Scholarship Recipients

Meet the Awardees

At the Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation, we honor the legacy of service, education, and compassion by investing in the next generation of leaders. Meet the recipients of this year's scholarships, each carrying forward the spirit of Patricia Lindsey Jackson, Mary Louise Lindsey, and Eva Mae Jackson.

Scholarship Recipient Spotlight

In her own words: Meliah Bell

Hear Meliah accept the Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship of Education and share what this support means to her journey at Howard University.

Meliah Bell · 2026–2027 scholarship recipient. Open the video

Read the video transcript

Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all of these things will be added to you. I'm starting this video off the same way I started my scholarship essay off because this is what this scholarship means to me. In the midst of the challenges and adversities that I face trying to pay off my senior year at Howard University, this is just one of the many blessings that the Lord has just granted me with so that. I can continue to finish off my education. And I'm extremely grateful. Now, if there's one piece of advice that I can offer to future scholars or anyone watching this video.

I wanted to read an excerpt from Proverbs 3, 5, trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.

Verse 6, seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take. Verse 7, don't be impressed with your own wisdom.

Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. And this encourages me through everything that I do,

knowing that I don't have to do things on my own, but I just have to seek him first. Thank you.

Current Award Year

2026–2027 Scholarship Recipients

Meet the two Howard University scholars selected to receive this year's foundation scholarships.

Akora Anderson

Mary Louise Lindsey Service Scholarship

Howard University · Psychology and Sociology

Akora is a first-generation Caribbean American woman from Houston, Texas, by way of Prince George's County, Maryland. A rising sophomore at Howard University, she double-majors in psychology and sociology and is interested in clinical research, mental health advocacy, and serving her community.

Clinical PsychologyCommunity ServiceMental HealthJournalingMusicCriminal Justice

"I want to sincerely thank the Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation for awarding me the Mary Louise Lindsey Service Scholarship. Receiving this support helps me continue my journey at Howard and work toward serving others through mental health advocacy and research."

Meliah Bell

Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship of Education

Howard University · Computer Information Systems

Meliah is passionate about using technology, leadership, and service to create positive change. As a Computer Information Systems student at Howard University, she is building a foundation in technology and business while preparing to become a future technology leader who expands access and empowers others.

Information TechnologyMentoringWalkingTravelJournaling

"I am sincerely grateful to have been chosen as the recipient of the Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship of Education. Your support gives me the freedom to immerse myself in learning, mentorship, and community engagement as I work toward becoming a technology leader."

Jonathan Brooks

Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship

"Knowing that this award is rooted in a mission of uplifting others, serving the underserved, and living out love and integrity inspires me to give back in my own journey."

Nene Grace Bello

Mary Louise Lindsey Service Scholarship

"Your commitment to serving others motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to carry forward the spirit of compassion and hope."

Jonathan Brooks

Senior, Champlin Park High School

Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship of Education Recipient

Jonathan Brooks

Jonathan Brooks is a dedicated student with aspirations to major in business and potentially pursue graduate studies in business or law. He is driven by a commitment to creating a positive impact in both fields, shaped by his experiences with both adversity and success.

Jonathan has distinguished himself through leadership and academic achievement. He is a William Harvey Leadership Institute Scholar at Hampton University and a Minnesota Business Venture Scholar at the University of St. Thomas (2023). He has built a strong work ethic during three years of employment at Chick-fil-A and was selected for a highly competitive internship at UnitedHealth Group. Additionally, Jonathan earned Dean's List recognition at North Hennepin Community College for outstanding performance in his PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Options) courses.

Hobbies & Interests

SportsLaw & Law EnforcementBusiness & EntrepreneurshipPublic Health

Acceptance Statement

"Dear Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation,

I'm sincerely grateful to be chosen as the recipient of the Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship of Education. It means so much to me to be recognized by a foundation that embraces such inspiring values of service, education, and compassion. I'm honored to carry on Eva Mae Jackson's legacy through this scholarship.

Your support directly eases the financial challenges of pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus on my classes, internships, and leadership opportunities as I prepare for a future in business or law. This scholarship will help me continue striving for academic excellence and developing the skills I need to create positive change in my community.

As a senior at Champlin Park High, I've worked hard in and out of the classroom, whether earning a place on the Dean's List at North Hennepin Community College or gaining practical experience through internships and part-time work. I'm committed to using my education to make a meaningful difference—just as Patricia Lindsey Jackson and her family have done.

Knowing that this award is rooted in a mission of uplifting others, serving the underserved, and living out love and integrity inspires me to give back in my own journey. I truly appreciate the trust you've placed in me and hope to honor Eva Mae Jackson's memory through my actions.

Thank you,
Jonathan Brooks"

Nene Grace Bello

High School Senior

Mary Louise Lindsey Service Scholarship Recipient

Nene Grace Bello

Compassionate and highly motivated, Nene Bello aspires to become a pediatric doctor specializing in neonatology. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in nutritional sciences with a pre-med focus. Balancing rigorous academic coursework, family responsibilities, and extracurricular activities, she demonstrates adaptability, leadership, and strong communication skills.

Nene is deeply involved in community service, music, and academics. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including National African American Recognition Scholar (2024), Civil Air Patrol National Community Service Award (2024), President's Education Award (2024), multiple debate honors, State finalist in Original Oratory, Music State Champion – Superior Ranked Piano Soloist (2025), and Student of the Year in multiple subjects (2024–2025).

Hobbies & Interests

Piano & MusicNutrition and HealthPediatrics & Public HealthCommunity Service & VolunteeringAdvocacy & ActivismSpeech & DebateForeign LanguagesFlying & Aviation

Acceptance Statement

"Dear Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation,

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for being selected as a recipient of the Mary Louise Lindsey Service Scholarship. It truly means so much to receive this support, and I feel incredibly honored to carry on Mary Louise Lindsey's legacy through this award.

Receiving this scholarship provides a tremendous sense of relief, knowing that I can focus even more on my studies and my commitment to serving others. The financial assistance eases some of the challenges of pursuing a college education, allowing me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to my dream of becoming a pediatric doctor focused on neonatology. Being able to continue my journey in nutritional sciences on the pre-med track is now even more attainable, thanks to your generosity.

Community service has always played a vital role in my life, whether through volunteering, leadership roles, or academic pursuits. The values of compassion, stewardship, and service that Mary Louise Lindsey embodied inspire me every day. Your foundation's mission to uplift and empower others aligns perfectly with my own goals in medicine — to care for the most vulnerable and give back to the communities that have supported me.

I'm truly grateful for your belief in my potential and for your dedication to honoring the remarkable legacy of Patricia Lindsey Jackson, Mary Louise Lindsey, and Eva Mae Jackson. Your commitment to serving others motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to carry forward the spirit of compassion and hope.

Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in my life and in the lives of so many others.

Thank you,
Nene Grace Bello"