Rotary Club of Birmingham Foundation awards scholarships to five Birmingham City Schools seniors

The Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Rotary Club of Birmingham Foundation Scholarships. The five outstanding seniors selected attend Birmingham City Schools: Hassatou Diallo, Jackson Olin High School; Guadalupe Martinez Garduno, Woodlawn High School; Jaidynn Perkins-Martin, Ramsay High School; Zena Terry, Ramsay IB High School; and Simeon Williams, Ramsay High School.

Scholarship Chair Roman Gary announced the scholarship recipients during the April 19th RCB meeting. Rotarians Dr. Mark Sullivan, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, and Mary Boehm, Birmingham Board of Education member, presented them with certificates. Assisting in the selection of recipients were RCB Scholarship Committee members Hafiz Chandiwala, Molly Clinton, LaRhonda Magras, Stephanie Mays, and Cornell Wesley and DeLynn Zell. 

Dozens of 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 a college or university.

Hassatou Diallo

Hassatou Diallo is a senior at P.D. Jackson Olin High School. She plans to study nursing. She is President of the Future Health Professionals Club, Treasurer of the Key Club, President of the Future Business Leaders of America and SGA Secretary.  

“I want to help people, especially children, as they grow up. I want to be a positive influence in children’s lives—a voice of positivity, support, and guidance as they become the best, healthiest version of themselves physically and mentally,” Hassatou said in her essay.

Guadalupe Martinez Garduno

Guadalupe Martinez Garduno is a senior at Woodlawn High School. She plans to study computer science. She is Secretary of the Technology Student Association, serves on the Woodlawn Advocacy Council and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham.  

“Applying the motto ‘Service Above Self’ to my everyday life allows me to help others who come from a similar background. I know the struggles of not being given opportunities or resources, so I want to help others have the opportunities I didn't have,” Guadalupe said in her essay.

Jaidynn Perkins-Martin

Jaidynn Perkins-Martin is a senior at Ramsay High School. She plans to study political science at Yale University and hopes to attend law school. She is Captain of the Ramsay Volleyball Team, Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta and President of the National Honor Society.  

“Hard work, determination and drive would effectively summarize everything that I am and everything that I have witnessed in my life,” Jadynn said in her essay. “I hope to continue to move forward in my academic pursuits to inspire similar types of kids to persevere and ultimately triumph.”

Zena Terry

Zena Terry is a senior at Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School. She plans to study health science at Tuskegee University and aspires to become a nurse. She is Captain of the Ramsay Dance Team, SGA Class Representative, and founder of the non-Profit Color Me Confident.

“My mission was to focus on bullying, building self-confidence, and providing resources for inner city communities and schools,” said Zena. “I dream about how my ‘future self’ will look back and be proud of how far I have come.”

Simeon Williams

2023 RCB Foundation Scholarship recipient Simeon Williams is a senior at Ramsay High School. He plans to study biomedical engineering at Emory University and hopes to attend medical school. He is captain of the Math Team and Vice President of the National Honor Society.  

“Throughout my life, I’ve pushed boundaries and identified connections…self motivation is the key,” Simeon said in his essay. “I like to see the happiness of others and it excites me when I am a part of the reason for that smile.”

2023 Rotary Club of Birmingham Scholarship Recipients Jaidynn Perkins-Martin, Zena Terry, and Simeon Williams with RCB President Chuck Redden; Rotarians Dr. Mark Sullivan, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools; Mary Boehm, Birmingham Board of Education member; and Dr. Taqua Lewis, BCS Guidance & Counseling Coordinator.