Academic Scholarships Winners

The Bessie Morris Foundation is proud to announce our 2023 Academic Scholarship recipients. We are pleased to have identified ten scholars for both their excellence and need. We thank the Southern California Chapter of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives for funding three through their generous Community Service Award Mom and Pop Reddick Scholarship.

Brison Toussaint

A recently graduated student from University High School Charter, Brison will be attending Califonia State University Northridge in the fall. He is a positive influence within his community, giving back to low-income families and assisting the homeless. A member of his school's ASB Leadership, he helped organize and lead his fellow students with a donation drive for the homeless.

Ashley Neponuceno

During her time at George Washington Preparatory High School, Ashley achieved a difficult balance of academic excellence (GPA: 4.182), various clubs participation, and familial household responsibilities. In addition, in the summer prior to her senior year, Ashley enrolled in college classes and interned with Exploring the Arts Foundation. She will be attending University of Southern California in the fall.

Cynthia Delatorre

Graduated from Gerorge Washington Preparatory High School, Cynthia will be attending California State University, Fullerton in the fall. She plans to major in Psychology to ultimately aid others with their emotional struggles. She worked her junior year to help the family and was enriched by the experience. This scholarship will provide extra financial support to help her reach her goals.

Nora Rodriguez

Currently a senior at California State University, Dominguez Hills, Nora is studying to earn her BA in Social Work. She has landed an internship at Metro Mental State Hospital for the summer session, and this scholarship will help her pay for the tuition.

Chantel Palmer

MOM & POP REDDICK SCHOLARSHIP
Chantal is completing her sophomore year attending California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is majoring in Criminal Justice, and she aspires to become a criminal defense attorney to defend those wrongly accused. She is working hard to succeed. She is working to sustain herself. She and her elder sister are the first to attend college in their family. This scholarship will be most helpful.

Dorshona Money

Currently enrolled at California State University, Dominguez Hills, Dorshona is studying for her undergraduate degree in Computer Technology and Information Technology. She hopes to one day become software engineer. Her fighting spirit has helped her to overcome both personal tragedy and financial hardships. "This scholarship would help me get closer to my dream."

Dionne Canonizado

Dionne is a currently a second year student at California State University, Dominguez Hills, with a 3.9 GPA. Her professional goal, to become a licensed psychologist, is tied into her personal goals. She wants to "pay it forward" by helping people deal with difficulties in a healthy manner, and in particular, making a difference for the children.

Jazmin Simmons

MOM & POP REDDICK SCHOLARSHIP
She is currently enrolled at Grand Canyon University as an undergraduate student studying hospitatlity management. She has overcome personal hardships during time in high school, and is eager for what lies ahead during her time in sunny Arizona.

Delaney Mobely

Delaney is matriculating to California State University, Dominguez Hills from Narbonne High. She will be studying Early Childhood Development and Learning. Volunteering at the local childcare since she was 14 has shaped her desire to nurture children, especiallly those with learning disabilities. Her goal is to be a childcare center director to serve low- to medium-income families.

Takara Ramos

MOM & POP REDDICK SCHOLARSHIP
Takara is the first member of her family to graduate high school, and furthermore, the first at attend a university. She has a strong calling to become a nurse, for which she plans to earn a degree so she can help my community. She will be attending California State University, Fresno, and will be gratefully using the Reddick scholarship for her moving funds into the dorm.