Quarterly Newsletter Issue 4, June 2022
Quarterly Newsletter
Issue 4, June 2022
Hello Family and Friends!
Whether you are wrapping up the school year, dealing with work/life issues, or making plans for a fun summer, we wish you a safe and happy life! We, too, have been very busy reviewing applications for our second round of recipients for the Paul Nelson Randolph Abundant Life Scholarships. As mentioned in our last newsletter, we had a very impressive pool of applicants, and after much consideration, we’ve made our selections. We are happy to share more about our 2022–23 recipients below.
We’ve also been planning our next fundraiser, Paul’s Move-A-Thon: Walk, Run, Ride & Roll, which takes place during the month of July and concludes with our Unity Day on July 31. Paul was an avid sports lover and biked religiously until his illness. Let’s honor his legacy through movement—together—and raise funds to support our next round of scholarship recipients. Below you’ll find more information and ways to get involved. We hope you’ll join us.
Our mailing address has changed! Reach us at Paul Nelson Randolph Abundant Life Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 6189, River Forest, IL 60305.
Meet Our 2022-23 PNR Scholarship Recipients
We are thrilled to announce our amazing cohort of scholarship recipients for the 2022–23 school year. Because of your great generosity, we were able to award a total of $32,000! We’ve spent the past several months reviewing applications from our target referral sources, all dear to Paul’s heart: Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, Ohio (Ariyana Randolph Miles’ high school alma mater); Saint Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio (Simone Randolph’s high school alma mater); and The City of Life Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri.
We would like to send a huge thanks to all the applicants who took the time to fill out our application, collect reference letters, and submit their materials. As our foundation continues to grow, we hope to award as many recipients as we can! We now introduce our 2022–23 scholarship recipients.
Jordyn Bailey
Affiliation: Notre Dame Academy
Scholarship amount: $4,000
School attending: University of Cincinnati
Major: Nursing
From Jordyn’s application: “A word that best encompasses my life goals is ‘uplift.’ I wholeheartedly believe in the cliche of ‘it takes a village.’ Growing up in a single-parent household, I learned to embrace and love my village of extended family, teachers, coaches, mentors, and friends who have helped build me up over the years. However, I realized this gratitude cannot just extend to appreciation; moving forward this gratitude should manifest into sharing my blessings by positively contributing to the villages of others.”
From Susie Huffman, Social Studies teacher and Department Chair: “Jordyn is more than an excellent student; she is a great thinker and communicator. …Jordyn is more than a leader; she brings people together. Jordyn doesn’t just talk but takes action.”
Janiya Cato
Affiliation: The City of Life
Christian Church
Scholarship amount: $3,000
School attending: Kansas State University
Major: Architecture
From Janiya’s application: “… there is always going to be adversity in life. With all the good comes some bad, but these trials shouldn’t stop anyone from living it to the fullest. To me, living my life abundantly means to live it in its abounding fullness by filling up my spirit/soul with positivity, treating my body that God created with care and radiating joy.”
From Ashlee Vaughn, assistant principal at Ft. Zumwalt East High School: “Janiya is selfless, compassionate, and dedicated. …I do not meet many students who have such a strong desire to make the world a better place. …She will do great things and I cannot wait to see how she continues to change society for the better.”
Isabela Bobé
Affiliation: Saint Joseph Academy
Scholarship amount: $4,000
School attending: University of Miami
Major: Political Science
From Isabela’s application: “I have always thought of my persistence as a gift. My willpower to seek the best for myself is a testament to the ardor and strength exemplified by the role models in my family. …Living my life abundantly means taking the risks necessary to make my life as enjoyable and filled with success as possible without any fear.”
From Nasja Aude, intervention specialist at Horizon Science Academy of Lorain: “[Isabela] continuously impresses me with her numerous accomplishments and leadership positions. Isabela is a very ambitious, passionate, outspoken, and driven individual. Isabela aims to improve the lives of all of those around her. …Isabela creates a positive space for her peers to learn, grow, and be confident being who they are.”
Amani Foster
Affiliation: Notre Dame Academy
Scholarship amount: $5,000
School attending: Vanderbilt University
Major: Political Science and Economics
From Amani’s application: “I started…the Anti-Racism Coalition designed to allow students to voice their concerns, propose solutions, and have personal conversations with the school administrators. …Living life abundantly means using my time wisely to serve myself and others while impacting my community. With my commitment to creating anti-racist educational environments, I have found a start to my passion for advocacy.”
From Angela Joseph, International Baccalaureate coordinator at Notre Dame Academy: “What inspires me about Amani is her resilience and tenacity. …Her determination to challenge herself, for the sake of learning and becoming a better person, is truly an example of how education is meant to be. …Amani is able to see the need for change and is not afraid to lead the charge.”
Mariana Maddox
Affiliation: Saint Joseph Academy
Scholarship amount: $4,000
School attending: The Ohio State University
Major: Exploratory Studies
From Mariana’s application: “At family gatherings, you can hear conversations in Spanish, English, Korean, and Slovak while we share meals and different ethnic traditions that have been passed down through the generations. …Growing up in a predominantly white suburb and being one of the few darker-skin people in my school, I was determined from a young age to be the diversity in my community and promote inclusivity. It has been my goal to be a bridge of peace and leave a positive, meaningful impact on my school, work, and the community I call home.”
From Nora Corrigan, human resources director at Saint Joseph Academy: “Mariana is responsible, has a strong work ethic, and takes feedback well. She has a fierce drive and motivation to achieve academic excellence.”
Amanda Ngo
Affiliation: Notre Dame Academy
Scholarship amount: $5,000
School attending: Case Western Reserve University
Major: Biochemistry
From Amanda’s application: “Now that I am on my path to find myself, I am no longer scared to share my heritage abundantly in the new relationships I create. Through helping others, I have learned that one can only live abundantly if they share the abundance of life with others and it is my vocation to do that.”
From Angela Joseph, International Baccalaureate coordinator at Notre Dame Academy: “[Amanda] goes to great lengths to better her environment including all of those around her and she is not afraid to be an advocate. She makes a point to keep up on politics and what is going on in the world. Having her family come from Nigeria…she saw a need to help young people with their education.”
Candace Mason
Affiliation: The City of Life
Christian Church
Scholarship amount: $3,000
School attending: St. Louis Community College
Major: General Transfer Studies (AA)
From Candace’s application: “My goal is to help counsel people from all walks of life to become the best version of themselves for the glory of God. I feel that reaching out and giving people the tools needed will help others to achieve and lead more productive lives.”
From Elder Joe Louis Middleton, Pastor at The City of Life Christian Church: “I have found [Candace] to be steadfast in her faith, unshakeable in her commitment, impeccable in character and integrity, compassionate in serving, and selfless in giving. …Her goals and aspirations are the fulfillment of Deacon Paul Nelson Randolph’s dream and desire to help adults reengage in pursuing the path to being an instrument of positive change in the lives of others.”
Gabrielle Rhodes
Affiliation: Notre Dame Academy
Scholarship amount: $4,000
School attending: Ohio Northern University
Major: Nursing
From Gabrielle’s application: “My number one life goal is to become a travel nurse and serve underrepresented populations and areas. I have always had a passion for serving others and putting my whole self into my work. …The road in life is never straight forward, so it will have its ups and downs. It’s what you make out of those downs that will determine how you can celebrate in your ups.”
From Patricia B. Sanders, Performing Arts chair, Notre Dame Academy: “I have been impressed with both Gabby’s talent and leadership qualities. I am also appreciative of Gabby’s ability to remain even-keeled in difficult times. …She responded with grace and calm to situations that might have caused others to lose it. I was very proud of her.”
We congratulate and wish our 2022–23 recipients well in their pursuit of higher education and a truly abundant life! To support our future scholarship efforts, please visit pnrabundantlife.org/donate.
Foundation Updates
Hey, have you heard the news about PAUL'S MOVE-A-THON: JULY 1-31, 2022?
Want more energy?
Want to support deserving students?
Want to make a difference while getting active with others?
Then make plans to move with the Paul Nelson Randolph Abundant Life Scholarship Foundation during the month of July, as we strive to raise funds for the next round of scholarship recipients while honoring Paul’s legacy!
Our first annual Paul’s Move-A-Thon: Walk, Run, Ride & Roll fundraising event kicks off July 1 and runs through July 31, 2022.
Choose your MOVE! You can walk your neighborhood, explore on your bike, swim in your favorite pool, roll along on your favorite trail, bend into a yoga pose, or opt to do any activity that gets your endorphins pumping. You choose the movement. All we ask is that you make moves throughout the month (at least 3x per week) and have fun while doing so!
Make a PLEDGE! As a participant you’ll pledge to:
Be active for a minimum of 30 minutes at least 3x per week during the month of July
Make a monetary pledge to move—the suggested donation amount is $75
Participate in the virtual Unity Day event on Sunday, July 31, 2022, 10am CT, when we will move together for 30 minutes—we want to see you moving!
Share your experience on our Facebook community page
Invite family and friends to join in the fun, make a monetary pledge, and move with us!
CLICK HERE to register by joining a team aligned with a PNR Abundant Life board member (i.e., team Ari, team Suzie). Early Bird registration ends on June 15, 2022. Final registration date is June 30, 2022. We thank you in advance for your participation!
Join Us
As we continue our mission in support of underrepresented youth and adult learners, we are grateful for those who have joined us—and those who will join us—on this journey. But most of all, we’re grateful for the opportunity to serve others. A sincere Thank You for all you do to support us.
Wishing You An Abundant Life,
Vanessa (Van) Randolph and
The Paul Nelson Randolph Abundant Life Scholarship Foundation Board