Scholarship Winners Pursue Degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Business Administration, Kinesiology, Nursing on a Mission to Serve Others
Kennedy Dixon, Czaria Martin, Amare Turner, Felicione Behan
Kennedy Dixon
Using Advanced Technology and Compassionate Care to Create Meaningful Change for Patients
Upholding the values of respect, dignity and courage that her mother instilled in her and making her mother proud are among the motivating influences that drive Kennedy Dixon. “My mother serves as a profound source of inspiration, fueling me with courage and drive to create meaningful change in my life.”
A graduate of Edna Karr High School, Kennedy is a smart and mature student who is pursuing an Associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Delgado Community College, drawn to the blend of advanced technology and patient care.
“The ability to use ultrasound imaging to diagnose and monitor medical conditions fascinates me, especially knowing that it directly impacts patient outcomes,” she says. “My goal is to gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience, ultimately applying it to provide accurate diagnoses and compassionate care to patients, making a difference in their lives.”
Kennedy credits The 431 Exchange’s support with helping students to afford higher education, “opening doors and enabling them to fulfill their potential.”
Czaria Martin
Pursuing Education to Realize Her Dreams
A desire to provide and to achieve financial independence are Czaria Martin’s motivation to achieve her bachelor of science degree in Business Administration and eventually pursue a degree in architecture.
Czaria, a hard-working and ambitious student, sees education as a path to freedom from worry about the future. “I want to be able to let my family know not to worry. I like to not worry about how I’m going to make it through life.”
Czaria graduated from Carver High School in New Orleans and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Dillard University. Eventually obtaining a degree in architecture will allow her to combine her love of drawing with her love of houses. “I feel like it works easily together and I could work on something I love.”
A legacy scholar whose aunt Hilda Smith graduated from The Adult Education Center, she credits The 431 Exchange with “inspiring me to be greater and be better, no matter the obstacles that come my way. It lets me know there are people who actually care about the kids and growing adults in school and trying to help.”
Amare Turner
Carrying on a Community Legacy to Make a Difference
Witnessing excellence in her community is what drives Amare Turner to pursue a career in healthcare that will allow her to make a difference. Amare is working toward a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at Louisiana State University. She plans to then obtain a master’s degree and become a Physician Assistant.
“My family and others in my community faced many challenges and had to overcome to get where they are today,” she says. “Witnessing their resilience in the face of adversity inspires me to keep going. It makes me eager to make a difference because I want to carry on this legacy of success so that future generations will know they are capable of overcoming anything.”
A gracious and charismatic person, Amare graduated from the Willow School in New Orleans. She is a legacy scholar, whose aunt Linda Teamer graduated from The Adult Education Center. Amare applauds The 431 Exchange for its “deep history of helping others and not giving up after rejection. It is clear that (The Adult Education Center) helped many women get where they are today and it is inspiring that (The 431 Exchange) is doing the same with this scholarship.”
Felicione Behan
Overcoming Obstacles and Making a Mark in Healthcare
A self-described “overcomer,” Felicione Behan rose above challenges to obtain her high school diploma along with a certification as a Patient Care Technician and in Phlebotomy from the New Orleans Career Center. Among her motivating factors are moving beyond past struggles and setting an example for her four siblings that they can accomplish their goals through perseverance and hard work.
“Graduating high school was a huge accomplishment for me because neither of my parents graduated high school,” she says. “People who know me would say that I am an overcomer, dedicated and determined. I made up my mind to want better for myself and to graduate high school to be a role mode for my siblings so they know they can want the same.”
Having obtained the other certifications, pursuing a degree in nursing was a natural choice for Felicione, an ambitious and courageous student who graduated from Martin Luther King Charter High School in New Orleans and now attends Southern University in Baton Rouge.
She is drawn to a profession that involves helping others, inspired by several other members of her family who have also received degrees in healthcare.
A legacy scholar, Felicione learned about The 431 Exchange from her great aunt Pamela Cole Wimbley, who graduated from The Adult Education Center, as did her sisters. “Hearing the history and having a first-hand experience of how this organization changes lives inspired me to continue the legacy that has been started,” she says.