In a distinguished celebration of academic excellence and access, eleven outstanding students were awarded full-ride scholarships to Tougaloo College during the Ron Edmonds Scholarship Award and Board Recognition Gala, hosted by the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity. The gala, held in March at the Tinley Park Convention Center, honored a total of 100 high-achieving high school seniors from 12 school districts across Cook County and the surrounding region.
Now in its third year, the Superintendents’ Commission has continued its dynamic partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to raise more than $400,000 in scholarship funding for local students. This transformative alliance underscores a shared commitment to advancing educational equity and cultivating the next generation of changemakers.
Tougaloo College President Dr. Donzell Lee was in attendance to formally present the Tougaloo scholarships and recognize the extraordinary promise of each scholar selected for this prestigious opportunity.
(Photo Credit: Ven Sherrod)
Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO of Southland College Prep and Chair of the Tougaloo College Board of Trustees, joined in the celebration, standing alongside students and families as a champion of educational access and achievement.
The evening was emceed by Tonya Francisco, co-anchor of WGN-TV’s Daytime Chicago, and brought together educators, civic leaders, and community members for an inspiring evening dedicated to honoring the power of education. Tougaloo College is honored to welcome these eleven scholars into its vibrant academic community and remains deeply committed to expanding pathways to higher education for students across the country.
