In 2025, the chapter and FEO awarded $34,000 in scholarships, their largest annual distribution to date.
Five outstanding freshmen students were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and community commitment.
Two upperclassmen scholars are recipients of the Wyrot Pace Ward Leadership Scholarship, an annual award throughout four-years of college.
This milestone accomplishment was featured on the front-page of the Inquiring News.
University: Southern Connecticut State University
Major: Political Science
High School: Avon High School
Hometown: Hartford, Connecticut
Scholarship: Allenstine Willis Scholar
Zaeda Reid is a passionate scholar entering the Political Science program at Southern Connecticut State University. A graduate of Avon High School, Zaeda aspires to become a diplomat, working in international affairs. With a steadfast commitment to higher education, her future goals include pursuing graduate studies and influencing global policy through a lens of equity and justice.
University: Morgan State University
Major: Computer and Electrical Engineering (Clara I. Adams Honors College)
High School: Bloomfield High School
Hometown: Bloomfield,Connecticut
Scholarship: The Freshmen Five Hundred
Mahoganie Wilson-Little is a driven honors student beginning her academic journey in Computer and Electrical Engineering at Morgan State University. With aspirations of earning a Master’s and PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mahoganie aims to one day own her own engineering firm. Her resilience and academic excellence are matched by her desire to lead and innovate in the STEM field.
University: Cornell University
Major: Computer Science (Minor: Finance), College of Arts and Sciences
High School: Miss Porter’s School
Hometown: Bloomfield, Connecticut
Scholarship: The Freshmen Five Hundred
Zaria St. Clair is a perseverant scholar with a strong vision for the future. Studying Computer Science with a minor in Finance at Cornell University, Zaria combines her love for technology with a commitment to advancing financial accessibility. Her long-term goal is to pursue a master’s degree and work at a major asset management firm like BlackRock, where she can create inclusive financial innovations.
University: North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Major: Pre-Nursing
High School: Capital Preparatory Magnet School
Hometown: Windsor, Connecticut
Scholarship: The Hartford HBCU Scholar
Savannah Fulton is a diligent student dedicated to serving her community through healthcare. She is entering the Pre-Nursing program at NC A&T with the goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. Savannah is particularly passionate about improving outcomes for Black mothers and has committed to continuing her social justice advocacy to combat disparities in maternal healthcare.
University: Howard University
Major: Psychology
High School: Avon High School
Hometown: Hartford,Connecticut
Scholarship: Allenstine Willis Scholar
Gabrielle Blaise is a passionate and loyal young woman pursuing a degree in psychology at Howard University. A proud graduate of Avon High School, Gabrielle is committed to uplifting Black youth and hopes to support children both inside and outside the classroom. Though still exploring her exact career path, she is driven by a desire to be impactful in children’s lives and guide them through the challenges of growing up in today’s society.
Chakiri Eley, the Scholarship Committee Chair, states:
“The committee is committed to walk alongside you, to be a resource, a cheerleader, and an advocate as you navigate your college journey. This scholarship is not just a financial investment; it is a promise. A promise that we believe in you, and we are committed to your success every step of the way.”
Linda D., now a junior at Howard University, is the 2023 recipient of the Wyrot Pace Ward Leadership Scholarship. She reconnected with Mrs. Ward for whom the scholarship is named, at the 2025 Scholarship Tea.
In 1957, Mrs. Ward was the chapter’s first scholarship recipient. She later joined the organization and led the chapter and the foundation for multiple terms as president. She continues to serve as an inspiration.
As part of their two-pronged effort to expand educational opportunities, the organizations sponsored a student trip to an Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) college fair, November 2024. Members of AKA hosted workshops to prepare students to meet representatives from several colleges and universities, including HBCUs with hope of being accepted by their chosen school. The initiative yielded impressive results: of 32 participating students, 29 submitted applications, and 18 students received acceptance letters from multiple HBCUs. In some cases, these acceptance offers included scholarships totaling $260,000 pending enrollment. One stand-out student received a full-ride scholarship to Simmons College.
“These investments reflect our belief in the power of education and our unwavering commitment to young scholars who are poised to lead and uplift their communities,” said Yvette Highsmith and Carolyn Harris-Burney, presidents of Epsilon Omicron Omega Chapter and FEO, respectively.
“As we celebrate 75 years of community service, we continue to improve our impact on the lives of our scholars.”
Five outstanding students were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and community commitment.
The organizations’ new Recurring Scholarship Program ensures that recipients not only receive financial aid but also benefit from mentorship and wrap-around support throughout their college journey.
The Foundation for Educational Opportunities, Incorporated in conjunction with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Epsilon Omicron Omega chapter in Hartford, CT presents its 11th Annual signature event, Hartford Girls Rock!. We will celebrate, inspire and honor the area’s best and brightest young ladies for their academic achievement, leadership potential and community service.
