COTG Scholarship Winner 2023- Aniya Jones

2023 COTG Scholarship Winner

Aniya is a 2023 graduate from Bishop McNamara High School with a 4.1 GPA. She also was an active member of the Children of the Gospel Choir. Aniya was accepted by Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She will be pursuing a major in Musical Theatre program. In her essay, Aniyah refers to Epilepsy as the " Epilepsy: The Invisible but Impactful Disorder" . How true that statement is. Furthermore she reiterates how important it is to educate about Epilepsy. She acknowledged "the importance of the National Epilepsy Awareness Month, or NEAM, should be made,

especially in school settings. NEAM is around to help educate and prevent stigmatizations about

the disorder. Truthfully, epilepsy is only a broad term that defines the many different variants of

the disorder and seizures it causes. NEAM’s purpose is to “build awareness through advocacy”,

which is a value I respect in my own works of social advocacy." We are so excited for Aniya and cannot wait to go the theater to see her in her first production.

Three people posing indoors, one holding a framed photo.

2022 (COTG) Freshman Scholarship Winner

Christian Inman, The First KRPMF COTG Scholarship Winner- 2022

Christian is the first recipent of the scholarship from the KRPMF for members of Children of the Gospel (COTG) Choir. He is also a 2022 Senior who graduated from Bishop McNamara High School with a 3.812 GPA. He has been accepted and will be attending Berklee College of Music ,Boston Campus majoring in Music,

In addition to being a academic achiever, Christian's high school activities included being in the Black Cultural Aliiance Club, Social Activism Society and being inducted into the Thespian Honor Society. His acting and vocal talents awarded him the opportunity to be a cast member of The Enchanted, Supporting Lead, Papa Tellier, Spring Musical and of the Sankofa Production - as a Vocalist.

As a member of the COTG, Christian's melodious tenor voice has also given him the opportunity to serve as a lead soloist, click on the link Performances & Music w/ Hyperlinks: Children of the Gospel Performance at the Sixth & I Synagogue w/ Matthew Whittaker, February 2020:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDcRR5bHa95/

According to Christian, how can he help spreading awareness about Epilepsy by, " Simply talking about it with people around me. Many people underestimate the power of communication and simply speaking to someone about something. One does not have to have millions of followers on social media, or have the most money on the planet to enact positive change in their community. " Additionally, Christian stated he could, " listen to those with Epilepsy, hear what they have to say and uplift their voices and support them during times like Epilepsy Awareness Month in November. " In August, 2022, Christian was awarded a $1500 scholarship.

As Christian transitions to Berklee to pursue his vocal dreams, we look forward to attending his next show!

2022 Essay Contest Winner

Janay Suggs - 2022 KRPMF Essay Contest Winner

Janay is a 2022 Senior who graduated from Washington Leadership High School in June. She is pursuing her college education at the University of the District of Columbia.

The following is an excerpt from Janay's winning essay on " What Epilepsy Means to Me".

"To be very honest, I had never heard of Epilepsy until Kayla Ross Perry’s passing.

On July 6, 2017 one of our close family friends passed away from this terrible disease.

We were devastated and heart broken to say the least, in particular, my siblings and I because we

had no idea.

During my time of reflection, it has increased my awareness of this illness. I believe and think

wholeheartedly schools in particular, middle and high schools, should hold some type of class discussion on this topic, and so many others, like mental illnesses, just to insure everyone’s awareness is on the same page.

We should all know what to do and whom to call, if ever at anytime we come across someone who’s having an episode. You could be the right person at the right time to possibly save someone’s life. The more you know and the more educated you are, the less scary it is and you’re better mentally to help. A lot of people are not aware of this disease, as I wasn’t until it happened to our friend Kayla Ross Perry.

What I would do to educate my classmates and friends, would be to invite them to the

Kayla Ross Perry Foundation’s website to get even more informed about this terrible disease. Next, I would invite them to the annual KRPMF to see all of her loved ones"

Janay, with your insight, compassion and determination we know you are gonna be successful in your pursuits and in spreading the news about Epilepsy

2021 Freshman Scholarship Winner

LaShaun Johnson - 2021 KRPMF Scholarship Winner

LaShaun is a 2021 Senior who graduated from Dunbar Senior High School in June with a 3.64 GPA. This creative, talented and intelligent young lady is attending University of District of Columbia pursing Fashion Merchandising.

She was the founder of the modeling team Crimson Models. She was also a Majorette and served as an Ambassador for SNEAKERS,Inc. In her own words, "Having a passion for fashion places me in direct contact with my creativity. The same holds for those who have been diagnosed with epilepsy. No one living with this disease should have to feel alone, like an outsider, nor be viewed as someone walking with an inside ticking bomb ready to blow at any time. Just as fashion evolves throughout the years, trends and styles venture out more to support and advocate for those living with physical and emotional challenges, the local community, international and global regions must be provided with opportunities to be educated and aware of thee importance of unity without judgment."

The Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Scholarship is important to me because the financial assistance will help me further my education, my career, and also help me maintain the legacy of Kayla whose goal and mission was to not be afraid of who you are, what you are facing but live in the moment. KRPMF looks forward to partnering with you LaShaun!

At the end of August, two KRPMF board Members Bernard and Edana Perry, delivered the $1000 scholarship check to LaShaun and her family.

Continue to influence your world and make it happen. Shout out to LaShaun's family and village for being her foundation and cheer leading squad.

2020 Freshman Scholarship Winner

Christen Carpenter is the 1st KRPMF Scholarship Winner

Christen is a 2020 Senior who graduated from Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George's Community College. this past June. Congratulations to Christen and her family on this great accomplishment. After being accepted to several universities and colleges, Christen has decided to attend Stevensenville University in Maryland in the Fall. She will be studying to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science and working towards a career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.”

Christen shares her plans on how she can educate her classmates on Epilepsy, " My plan is to use my tenure as a Service Scholar and cheerleader to educate my classmates and the Stevenson community by making Epilepsy education my platform. I can do this by keeping up with activities, walks and other activities posted by the Epilepsy Foundation and other organizations such as the Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Foundation. When these organizations post activities, my goal is to inform my Service Scholar group and cheerleading squad so that we can possibly participate in the posted activities. This in turn will serve as an opportunity to educate and reduce their fears and prejudices about Epilepsy ." We look forward to partnering with you Christen.

On Saturday, August 15, 2020, two KRPMF board Members Bernard and Edana Perry, delivered the $1000 scholarship check to Christen and her mom.

We are so excited for you and all that you will accomplish. Go Christen!