Charles Long

Hi Mr. Allen, Thank you so much for selecting me for your mother’s scholarship. It truly means a lot. What stood out to me the most was learning that your mom taught in prisons. Not many people take on that kind of work, and even fewer stay committed to it. I’ve spent a lot of time in those spaces, first as someone who was incarcerated, and now as someone who teaches and mentors inside. I know how hard it can be to show up in those environments and still bring compassion, structure, and real belief in the students. As a woman, your mom had to carry even more weight doing that work. Through the debriefs I often do with my students and the interviews I've conducted as part of my research, I know just how much gender shapes those experiences. Women face exponentially greater challenges in male carceral institutions. The fact that she kept going and kept showing up speaks volumes. It makes me want to keep going too. I hope I can carry forward her legacy in my own way. And if you’re ever open to sharing more about her life or the work she did, I’d really love to hear it. Thank you again for the support and for keeping her memory alive in a way that continues to uplift others. With every appreciation, Charles

Ashton Hawk

I am incredibly grateful and honored to be selected as a finalist for the Dr. Connie M. Reece Future Teacher's Scholarship. This opportunity is a significant milestone in my journey towards becoming a teacher, and I feel both humbled and motivated to continue pursuing my dreams, as well as grateful for the opportunity to share my story and share about my amazing teachers that I have encountered. Being recognized for my academic achievements and potential as a future educator is an amazing feeling, and it confirms that my dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. I cannot express enough how much this honor means to me, and I am looking forward to the possibility of being awarded future scholarships to further my education and career in teaching.