Celebrating Outstanding Achievements
In front of a filled to capacity crowd at Harvey Auditorium on the campus of Bakersfield High School, fifty-one seniors from the Kern High School District were honored at the 47th Annual African American Graduate Awards Program. Hosted by the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation (BILF) and the Kappa Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ®, the event celebrated academic excellence by awarding over $41,000 in scholarships. The evening’s theme, “Uplifting Brilliance, One Scholar At A Time,” captured the spirit of recognition and support for these accomplished students.
A Tradition of Academic Recognition
This esteemed awards program began in 1978, thanks to the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®-Kappa Omega Omega Chapter. Recognizing a vital need to highlight the academic achievements of college-bound African American students in the community, the first awards largely consisted of book awards provided by private individuals, local churches, social organizations, school officials, local businesses, sorority members, and fraternal organizations.
Scholarships and Special Awards
BILF, as the philanthropic arm of the Kappa Omega Omega Chapter, presented awards in a variety of academic categories. The Distinguished Scholars Award recognized students who achieved a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Notably, Madyson Harris from Frontier High and Sarah Holland from East Bakersfield High received the Norma Boyd Memorial Award for their outstanding 4.5 GPAs, along with their involvement in extracurricular and community service activities. Other Distinguished Scholars included Derek Jimenez from Centennial High, Myah Wright from Highland, Kaiya Stowe from Ridgeview High, and Isabella Thomas from East Bakersfield High.
Legacy Awards and Special Recognitions
Five students were honored with Legacy Awards, given in memory of deceased family and sorority members. This year’s recipients included Isabella Thomas (East Bakersfield High), Kambria Adams (Liberty), Tori Newsome (Liberty), and Maguire Wilson (Liberty).
The Susianna Anderson Diamond Legacy Award, named after retired local educator and 75-year Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® member Susianna Anderson, was presented to CaraAnn Kirui from Centennial High.
Miss Fashionetta & Gents Scholarship Awards
Milaana McClanahan from Liberty High was awarded $6,362 as part of the Miss Fashionetta & Gents Scholarship Awards. Eight other students also received scholarships in this category, further supporting their academic journeys.
Community Awards
Fifteen community awards were distributed to twenty-seven students. These awards were funded by local donors and will be provided directly to the recipients by the sponsoring community members.
Recognizing Academic Excellence in Middle School
In addition to high school seniors, 310 eighth graders were recognized for their academic excellence. Family and friends offered enthusiastic applause as these students received Certificates of Recognition and Academic medals. The honor roll students represented 27 schools across nine school districts and will be recognized as AKA Scholars upon enrolling in the Kern High School District.
Program Leadership
The event was led by General Chairman Kalisha McCabe, with support from Ruscel Reader, Linda McKnight (Sorority President), and Raquell Jones (Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation President), ensuring the program’s continued success and meaningful impact.