Dr. Patricia Payne Achievement Award

Dr. Payne has demonstrated resilience throughout her life. She grew up in an adoptive home that later became a single-parent household. With minimal resources but an optimistic attitude, Dr. Payne worked hard in school and achieved excellence at every stage of her educational journey. She declared over her own life that through hard work and persistence, she would rise above adversity and ridicule, refusing to allow disparaging remarks or negative energy to gain power over her. Psalm 121 serves as her inspiration and a constant reminder that the Lord is both a keeper and a preserver.

The Dr. Patricia Payne Achievement Award honors students who are seeking to cultivate sustainable change while working tirelessly to defy the odds and achieve success.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Record of community volunteerism (outside of school-related activities)
• High school graduate (Current Year)
• Raised in a single-parent household
• Demonstrated financial need
• Minimum 3.0 GPA