Academic Scholarships Winners

We at the Bessie Morris Foundation are proud to announce our 2025 Academic Scholarship recipients

These ten scholars have been identified for both their excellence and demonstrated need. The awards were make possible due to generous contributions from the Southern Chapter of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and Los Angeles County Probation Officer Union Local 685 AFSCME.

We extend our sincere congratulations to these accomplished students and wish them continued success and fulfillment as they pursue heir academic endeavors.

Brennen Higgins Bell

A proud Dorsey High School grad and future Howard University Bison, Brennen embodies determination and a growth mindset. Through Students Run Los Angeles, she conquered her first 26.2 mile marathon learning that “go” isn't just a starting command but a personal motto for pushing past doubt. That tunnel vision focus on the race taught her to tackle tough exams, lead in mock trial, and chip away at big goals one mile or study break at a time. With consistency as her compass, she paced her runs, balanced schoolwork with downtime, and filled out college applications bit by bit. Brennen is ready to lace up for the next chapter at Howard and keep going toward every finish line she sets.

Malik Jarrett

Malik is a Cal State Northridge sociology major who will continue his studies this fall. He plans to use his understanding of human behavior in real estate projects that revitalize his community and help minorities achieve homeownership. His volunteer work with the Los Angeles County Probation Department revealed the challenges faced by probationers and inspired him to make a difference. Raised by a single mother who serves as a probation officer, he learned the value of empathy and support. As a high school baseball captain, he developed leadership, accountability and perseverance. This scholarship will support his goal of giving back through education and community service.

Willow Sears

Willow is a Millikan High School graduate who will begin at Cal State Long Beach this fall. Growing up as a middle child in a family of six taught her independence and resilience, even as she worked to carve out her own identity. A lifelong Long Beach student, she discovered her passions through varsity tennis, where consistency and practice took her from beginner to team member. She was able to maintain a 3.8 GPA while playing tennis throughout high school. In the law club, she found her calling in mock trial competitions, advancing to the semifinals at the LA courthouse and earning second place in regional rounds. These experiences solidified her goal of becoming a lawyer, where she can use her voice to defend others and inspire her community. Her journey shows she can face pressure with determination, rely on herself, and lead by example.

Rafael Angles

Rafael is a Da Vinci Communications graduate who will begin at Loyola Marymount University this fall. Despite severe childhood illness from pollution related eosinophilic syndrome, he found strength through homeschooling, a Unitarian Universalist community and his emotional support dog. He built resilience by co founding the Amigos Bilingues park group, leading immigrant youth in native plant restoration and river clean ups and mentoring newcomers on a Catalina trip. At Da Vinci he devoted himself to academics and athletics. He ran track for two years until knee surgery and earned all A's except one B plus, which led to a high honors award for maintaining over a 4.0 GPA. As a Posse Scholar finalist and through internships at an advanced manufacturing program and Code Ninjas, he discovered a passion for mechanical engineering and teaching. He was awarded the top merit scholarship from LMU and is driven to use his education and lived experience to improve environmental health and lift up communities facing adversity.

Sosie Berg

Sosie is a Glendale Community College student who will begin at Otis College of Art and Design this fall. After joining USC Viterbi's Pathways program to study computer science, she stepped back to focus on courses and activities that helped her explore her true interests. Rediscovering her love of art led her to animation and story design, where she took on leadership roles in the campus Art Society. Now confident in her skills, she aims to earn a BFA in Animation at Otis, deliver her class graduation speech, complete a short film, and one day work in character or story design.

Adam Bond

Adam is a Democracy Prep at the Agassi Campus graduate who will begin at Morehouse College this fall. His early strenghts in reading and writing helped him excel, even when math was a challenge. After moving to Las Vegas to live with his mother and facing bullying and mental health struggles, he found confidence and purpose at Democracy Prep. It was there he built a supportive network of friends. He also discovered a passion for baseball and tackwondo which gave him focus and resilience. He ends high school ready to keep growing, set new goals, and embrace the opportunities ahead at Morehouse.

Savannah Edwards

Savannah is a College Bridge Academy graduate who will begin a Mount Saint Mary's University this fall. She has maintained a strong GPA in an academic cohort that requires solid grades and good standing. As a first generation college student, she plans to earn a business degree, open her own salon beome a licensed cosmetologist, and sell hair bundles. She aims to give back to her Watts community by creating opportunities for others. The scholarship would ease her financial burden and allow her to focus fully on her ducation and goals.

Raven Melvin

Raven is a Mira Costa High School graduate who will begin at the University of Southern California this fall. After her family faced six months of homelessness, she met with teachers after class and spent extra hours in the library refining her reading and writing skills. She joined an Independent Study program and applied her Spanish studies during travel in Mexico and Portugal, adapting quickly to virtual learning. She has logged over 500 hours of community service on Skid Row and with local ministries and looks forward to using her experience to contribute at USC.

Adriano Thomas

Adriano is a Chadwick School graduate who will begin at Syracuse University this fall. After missing a chance to score in his first high school football game he and his family reflected on how hard work and optimism matter. He trained his speed and endurance in the gym and inspired his teammates to push themselves more. In school he co-founded an esports club and led tournaments and team strategies. He now brings that same drive to every challenge and plans to use it to break barriers and support peers at Syracuse.

Natalia Vazquez

Natalia is an Inglewood high School graduate who will begin at the University of Southern California this fall. As a first generation Mexican American raised by a single mother who worked long hours, she witnessed financial struggle, endured bullying, yet mainatined at 3.9 GPA. She faced personal struggles but never mssed school and earned honor roll. A teacher's story about breaking a cyclte of poverty inspired her to focus on solutions and expolore new subjects. She discovered a knack for math and creativity and plans to studey computer science to build a better future for her family.