Woodson Warriors Celebrate Excellence at 2026 Scholarship Luncheon

 

Photograph by Brandon Sweat Photography

By Taylor McCray Honor | Contributor, The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — More than a scholarship program, the Woodson Warriors Scholarship Fund has become a powerful testament to what happens when a community invests in its future.

On May 30, 2026, supporters, donors, families, scholars, and community leaders gathered at Eckerd College for the annual Woodson Warriors Scholarship Fund Luncheon, a celebration welcoming a new class of outstanding high school scholars into the Woodson Warriors family while honoring the achievements of graduating college seniors who have excelled within the program.

Founded in 2019 through the vision of philanthropists Jane Bunker and Mason Morfit in partnership with The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, the scholarship program has grown into one of St. Petersburg’s most impactful educational initiatives. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarship support and helped dozens of students pursue higher education across the nation.

“Our Woodson Warriors Scholarship Luncheon is one of the most inspiring celebrations of the year,” said Terri Lipsey Scott, Executive Director.  “It is a privilege to honor our graduating college scholars, celebrate the remarkable achievements of those continuing their educational journeys, and welcome a new class of exceptional students into the Woodson Warriors family. Each scholar represents the promise of tomorrow, and together they embody the enduring legacy of excellence, leadership, and service that The Woodson is proud to champion.”

WELCOME, CLASS OF 2026

The celebration introduced the newest recipients of the Woodson Warriors Scholarship Fund. Selected for their academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to excellence, these graduating high school seniors will begin college this fall at institutions throughout Florida and beyond.

Jordayn Adams-Allen is a graduate of Boca Ciega High School and an alumnus of the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions (CWMP) program. She will be continuing her academic journey at St. Petersburg College, where she plans to major in Nursing. Jordayn joins the next generation of Woodson Warriors committed to advancing in the healthcare field and making a meaningful impact through service and care in her community.

Gabrielle Ardoin is a graduate of Boca Ciega High School and an alumnus of the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions (CWMP) program. She will continue her education at the University of North Florida, where she plans to major in Early Childhood Education. Gabrielle joins the Woodson Warriors readily eager to shape young minds and contributing to the future of education through dedication, care, and academic excellence. Gabrielle was also the recipient of the Priscilla Rose McFadden Scholarship, created in memory of Priscilla Rose McFadden, a dedicated servant leader of St. Petersburg.

Braelyn Brinson is a graduate of Boca Ciega High School and an alumnus of the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions (CWMP) program. She will be continuing her academic journey at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, where she plans to major in Nursing. Braelyn joins the Woodson Warriors seeking to advance in the healthcare field and serving her community through compassionate care and clinical distinction.

Amira Bryant is a graduate of Boca Ciega High School and an alumnus of the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions (CWMP) program. She will continue her academic journey at the University of North Florida, where she plans to major in Nursing. Amira joins the Woodson Warriors dedicated to advancing the healthcare field and committed to service, care, and academic achievement in her community.

Amarah Cabassa is a graduate of Boca Ciega High School and an alumnus of the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions (CWMP) program. She will continue her academic journey at Bethune-Cookman University, where she plans to major in Nursing. Amarah joins the Woodson Warriors committed to advancing the healthcare profession and has dedicated herself to high performance of excellence.

A’Zahria Davis is a graduate of Boca Ciega High School and an alumnus of the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions (CWMP) program. She will continue her academic journey at Florida International University, where she plans to major in Accounting. A’Zahria joins the Woodson Warriors with a passion for business and financial stewardship, and a commitment to achieving academic distinction while preparing for a successful professional career.

Damarion Feaster is a graduate of Keswick Christian School. He will continue his academic journey at Howard University, where he plans to major in Biology. Damarion joins the Woodson Warriors committed to academic excellence by pursuing a future in science, with aspirations to contribute meaningfully to health and research-related fields.

Jaelynn Hicks is a graduate of Lakewood High School and an alumnus of the Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT) program. He will continue his academic journey at the University of Hawaii, where he plans to major in Astrophysics. Jayln joins the Woodson Warriors with a strong commitment to academic excellence and a passion for exploring the sciences of space, matter, and the universe.

Jayda Parkes-Quarrie is a graduate of St. Petersburg College’s Collegiate Program. She will continue her academic journey at Howard University, where she plans to major in Communications. Jayda joins the Woodson Warriors who are committed to academic distinction and passionate about storytelling, media, and using communication as a tool for impact and leadership in her community and beyond.

Marley Poole is a graduate of Lakewood High School. She will continue her academic journey at Georgia Southern University, where she plans to major in Health Sciences. Marley joins the Woodson Warriors committed to academic distinction and is dedicated to building a future in healthcare rooted in service, wellness, and community impact.

Eris Shepherd is a graduate of St. Petersburg College’s Collegiate Program. She will continue her academic journey at Xavier University, where she plans to major in Health Sciences. Eris joins the Woodson Warriors committed to academic excellence and dedicated to pursuing a future in healthcare grounded in service and good health while bringing a meaningful impact to the community.

Sarenity Warren is a graduate of Gibbs High School and an alumnus of the Business, Economics, and Technology Academy (BETA). She will continue her academic journey at the University of Tampa, where she plans to major in Biology. Sarenity joins the Woodson Warriors committed to academic distinction and dedicated to building a future in the biological sciences grounded in research and discovery to impact the public sphere.

Darrell Woods is a graduate of Northeast High School. He will continue his academic journey at the University of South Florida, where he plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. Darrell joins the Woodson Warriors committed to academic excellence and dedicated to building a future in engineering focused on innovation, problem-solving, and civic engagement.

Chase Temple is a graduate of St. Petersburg College’s Collegiate Program. He will continue his academic journey at Tuskegee University, where he plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. Chase joins the Woodson Warriors dedicated to academic distinction and committed to building a future in engineering focused on innovation, problem-solving, and meaningful service to the community.

Lauren Wright is a graduate of St. Petersburg College’s Collegiate Program. She will continue her academic journey at Florida State University, where she plans to major in Biology. Lauren joins the Woodson Warriors committed to academic distinction and dedicated to building a future in the biological sciences centered on research, discovery, and lasting community contributions.

As they embark on their collegiate journeys, these scholars join a growing network of scholars who continue to thrive in classrooms, careers, and communities across the country.

CONGRATULATIONS COLLEGE GRADUATES

The luncheon also honored the Woodson Warriors who completed their college journeys this year, earning degrees in fields ranging from health sciences and education to business, engineering, law, and the arts.

Jeremiah Daniels, a member of the Woodson Warriors Class of 2022, graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science. Throughout his collegiate journey, Jeremiah demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement, personal growth, and service. As a Woodson Warrior alumnus, he joins a growing network of graduates making meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.

Haydn Kelley, a member of the Woodson Warriors Class of 2022, graduated from Emerson College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Throughout his collegiate journey, Haydn demonstrated a commitment to artistic excellence and creative expression. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, his accomplishments exemplify the determination and dedication that have become hallmarks of the Woodson Warrior experience.

Ciera Marion, a member of the Woodson Warriors Class of 2022, graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science. Throughout her collegiate journey, Ciera demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement, personal growth, and service. Her graduation marks an important milestone in a journey characterized by determination, resilience, and a passion for empowering individuals and families.

Jasmine Oliphant, a member of the Woodson Warriors Class of 2022, graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Throughout her collegiate journey, Jasmine demonstrated a strong commitment to storytelling, academic achievement, and professional growth in the field of media and communications. Her graduation reflects a journey shaped by determination, resilience, and a dedication to informing and uplifting communities.

London Sparks, a member of the Woodson Warriors Class of 2022, graduated from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. Throughout her collegiate journey, London demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and scientific inquiry. Her achievement reflects a path defined by determination, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for advancing knowledge in the physical sciences.

Nia Tomalin, a member of the Woodson Warriors Class of 2022, graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Science in History. Throughout her collegiate journey, Nia demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, historical facts, and intellectual growth. Her achievement reflects a path shaped by determination, discipline, and a passion for understanding history and its impact on contemporary society.

Each graduate embodies the mission of the scholarship program by expanding access, strengthening academic achievement, and developing leadership.

A LEGACY OF OPPORTUNITY

Since awarding its first scholarships, the Woodson Warriors Scholarship Fund has built an extraordinary record of student success. Woodson Warriors have attended many of the nation’s leading colleges and universities, pursuing careers in medicine, engineering, law, education, business, public service, and the arts.

Founder Jane Bunker reflected on the program’s continued success: “The outstanding reputation of the Woodson Warriors Scholarship Program continues to attract exceptional students. Thanks to the dedicated leadership of Scholarship Program Administrator Justin Miller and our Scholarship Committee, the Class of 2026 is raising the bar once again. Their talent, character, and commitment to excellence give us every reason to believe the future has never been brighter.”

The annual luncheon is a celebration of more than scholarships, it celebrates opportunity, mentorship, and a community committed to helping young people succeed.

As one class graduates and another begins its college journey, the message remains clear: when a community invests in its young people, the return is immeasurable.