Dr. Payne demonstrated resilience throughout her entire life; she grew up in an adoptive home that quickly became a single parent home. With minimal resources and an optimist attitude, Dr. Payne worked hard in school, and achieved excellence in every phase of her educational career. She was able to speak over her own life and declare: through hard work and persistence, she would rise above adversity and ridicule; disparaging remarks and negative energy would not gain power over her. Psalm 121 serves as her inspiration and constant reminder that the Lord is a keeper and a preserver. The Dr. Patricia Payne Achievement Award is for students who are seeking to cultivate sustainable change, while simultaneously working tirelessly to defy the odds and achieve success.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Record of community volunteerism (not school related)
- High school graduate (2021)
- Raised in single parent household
- Full need student
- Minimum 3.0 GPA