Darius Lee Memorial Scholarship

$2,500
1st winner$1,500
2nd winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 30, 2024
Winners Announced
Jul 31, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate
GPA:
2.5 or higher
Field of Study:
sports medicine/management

Darius was an incredible young man with a promising future. He was a college senior and a division 1 athlete pursuing a bachelor's degree in Sports Management. Darius was driven by a spirit of excellence and commitment to helping youth secure promising futures.

The rising costs of college education have made it difficult for passionate individuals to pursue their goals and make their mark on their communities and the world as a whole. These promising futures should not be locked behind a paywall. Improving access to higher education is crucial in securing the continued progress of society.

This scholarship aims to honor Darius Lee's legacy by supporting students with big goals for their futures.

You must be a full-time undergraduate student with at least a 2.5 GPA who has financial need and is pursuing sports medicine, sports management, or exercise science.

To apply, submit a 500-word essay or 2-3 minute video. Please write about your inspiration for pursuing sports medicine, sports management, or exercise science.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Need
Published March 26, 2024
Essay Topic

Tell us about yourself and what inspires you to pursue a career in either Sports Medicine, Sports Management, Exercise Science, or a related area.

0–600 words

Winning Applications

Carine Pinkney
Salem UniversityANNAPOLIS, MD
Hello my name is Carine Pinkney I will be entering my junior year at Salem Univeristy majoring in Exercise Science and Biology while also being a full time athlete pursuing a career in basketball, obtaining a 4.0 GPA. On the side of education i’m trying to become an Athletic trainer or physical therapist or do something in sports medicine. I chose this route due to my unity of passion and pragmatism in helping others and the community around me. I am confident in my capabilities and firmly believe in my potential to catalyze positive changes through my future contributions. Pursuing this study of Exercise Science is important to me because it ensures that i not only utilize my inherent aptitude for Exercise science, but understanding the human body intricacies, but also bridge the gap in providing specialized healthcare solutions especially to underserved communities. my journey towards using my degree to create positive health impacts is crystal clear, helping one individual at a time. As being a student athlete i know how important it is to have more diverse and yet more people studying a major such as Exercise science, from experience of needing things such as Athletic trainers and Physical therapist to help recover and make me the best athletes i could be and i’m hoping to one day be able to do the same for someone else in this world. Receiving this scholarship would help me financially due to the fact that my mom is a single mother that has recently lost her job due to natural causes. Dealing with bills and also trying to pay for my schooling. It has really been hard on my family, pulling in income hasn’t been the best for us but school and receiving my education is very important to me and is not something i would want to give up because of the financial burden. I have took on the responsibility to get a summer job to help out as much as i can to help with my college finances. Also as being a first-generation college student it would mean the world to me and my family to be the first out of my family to graduate college and succeed in life. This scholarship stands as more than a means to shoulder my upcoming tuition fees next year, it would serve as a testament to my dedication to my field of Exercise Science and my unyielding determination to succeed against adversity. This scholarship would fan my aspiration into a fiercer flame, pushing me to work harder to chase my goals and dreams with more tenacity and hope that one day i will be able to do the same for someone in my situation. My journey has just begun and with the support of the Darius Lee Memorial scholarship, i am prepared to embark on a mission to learn, improve and contribute to both my field and the world around me.
Lyriq Reyes
Regent UniversityBOGOTA, NJ
Hi, my name is Lyriq Reyes. I am honored to apply for the Darius Lee Memorial Scholarship, confident in my belief that I am a deserving candidate due to my advocacy, strong work ethic, and resilience. “Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you.” – Unknown Pursuing one's true passion often requires significant sacrifices and is fraught with struggles and challenges essential for personal growth. Throughout my life, I have encountered numerous obstacles that have tested my resolve and determination, especially during my junior year, which marked the lowest point in my basketball career. Entering the season with high hopes and the desire to help my team succeed, I faced multiple adversities, including injuries and limited opportunities to showcase my talents. These setbacks severely impacted my confidence and led me to question my abilities. However, with the unwavering support and encouragement from my mother, I learned to view these challenges not as failures but as steppingstones towards growth and future success. This perspective shift allowed me to maintain my passion and focus, propelling me forward on my journey. My mother has been a constant source of strength and inspiration in my life. Despite her medical issues, she has tirelessly supported me in every endeavor, from taekwondo to basketball. Her perseverance and dedication have instilled in me the same determination and resilience. She is my greatest role model and my number one fan, and her unwavering belief in me has been a cornerstone of my journey. The Darius Lee Memorial Scholarship would significantly aid me in continuing to pursue my dreams. My ultimate goal is to play professional basketball or work for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). I aspire to advocate for equal rights and meaningful changes in the working conditions of women's sports. By securing a platform, I hope to encourage other organizations to invest in the advancement of women's sports, leading to significant improvements. Moreover, I am passionate about giving back to my community, particularly supporting young girls and women. I aim to establish a charity focused on enhancing educational resources, health and wellness, safety, and overall well-being in the community. The Darius Lee Memorial Scholarship will also support my academic pursuits in Sports Management and Business Management at Regent University. These fields align with my passion for sports, and the scholarship will assist with educational expenses, including supplies, books, and program-related fees. This financial support will be instrumental in achieving my future goals and enabling me to help others. I am confident that my time at Regent University will be pivotal in making my aspirations a reality. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a Master's degree in Sports Medicine, furthering my knowledge and expertise in the field. In conclusion, my experiences have taught me the importance of embracing pain and struggle to achieve greatness. I have faced doubt and exclusion in the sport I love, but I remain steadfast in my belief in myself and my journey. This long journey has a purpose, and I am just getting started. The marathon has begun, and I am committed to seeing it through to the end. Thank you for considering my application for the Darius Lee Memorial Scholarship. Your support will not only help me achieve my dreams but also enable me to make a positive impact on others.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 30, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jul 31, 2024.