Ismeily Cruz Vasquez

Dear Juanita Inman-Vann, I am writing to thank you for awarding me the Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship through Bold.org. It is an honor to be selected as the recipient, and I deeply appreciate your support and generosity. This scholarship means a great deal to me. With the rising costs of education, your assistance is instrumental in helping me pursue my academic goals. I am currently a sophomore at Oakwood University, majoring in Business Administration Management. Your generosity has inspired me to strive for excellence and to give back to the community. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and to achieving my career aspirations in the business world. Once again, thank you for your investment in my future. I am extremely grateful for your support and will work hard to make the most of this scholarship. Sincerely, Ismeily Cruz Vasquez

Deitric Young

Dear Ms. Vann, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for selecting me as a recipient of the Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship. I feel truly privileged and honored to be chosen for this meaningful award, and I'm glad to have learned about Solomon Vann through this scholarship. Receiving this scholarship makes a significant difference in my life, as it eases my financial worries and allows me to focus even more on my studies and personal growth. Thanks to your support, I can continue my education with a sense of security and purpose. As someone who is passionate about learning, growing, and contributing to my community, your kindness fuels my determination to keep moving forward, even when I face challenges related to mental health. Knowing that this scholarship was created to honor Solomon's memory and to help students like me in Alabama is deeply inspiring. Your dedication to education and your belief that knowledge is something no one can take away truly resonates with me. I hope to make the most of this opportunity by striving for excellence and making a positive impact wherever I go. Your generosity has not only supported my educational journey but also encouraged me to pay your kindness forward in the future. Thank you, Deitric Young

Christian Fain

I am very thankful to receive this scholarship in honor of your son. Receiving this scholarship means that I can continue my education. My goal is to graduate without any loans or with a very small loan amount. This scholarship will help make this possible. Thank you, Christian Fain

Kaleb Smith

A winner to this scholarship means that you have experienced many hardships yet persevered every one of them. This represents your overall character in remembrance of Solomon Vann.

Ke-R’ia Edler

Dear Ms. Inman-Vann, I want to thank you for considering me as a finalist for the 'Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship'. Few things in this world mean more to me than pursuing an education because, as you put it, being educated gives you choices and a chance at something more in life. For getting me one step closer to that goal, I want to thank you again and regardless of the outcome, I am grateful to have been considered no matter what. I am deeply sorry for your loss, if your son was any reflection of you, then I can only imagine the wonderful man he would be today. Thank you for allowing someone to receive an education, there is truly no greater gift than that. Best regards, Keria Edler keriaedler@gmail.com

Alexandria Nelson

I’m thankful to not only receive an opportunity to help further my education but also share how important it is to take care of mental health and make it a priority. I appreciate my voice being heard so that more young people will understand the benefits of mental health advocacy and how we can help one another get through difficult situations with the right support. Thank you, Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship, for believing in me and helping make a difference in my life.

Cortez Tolbert

I am sincerely grateful to be the recipient of your scholarship. Your support means more to me than words can express. Your investment in my future is not taken lightly, and I am committed to making the most of this opportunity. I am determined to excel in my studies and contribute positively to my community and beyond. Your belief in me motivates me to work even harder to achieve my dreams. Once again, thank you for your generosity and belief in my potential. I am truly honored to be selected as a recipient of this scholarship.

Ethan Nix

Dear Juanita, I'm truly grateful to be chosen as the recipient of the Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship. Knowing that this scholarship honors Solomon Vann’s memory makes it especially meaningful to me, and I'm honored to carry on Solomon Vann's legacy through this scholarship. Balancing my studies at UAB with my role as an electrician and controls co-op, while also being a husband and homeowner at 21, can be challenging at times. Receiving this support makes a real difference, giving me the ability to focus more fully on my education and lessening the financial concerns that often come with pursuing a degree. My goal is to continue growing in the automation field and use my education to create a better life for myself, my family, and my community. Your belief that education unlocks choices and empowers individuals truly resonates with me. The wisdom you shared from your mother—that knowledge is something no one can take away—reminds me of the lasting impact education makes. Your generosity and dedication to helping students in Alabama facing mental health challenges inspire me to persevere and help others along the way. I hope to honor Solomon’s memory by working hard, seeking out knowledge wherever I can, and eventually paying it forward to others in need. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement. Thank you, Ethan Nix

Destinee’ Jackson

Dear Juanita, I want to sincerely express my gratitude for selecting me as the recipient of the Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship. It means so much to be chosen for an award that honors Solomon Vann’s memory and supports students who, like me, have faced mental health challenges in Alabama. I'm honored to carry on Solomon Vann's legacy through this scholarship. This support eases the financial demands of my education at Alabama A&M University, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and my work in mental health outreach. As a Psychology major with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies, my academic journey is driven by a passion for helping individuals and families thrive, particularly those who are often overlooked or underserved. Your dedication as an educator and your belief in the transformative power of learning deeply inspire me. The wisdom your mother shared—“they can’t take what you hide in your head”—will stay with me as I continue to grow, both personally and professionally. Through my roles as a Community Outreach Coordinator and as a Behavioral Aide, I strive every day to support those struggling with mental health, and this scholarship strengthens my ability to do just that. Thank you for your generosity and for your commitment to making education accessible and meaningful. I look forward to honoring the spirit of this award by paying it forward and making a difference in the lives of others. Thank you, Destinee’ Jackson

Shaina Lue

Being a winner of this scholarship means the world to me. My parents always remind me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and with that, I have taken it and applied it to my life. This scholarship has contributed to my education greatly as an international student who has been able to go to her dream school and I am forever grateful. So I say thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Chinazam Okafor

I am indeed delighted to have received this incredible award.

Ismeily Cruz Vasquez

Even though I did not win this scholarship, it means a lot to me to be a finalist. This achievement has encouraged me to keep working on my goals until I get what I need. I will keep applying for this scholarship until God feels is my time to win it. I will keep working on my writing skills so my application can become the boldest out of others. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be a finalist and I hope God blesses you a lot.

Michael Jacobson

Thank you so much for your faith in my potential, and for that recognition. I will continue in my journey with an added spring in my step. A very challenging and rewarding experience.