Telkevia Mackey of Miami learned the importance of service at the Overtown Youth Center.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) senior pre-physical therapy student Telkevia Mackey is the recipient of the 2021-2022 David E. and Mary J. Pollard Scholarship.
“Winning the scholarship means that others have recognized my greatness and seen my potential. It shows me that I am accomplishing all the great things that I wanted to accomplish in college and more,” said Mackey, the fourth Pollard Scholarship recipient. “Because of the generosity of the David E. and Mary J. Pollard Scholarship, I am able to complete my last year of undergraduate studies without having to struggle or worry financially.”
Born and raised in Miami, Mackey credits the Overtown Youth Center as the place where she learned the importance of serving her community and giving back to those in need.
“As a young girl, I vowed to myself that I would always try my best to make a positive difference in the world no matter how big or small that difference may be,” said Mackey, who aspires to become a physical therapist after she graduates.
David E. and Mary J. Pollard graduated from FAMU in the 1960s. The Pollards made a gift agreement with FAMU to help students in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and Teacher Education Programs.
Their desire was to specifically help senior students from Florida who had a hard time reaching the finish line toward graduation due to a lack of financial support. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be a Florida resident, in their senior year majoring in the STEM or teacher education field and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
Stephanie L. Foster, Ph.D., daughter of the late David E. and Mary J. Pollard, is carrying the torch and continuing her parent’s legacy. Foster was very impressed with Mackey’s commitment to selfless service.
“This year reinforced my commitment to the David E. and Mary J. Pollard Scholarship and its demonstration of steadfast belief in the value and necessity of FAMU scholars. My parents’ lives bear witness that resolve overcomes difficult times and uncertainty,” said Foster. “Now is especially the time to wholeheartedly invest in and reveal the magnificence, might and worth embodied in the lives and aspirations of FAMU scholars.”
In 2020-2021, senior health sciences and pre-med student Dominique Buchanan received the Pollard Scholarship, which pays $3,750 for the fall and $3,750 for the spring semesters. She recently graduated from FAMU.
Students can apply for the David E. and Mary J. Pollard Scholarship by logging onto the University’s scholarship portal at famuscholarships.com. The portal will open for the 2022-2023 academic year starting April 2022.