Nationwide — The Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship continues to acknowledge younger leaders whose perseverance and dedication to service create significant affect of their communities. One among its earliest recipients, Mikyah Tabb, is now giving again to the identical Richmond faculty system that helped form her journey.
Raised on the south facet of Richmond, Virginia, Tabb attended Richmond Public Faculties earlier than incomes admission to Spelman Faculty, the nation’s main traditionally Black school and college (HBCU) for ladies. Right this moment, she serves as a fifth-grade distinctive training trainer inside Richmond Public Faculties, serving to college students overcome educational challenges whereas serving as a visual instance of academic achievement and group management.
Tabb describes herself as a first-generation school graduate on her father’s facet and a second-generation graduate on her mom’s facet. Though training was deeply valued inside her household, navigating the scholarship course of and getting ready financially for faculty was unfamiliar territory.
Recognizing early on that scholarships could be important to attending school, Tabb utilized for quite a few alternatives regardless of going through repeated rejection. Her persistence paid off when she turned one of many first recipients of the Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship.
“For me, the scholarship represented greater than monetary assist,” mentioned Tabb. “After so many unsuccessful functions, it was encouraging to know somebody believed in my potential and acknowledged the trouble I had been placing in.”
The scholarship helped cowl textbook bills throughout her freshman 12 months at Spelman Faculty, the place she discovered each educational alternative and cultural affirmation inside the HBCU expertise. The award additionally offered reassurance throughout a significant transition interval as she adjusted to varsity life and its monetary calls for.
Whereas attending Spelman, Tabb expanded her ardour for training, mentorship, and repair. After graduating, she made the intentional determination to return residence to Richmond slightly than pursue alternatives elsewhere, selecting as an alternative to speculate immediately in the identical group that invested in her.
Working in distinctive training requires persistence, adaptability, and individualized assist for college students with numerous studying wants. Tabb says her personal journey permits her to attach with college students and households in genuine methods, particularly those that might not but see school or skilled success as attainable.
“Attending Spelman gave me a way of delight and a imaginative and prescient that was greater than myself,” Tabb shared. “The Grit Award didn’t simply purchase my books — it was a message that I belonged in these halls. Now, being again in the identical Richmond school rooms the place I as soon as sat, I understand I’m not only a trainer; I’m a residing reminder to my college students that they don’t have to depart their group to seek out success — they are often the success their group wants.”
From scholarship applicant to Spelman graduate and educator, Tabb’s story displays the transformative energy of HBCUs, mentorship, and investing in native expertise.
Functions for the Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship at the moment are open. To be taught extra in regards to the scholarship and apply, go to Luv’s Brownies Scholarship Weblog.
AboutLuv’s Brownies is the house of the Unique Coronary heart-Formed Brownie® and an award-winning Bay Space favourite since 1996. Based by entrepreneur, writer, and dyslexia advocate Andrea Lacy, the corporate is understood for its signature brownie desserts, meals truck experiences, and nationwide delivery. After creating her award-winning brownie recipe by chance and later being identified with dyslexia, Lacy created the Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship to assist college students overcome adversity and pursue larger training alternatives. Luv’s Brownies just lately celebrated 30 years of inventive sweetness in an interview with KRON4 Reside within the Bay. Luv’s Brownies can also be a two-time recipient of the “Individuals’s Selection Greatest Candy” award on the Worldwide Hospitality Conference and has been featured on Good Morning America, Essence, and the duvet of Black Enterprise journal.
For press inquiries, contact press@luvsbrownies.com
