The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mu Omega Omega Chapter hosted its highly anticipated Annual Scholarship Reception, a vibrant celebration of academic excellence, youth empowerment, and community commitment.

The event welcomed students, families, educators, and civic leaders from across Colorado to honor outstanding young Black female scholars in middle school and high school. This year’s ceremony showcased not only academic achievements but also the enduring power of support systems in shaping bright futures.

A Powerful Message of Self-Awareness

The evening featured an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Jazmyne Peters, an acclaimed psychologist recognized for her research on body image among Black girls aged 11 to 22. Her address, centered on self-reflection and inner dialogue, encouraged young women to cultivate self-awareness and resilience. Dr. Peters also shared insights from her pioneering research program, which aims to help Black girls develop healthy body image and confidence.

Honoring Academic Achievement and Community Impact

At the heart of the evening was the presentation of scholarships recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and social advocacy. Among the distinguished awards were:

Mu Omega Omega Wings Ivy Leadership Award

HBCU Academic Scholarship

Vada Kyle Holmes High School Academic Scholarship

Justice for Black Coloradans Scholarship

Mu Omega Omega Xi Eta Scholarship

These honors reflect Alpha Kappa Alpha’s century-long mission to uplift Black communities through education, service, and social justice. The Justice for Black Coloradans Scholarship, in particular, symbolizes a broader movement toward equity and reparations in Denver, supported by progressive local legislation.

Students receiving awards are headed to renowned institutions, including Howard University, Langston University, Morgan State University, Johns Hopkins University, Rice University, and more — a testament to their dedication and the community that supports them.

A Community United for Education

As awards were presented and achievements celebrated, the atmosphere was filled with pride, gratitude, and hope. The Mu Omega Omega Chapter paid special tribute to families and educators whose guidance helped make these accomplishments possible. Their collective support exemplified the African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.”

The chapter’s continued commitment to educational excellence and social progress serves as a guiding light for future generations of Black students in Colorado.

2025 Scholarship Recipients

Wings Ivy Leadership Award

Leila Taylor (Regis Jesuit HS - 9th Grade)

Taryn Bates (Cherry Creek HS - 10th Grade)

HBCU Academic Scholarship

Briona Robinson (Fountain Valley HS - Howard University)

Naomi Golden (Denver East HS - Morgan State University)

Vada Kyle Holmes High School Academic Scholarship

Naima Criss (Regis Jesuit HS – Johns Hopkins University)

Fortunate Madueke (DSST Green Valley HS – Rice University)

Justice for Black Coloradans Scholarship

Cierra Alston (Langston University)

Naima Criss (Johns Hopkins University)

Naomi Golden (Morgan State University)

Alyssa Heron (University of Illinois at Chicago)

Brooklynn Haggerty (Spelman College)

Fortunate Madueke (Rice University)

Jaylen Tyler (Louisiana State University)

Anai Veasley (Colorado State University)

Benedicte Kamba (Colorado State University)

Dauphina Bati (Undecided)

Xi-Eta Scholarship

Gabriella “Gabby” Butler (Colorado State University)

The evening concluded with heartfelt remarks from Chapter President Kathy Nesbitt and Scholarship Committee Chairperson Terita Walker, who expressed deep gratitude to all who made the event possible and extended warm congratulations to this year’s scholarship and award recipients.

“We are immensely proud of all that you have achieved,” they shared. “We look forward to following your journeys and celebrating the incredible contributions you are destined to make in the future.”

By Terita Walker

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