academic and extracurricular achievements, commitment to serving the community, personal essay and educator recommendations. Each student will receive $2,000 per year over four years that can be used for any expenses while they are enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-yearan accredited 2- or 4-year college or university.  

Rotarian Mary Boehm, Birmingham Board of Education member, announced the scholarship recipients during the May 15th RCB meeting and Rotarians Dr. Mark Sullivan, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, presented them with certificates. Assisting in the selection of recipients were RCB Scholarship Committee members Stephanie Mays, Morgan Cole, Molly Clinton, Kecia Thomas, Bolaji Kukoyi, DeLynn Zell and Roman Gary, Chair.

Boehm thanked Dr. Sullivan, Dr. Taqua Lewis, Counseling Coordinator for the school system, Birmingham School Board members, and the teachers and guidance counselors at each of the schools for their assistance and incredible support for students in the Birmingham City Schools system.

Jonece Abrams

Jonece Abrams is a senior at Woodlawn High School. She plans to study Business Management & Administration and Psychology at Alabama State University and she aims to be an entrepreneur. She is co-captain of the varsity volleyball team, sings in the choir, and has worked at Birmingham City Hall and for a marketing firm. Abrams enjoys cosmetology and styling hair in her own beauty shop.

Jewel Allen

Jewel Allen is a senior at Woodlawn High School. She plans to study Kinesiology or Athletic Training at Alabama State University. She is a varsity volleyball player; National Honor Society President; a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters; and has worked at Chick-fil-A and Bruster’s. Allen enjoys sports, music, arts and crafts.

Haley Dates

Haley Dates is a senior at George Washington Carver High School. She plans to pursue a pre-med course of study at The University of Alabama and is interested in a career in Pharmacology or Radiology. She is 4-H Club Parliamentarian; has served as a student aid and Birmingham Water Works ambassador; and works at Floor and Decor. Dates enjoys reading, gaming and serving her community.

Jacari Dillard

Jacari Dillard is valedictorian of his senior class at Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School. He plans to study Computer Science at Harvard University and aspires to become a software engineer. He is President of the Senior Cabinet, Mu Alpha Theta, and Future Business Leaders of America; serves as a Student Ambassador for NewGen Peacebuilders and Youth Leadership Forum; and is a member of the Key Club. Dillard enjoys documentary film-making and digital scrapbooking.

ShaMiyahlynn Knott

ShaMiyahlynn Knott is a senior at Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School. She plans to study nursing at the University of Alabama and wants to become a labor and delivery nurse. She is National Honor Society secretary; and participates in Ramsay Changemakers, Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy and Ramsay Engineering Academy; volunteers at her church and babysits for family. Knott enjoys styling hair, painting and photography.

 Erika Lemus Lopez

Erika Lemus Lopez is valedictorian of her senior class at George Washington Carver High School. She plans to study Biology at Samford University and hopes to become a pediatrician. She is a Salvadoran immigrant who earned the seal of biliteracy and serves as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking students. Lopez is a member of the school orchestra and math team, and she enjoys playing the cello and ukulele and studying Portuguese. 

Amber Moore

Amber Moore is a senior at Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School. She plans to study Sports Medicine and Business Administration at Alabama State University and looks forward to a career bridging sports medicine and management. She is a cheerleader, senior class assistant secretary and Technology Student Association secretary; and is an ambassador for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Moore enjoys planning, meditating, reading and mentoring young people.

Shuntasia Williams

Shuntasia Williams is first in her senior class at Wenonah High School. She plans to study Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation Services at Alabama State University and wants to return to Birmingham to start an organization focused on conflict resolution, substance abuse prevention and life skills for at-risk youth. She is a cheerleader, senior class secretary, president of Skills USA, Vice President of Future Business Leaders of America; NewGen Peacebuilders participant; and works at Chick-fil-A. Williams enjoys gardening, styling hair, interior design, and writing poetry.

2024 RCB Foundation Jim Hughey, Jr. Scholarship recipients with Rotarians Mary Boehm and Dr. Mark Sullivan