For DonorsFor Applicants

Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship

$2,000
2 winners, $1,000 each
Open
Application Deadline
Apr 20, 2025
Winners Announced
May 20, 2025
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior or undergraduate student
GPA:
3.0 or higher
Background:
Sports experience, community service or volunteering experience

Kalia D. Davis was a beloved daughter who recently passed away on June 8, 2023, from a condition called Carotid artery dissection, occurring when there is a tear or separation in the layers of the carotid artery in the neck. 

Kalia was a high school athlete who ran track and cross country. She was also a straight-A student during high school and received a full ride to the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana. She continued to strive and excel there while working as a front desk clerk in the dorms and serving on the executive board for the Black Student Union. She had recently planned to go to ROTC basic training and wanted to eventually join the military.

Throughout Kalia's young life, she had an impeccable work ethic and was a person of excellence, always doing her very best in every area of her life. She could be counted on by her peers for encouragement and a good laugh. She loved traveling, going to the beach to watch the sunset, and dancing with her niece, Aubrey. This scholarship seeks to honor the memory and incredible legacy of Kalia D. Davis by supporting students who share her work ethic, kindness, ambition and drive to excel in life.

Living Loving Laughing Learning Legacy

Any high school senior or undergraduate student who has at least a 3.0 GPA, sports experience, and volunteering or community service experience may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about yourself and how this scholarship would help you.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published May 29, 2024
Essay Topic

Please tell us about yourself and how this scholarship will help you.

400–600 words

Winning Application

cassidy cargal
Kingston High SchoolMADILL, OK
Losing someone close to you is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. The pain, the memories, and the unfulfilled dreams linger, shaping your perspective on life and fueling your drive to make the most of every moment. When I heard about the scholarship in honor of Kalia D. Davis, I felt an instant connection to her story, her spirit, and her legacy. As I reflect on her remarkable life, I am inspired to share my journey and aspirations, knowing that her legacy of excellence, kindness, and ambition lives on through those who strive to make a difference in the world. Like Kalia, I have experienced the profound loss of a dear friend at a young age. Losing someone so young and full of potential is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It is a pain that never truly fades, but instead becomes a source of strength and motivation to honor their memory by living a life of purpose and impact. Kalia's resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life serve as a guiding light for me as I navigate my path. I share Kalia's passion for running and cross country, finding solace and joy in the rhythm of each stride, and the feeling of freedom that comes with pushing my limits. Running has taught me perseverance, discipline, and the importance of setting goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. It is a sport that transcends physical boundaries, instilling in me a sense of determination and resilience that extends far beyond the track. As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my academic journey, pursuing a career in dentistry, I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination to make a difference in the lives of others. Just as Kalia was dedicated to excellence in her studies and extracurricular activities, I am committed to excelling in my academic pursuits while also giving back to my community through volunteering and service. The opportunity to receive the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education but also serve as a meaningful reminder of the importance of striving for excellence and making a positive impact on the world. This scholarship would honor Kalia's memory and provide me with the support and encouragement to continue pursuing my dreams with passion and determination. It would enable me to focus on my studies and extracurricular activities without the added stress of financial worries, allowing me to fully immerse myself in pursuing knowledge and personal growth. More importantly, it would be a constant reminder of the legacy of excellence, kindness, and ambition that Kalia embodied, inspiring me to carry her spirit with me in everything I do. In conclusion, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship and share my story with you. Kalia's legacy of living, loving, laughing, learning, and leaving a legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that one individual can have on the world. With this scholarship, I am committed to honoring her memory by continuing to strive for excellence, kindness, and ambition in all aspects of my life. Thank you for considering my application.
Charles Aluvale
Wheaton HighSilver Spring, MD
I am an individual deeply moved by the story of Kalia D. Davis, whose life exemplified excellence, resilience, and a profound commitment to making a difference. Her journey, marked by remarkable achievements and an unyielding spirit, resonates with me on multiple levels. As someone who aspires to embody similar values of hard work, dedication, and service to others, I find Kalia's story both inspiring and motivating. My background, while unique in its challenges, has instilled in me a similar drive to excel academically and personally. Like Kalia, I have always aimed to achieve at the highest levels in my education and community involvement, often balancing multiple responsibilities to support my family and contribute to my community. My journey has been characterized by a dedication to excellence, not merely for personal accolades but to pave the way for meaningful contributions to society. Receiving this scholarship would significantly impact my ability to continue my education without the overwhelming burden of financial stress. It would provide me with the resources needed to pursue my academic goals with the same fervor and dedication that Kalia demonstrated throughout her life. This support would not only honor Kalia's legacy but also enable me to follow in her footsteps of excellence and service. My ambition is to use my education to make a tangible difference in the world, specifically in addressing pressing social issues and contributing to the betterment of my community. I am particularly interested in fields that allow for direct impact on the lives of others, drawing inspiration from Kalia's planned service in the military and her active involvement in her university community. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolizes a commitment to the values Kalia lived by and the continuation of her legacy through the pursuits and achievements of scholarship recipients. In honoring Kalia's memory, I am committed to upholding the principles she embodied: hard work, kindness, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This scholarship will help me to advance my education and career aspirations, enabling me to contribute positively to my community and beyond. It will allow me to focus more fully on my studies and community service, reducing the financial barriers that might otherwise divert my attention from these goals. Ultimately, this scholarship would empower me to achieve my academic and professional goals, inspired by Kalia's remarkable life and legacy. It would afford me the opportunity to develop as a leader and innovator, committed to making a positive impact in the world, much like Kalia aimed to do through her aspirations and actions.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 20, 2025. Winners will be announced on May 20, 2025.