Jordan Park Projects Nostalgic Association scholarships awarded

ST. PETERSBURG — Annually, the Jordan Park Nostalgic Association, Inc. (JPPNA) awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors who aspire to attend college. 

In order to be considered for a scholarship, recipients must complete a comprehensive scholarship application, which includes an autobiographical essay, reference letters, school transcript and a college acceptance letter from an accredited college/university.

Congratulations to the four talented scholars who were selected from a pool of qualified applicants.  The scholars selected demonstrated, through their application packet, that they have the fortitude to attend college, complete their educational goals and make a difference in the community.

Steven Eberhart, Malik Haywood, Dhaneshia Shepherd and Anthony Wilson were the four Scholars honored on Mon., July 28 at the Enoch Davis Center. Each scholar received a scholarship in the amount of $750.

Steven Eberhart, a graduate of St. Petersburg High School and currently attending St. Petersburg College, read a heartfelt letter that he wrote and keeps on his person to remind him when others doubt him, he knows he can achieve anything as long as he doesn’t give up.  Even in the face of adversity and being a teenaged father of two young boys, college is doable for him.

Malik Haywood, a Lakewood High School graduate, was not present because he has begun his studies at North Carolina A&T University. However, he wrote a letter read by his father Phillip Haywood, Jr. that expressed his desire to be a positive role model and become a renowned musician in his own right.

Dhaneshia Shepherd, also a graduate of Lakewood High School, will enroll in St. Petersburg College this semester to obtain her Associate of Arts Degree in Physical Therapy.  Upon graduating, she plans to attend Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University where she will work towards obtaining a doctorate.  While attending Lakewood, Dhaneshia was a standout scholar, musician and athlete.

Anthony Wilson, also not present, of Phoenix High School was accepted at Georgia Gwinnett College in Gwinnett, Ga.  He has received numerous awards during the year as a standout student and community student leader. His goal is to obtain a degree in business administration and become a major player in the stock market.

After the program a reception was held in their honor.  Rufus Lewis, President gave final remarks and thanked the community for their continued support.

The Scholarship Committee of JPPNA is spearheaded by Betty Crawford.  JPPNA is a nonprofit association that scholarship funds are derived from the Annual Christmas Holiday Scholarship Gala, chaired by Victoria Gaskin.  This year’s event will be held December 26 at the Gulfport Casino.