THE RUTH MAE SAWYER SCHOLARSHIP PAST AWARDEES

2025 Awardee - Jevon Porter

My philosophy of education is that there are many different sides to education. There is the way a student learns, the drive of the student, and the outcome of the student. Education is one of the most powerful things any person can have. Education in any form is very important because it teaches us about ourselves, and others, and how to traverse the world. My philosophy on education however is more than how many assignments you complete or your test scores. The learning should not stop after a person gets a degree or certificate as the world is always changing and we must adjust for life’s new obstacles and challenges. In the end we all should strive to learn more and continue to pursue education.

2024 Awardee - Honoree Preferred Not to Disclose Name or Photo

The purpose of school is to educate the future generation so they can change society for the better. When ignorant, it’s nearly impossible to accomplish any of that. My philosophy on education is that it should spark and satisfy curiosity. It is sparked by an environment that breeds independent thinking. It is satisfied by students being taught and by being given the resources to learn more on their own. Education is important because it leads to a curiosity that leads our society to change for the better. Therefore, restricting it to silence minorities is undoubtedly a threat. We must encourage future generations to have their curiosity sparked and to have the knowledge and resources necessary to satisfy it.

2023 Awardee - Tamarus Darby

As a young Black Latino male in America, my background and story are too common for others who look like me, but we are the masters of our destiny, and we decide how history will judge us. For several years I've focused my career and academic pursuits on politics. Since the age of 6, I've been on a mission to become the President of the United States of America. Because I've held on to this dream and decided not to become another body in the coroner's office, I'm proud to say I will attend Howard University in the fall of 2023, majoring in political science and international affairs. These goals have shaped my future and allowed me to become a servant leader dedicated to serving my community with no strings attached.