My name is Alexandria Gause, and I am a rising junior at North Carolina Central University, majoring in Elementary Education. I believe that teaching is more than a career—it is a calling. As a future Black woman educator, I am committed to creating learning spaces where every child, especially those from underserved communities, feels seen, safe, and supported. My goal is not only to teach but to uplift and inspire the next generation of learners. My passion for education began early. Over the years, I’ve worked as an after-school teacher, a summer camp counselor, and a volunteer in Guilford County Schools. These hands-on experiences allowed me to build strong relationships with students and witness the real impact of meaningful, inclusive teaching. I want to be the kind of teacher who helps students believe in themselves, especially those who might not hear that enough at home or in their communities. I believe all children deserve teachers who look like them, understand them, and advocate for their success. Education is deeply rooted in my family. My great aunt was a dedicated special education teacher who worked with students with diverse learning needs. My father currently works in educational leadership, and three of my older cousins are teachers as well. Growing up in a family of educators taught me that education is not just a profession—it’s a way to serve others, uplift communities, and break down generational barriers. Their influence and commitment helped shape the educator I aspire to become. In my own career, I plan to teach Pre-K or Kindergarten, where the foundation of lifelong learning is built. These are the years when children first discover their voices, develop confidence, and form meaningful relationships with others. I want to help them grow not just academically, but emotionally and socially. While teaching, I also plan to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D. in education. My long-term goal is to become a school administrator, where I can help lead programs that support students beyond the classroom. In addition to teaching, I hope to start mentorship programs, after-school tutoring, and summer enrichment opportunities for at-risk youth. I want to be part of a movement that changes how students experience school and feel about their future. My mission is to make sure every child feels like they matter—and that their dreams are never out of reach. This scholarship would provide meaningful support as I continue working toward these lifelong goals in education.

Jeanne Kramme Fouke was a beloved woman who worked as a special education teacher for over forty years. Teachers like Jeanne are the backbone of our educational system, molding the minds of the children they teach and making a long-lasting impact on their students and the world. Her legacy is a reminder that passionate and devoted educators are the key to inspiring the next generation and preparing them for success. I am honored to pursue a path that mirrors that dedication. As a future Black woman educator, I carry a deep responsibility to create inclusive, nurturing spaces for young children—especially in underserved communities. Growing up, I rarely had teachers who looked like me or fully understood my experiences. That absence motivated me to become the representation I wished I had. I want to build classrooms where students feel valued, respected, and supported from day one. Through my roles as an after-school teacher, early childhood S.T.E.A.M. camp counselor, and volunteer in Guilford County Schools, I’ve seen firsthand how a caring teacher can completely change a child’s academic journey and self-esteem. I’m currently studying elementary education at North Carolina Central University, where I also serve as Publicity Chair for our Future Educators Club and work as a research intern studying how colleges can better support local K–5 schools. Teaching is more than a career for me—it’s a calling. I plan to return to my community to teach Pre-K or Kindergarten, earn my master’s degree, mentor new teachers, and lead programs that support at-risk students academically and emotionally. Like Jeanne Fouke, I hope to spend decades shaping young minds and building a legacy of compassion, equity, and lifelong learning. Education also runs deeply in my family. My great aunt was a special education teacher, and my father has worked in education leadership for many years. Three of my older cousins are also educators, and their passion has influenced me since I was young. I grew up watching them dedicate themselves to their students, and I saw how education can uplift not just individuals, but entire communities. Their example showed me that teaching is not just a profession—it’s a form of service, legacy, and love. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial support—it would be a reminder that others believe in my vision and my purpose. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and community work, and less on how to afford my education. Most importantly, it would connect me to Jeanne Fouke’s legacy, inspiring me to carry her spirit of love, dedication, and impact into every classroom I enter.

My name is Alexandria Gause, and I am a proud student at North Carolina Central University, an HBCU that has allowed me to grow academically, professionally, and spiritually. As an Elementary Education major with a 4.0 GPA, I am passionate about creating a more equitable and uplifting educational experience for children in underserved communities—especially Black children who often go unseen and unheard in our current systems. For the past two years, I’ve volunteered at Lindley Elementary School, a predominantly Black school in my hometown. Whether I’m helping students with reading or assisting teachers in the classroom, my focus is always the same: to show children that they are capable, brilliant, and deeply valued. This hands-on experience has strengthened my commitment to becoming an educator who not only teaches, but uplifts, advocates, and transforms. Through my work with the Y-Learning afterschool program and the NCCU School of Education summer camps, I’ve seen the power of affirmation and representation in early childhood learning. Each morning, our students begin the day by saying things like “I am Black, beautiful, and smart.” These small routines are powerful—reminders that instill pride, faith, and confidence in young minds. In addition to my hands-on work, I am currently involved in a research project between NCCU and Duke University, focused on building stronger relationships between colleges and local K–5 schools. Our goal is to design programs that allow college students—especially future Black educators—to make meaningful, lasting contributions to early childhood education in their communities. My career goal is to become a superintendent in a low-income district, where I can champion policies and programs that support culturally relevant teaching, mental health resources, and equitable funding for public schools. I want to ensure every child, no matter their zip code, walks into a classroom where they feel safe, seen, and inspired to succeed. Receiving the Willie Mae Rawls Scholarship would be an incredible honor and blessing. Her legacy of faith, love, and being a breakthrough for others aligns perfectly with the path I’m on. I strive to be that same kind of light for the students and families I will one day serve—to lead with compassion, to teach with purpose, and to make a lasting impact rooted in love and belief in the power of education. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden on my family but also affirm that my purpose is aligned with something greater. I will carry her legacy into every classroom I enter !

My passion for supporting early childhood development began early in my own academic journey. While still in high school, I had the unique opportunity to major in Early Childhood Education through dual-enrollment college courses at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Those classes introduced me to the developmental building blocks of a child’s brain, the importance of positive early experiences, and the deep emotional and academic needs that young children carry into the classroom. From then on, I knew I was meant to work with our youngest learners. Now, as an Elementary Education major at North Carolina Central University with a 4.0 GPA, I am more committed than ever to laying strong foundations for children during the most formative years of their lives. I believe early childhood education is not just about preparing children academically—it’s about nurturing their confidence, their sense of belonging, and their ability to believe in themselves. That’s why, in every role I take on, I make it a priority to center care, connection, and creativity. Through my summer job with the NCCU School of Education, I work directly with Pre-K and Kindergarten students, leading STEAM activities and fostering early learning through exploration and play. One of the most meaningful parts of our daily routine is morning affirmations, where students say things like “I am Black, beautiful, and smart.” These small but powerful statements help children build self-esteem, emotional awareness, and pride in who they are from a young age—things that are just as essential to early development as reading and math. I also serve as a research intern on a joint project between NCCU and Duke University, where we are developing programs to better connect college students with local elementary schools. This research is helping me explore how to build long-term, community-rooted support systems that directly impact early childhood classrooms with mentorship, enrichment, and resources. My ultimate goal is to become a school superintendent in a low-income district where I can advocate for equity in early education, expand access to high-quality preschool, and ensure teachers have the tools to serve children holistically. I want to make sure no child enters kindergarten already behind, and that every student is seen as capable, brilliant, and deserving of success—starting from day one. This scholarship would help lift a financial burden from my family and allow me to continue doing the work I love without interruption. More importantly, it would serve as an investment in the futures of the children I serve—children whose lives can be forever changed by an educator who truly believes in them. What I love most about early childhood education is how honest, creative, and unfiltered children are. Their words and ideas are powerful, and I fully believe—like Live From Snack Time—that we should listen to them. Every day I work with kids, I’m reminded that their voices matter. Whether they’re asking big questions or telling hilarious stories, they deserve to be heard, encouraged, and celebrated. That’s the kind of educator I strive to be—one who listens, uplifts, and helps every child feel seen and valued.

Sgt. Albert Dono Ware’s legacy of service, sacrifice, and bravery deeply inspires me—not only as an aspiring educator but as a young Black woman determined to uplift and empower her community. His dedication to something greater than himself reflects the same values that guide my personal journey. I believe education is one of the most powerful forms of service, and I am committed to using my voice and leadership to bring about meaningful change for children who look like me. I’m from Greensboro, North Carolina, where I was raised in a tight-knit, hardworking community that taught me the importance of resilience and faith. From an early age, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. I saw the impact my teachers had on me—not just academically, but emotionally—and I wanted to be that same steady presence for children, especially those from low-income and underserved backgrounds. As a volunteer in Guilford County Schools, I’ve had the privilege of working directly with students across grade levels, offering academic help and emotional support. I’ve helped kindergartners learn their ABCs and their names, supported older students with homework, and designed creative, interactive lessons that make learning fun and engaging. These experiences confirmed that the classroom is where I belong—but they also opened my eyes to the deep inequalities still present in our education system. Currently, I am a rising junior at North Carolina Central University majoring in elementary education, and I proudly hold a 4.0 GPA. My academic journey has been shaped by my determination to be excellent—not for the sake of achievement, but because I know how much representation matters. Our children need to see Black women in positions of leadership, and I intend to be one of them. Starting this summer, I will work as an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Summer Camp Counselor through the School of Education, using STEM-based activities to support young learners and help them build confidence in their abilities. Before college, I also worked full-time for three years at Growing the Distance Inc., serving as both an after-school teacher and summer camp counselor for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Inspired by Sgt. Ware’s courage and lifelong service, I want to extend my impact beyond the classroom. My long-term vision is to become a superintendent in Guilford County, where I can influence educational policy, create inclusive and equitable learning environments, and design programs that support the whole child. I believe we must address systemic issues that disproportionately affect Black students—like underfunded schools, lack of culturally responsive teaching, and the shortage of Black educators and mentors. The most critical reforms we need include equitable school funding, comprehensive mental health services, more robust teacher training in culturally relevant pedagogy, and community-based after-school and summer programs that provide academic support and enrichment. We must also push for policy changes that prioritize racial equity in education and expand access to leadership opportunities for Black women and other underrepresented groups. These reforms cannot succeed without collaboration. Key stakeholders must include teachers, school administrators, local education boards, historically Black colleges and universities, parents, nonprofit organizations, and most importantly, students themselves. Their voices and experiences should be at the center of every decision we make. Sgt. Ware’s life reminds me that true leadership is about service—it’s about showing up, standing firm in your values, and being willing to carry others even when the journey is hard. That is the type of leader I strive to become. Whether I am in front of a classroom or behind the scenes shaping policy, I will always carry his spirit of bravery, sacrifice, and love for community with me. And I will continue fighting for an educational system where every child—no matter their zip code—has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead.

My name is Alexandria Gause, and I’m from Greensboro, North Carolina. I’m a rising junior at North Carolina Central University, majoring in elementary education with a focus on kindergarten. I currently hold a 4.0 GPA and am deeply committed to creating impactful learning experiences for young children, especially in low-income communities like the one I come from. This summer, I will be working as an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Summer Camp Counselor through the School of Education, where I’ll specialize in STEM-based activities that make learning fun and accessible for every child. I’m excited to bring my creativity, energy, and love for teaching into this role, continuing my mission of building confident and curious young learners. Before college, I worked full-time with Growing the Distance Inc. for three years while in high school. Throughout the school year, I served as an after-school teacher, creating daily lesson plans, educational games, and arts and crafts tailored for kindergarten through fifth grade. During the summers, I transitioned into a camp counselor role, working hands-on with kindergarten students to support their academic, emotional, and social development. These years gave me invaluable experience in leading a classroom, meeting diverse needs, and nurturing the potential in every child I taught. I also spent three years volunteering with the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), where I led high school students through interactive activities focused on leadership, empathy, and inclusion. These experiences helped shape my confidence and belief that education can—and should—be a powerful tool for building better communities. I plan to use my leadership, academic excellence, and deep care for children to become not only an inspiring teacher, but eventually a superintendent in Guilford County. My long-term goal is to develop strong after-school programs, mentor new teachers, and advocate for policies that truly support families in low-income areas. I want to help create school systems where every child—regardless of background—feels seen, heard, and fully supported. The classroom is where change begins, and I am committed to making a lasting impact both inside and outside of it. Whether I’m working with students, leading other educators, or shaping school policy, I will always center love, equity, and community in everything I do. As a proud Black woman studying elementary education with a 4.0 GPA, I am deeply inspired by Michele L. Durant’s legacy. This scholarship would allow me to continue uplifting children in low-income communities, pursue leadership roles in education, and carry forward her mission of empowering Black women through knowledge, service, and resilience.

Charity is deeply important to me because it’s about giving back to those who need it most, especially children who may not have access to the same resources as others. Currently, I work with students at Lakewood and Club Boulevard Elementary through the Y-Learning program, where I help them with schoolwork so they can successfully advance to the next grade. While I am paid for my role, the program is completely free for the students and their families. This ensures that financial struggles do not prevent children from getting the academic support they need. In the future, I want to continue serving underprivileged students by becoming a teacher in a low-income community. Education is a powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty, and I want to be a guiding force for children who might otherwise be left behind. My long-term goal is to become a superintendent in my hometown, overseeing the entire school system to ensure that every student, regardless of background, receives a high-quality education. By working at the district level, I hope to advocate for increased funding, better resources, and more support for teachers and students. My vision is to create a school system where financial hardship does not limit a child’s potential. Through both direct teaching and future leadership, I want to make a lasting impact on my community, ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

As college students, we face many challenges that make us rethink whether we are on the right path. Doubt creeps in, stress builds up, and sometimes, we wonder if we’ve made the right choice. A few weeks ago, I started working as a substitute teacher with kindergarteners, and that experience reassured me that I am exactly where I am meant to be. It wasn’t just the warm hugs I received from children who had never met me before yet still embraced me as if I belonged. It was what they said at the end of the day that truly solidified my decision: “Are you coming back tomorrow?” and “I love you!” Those simple words warmed my heart and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place—I want to make a difference in young children's lives. I have always loved kids, but my passion for teaching was first sparked by an incredible educator, Ms. McLaurin. She was my fourth and fifth-grade teacher, and she went above and beyond for her students, especially those who looked like me. She made learning exciting—throwing candy across the room when we got a multiplication question right, coming to school early on Saturdays to tutor us, and making every child in her classroom feel seen and valued. As a child, I may not have fully appreciated the sacrifices she made, but now, as I prepare to become a teacher myself, I see how much she poured into us. She showed me that teaching is not just about academics—it’s about shaping lives. Because of her, and because of my recent experience in the classroom, I know that teaching is my calling. My goal is to earn my degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University and use my knowledge to create a positive, nurturing environment for young children. This scholarship would help me continue my education, gain valuable hands-on experience, and develop the skills necessary to be the kind of teacher who changes lives—just like Ms. McLaurin did for me. In the long run, I aspire to do more than teach. I want to grow into a leadership role where I can impact education at a higher level. My ultimate goal is to become a superintendent, ensuring that all children—no matter their background—have access to quality education. This scholarship would not only help me financially, but it would also serve as an investment in the future of education. Teaching is more than just a career for me; it is my passion and my purpose. Every child deserves an educator who believes in them, and I want to be that person. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue my journey to becoming the teacher and leader that my students need.

My mother’s journey is the definition of resilience, and her perseverance has shaped me into the determined person I am today. As a Black woman from a poor, rural town in North Carolina, she faced immense challenges on her path to success. Her father was not present, and her mother worked tirelessly to put a roof over her head. Despite these hardships, my mother refused to let her circumstances dictate her future. She committed herself to academic excellence, earning straight A’s throughout her life. Her hard work paid off when she received a full-ride scholarship to North Carolina Central University (NCCU). But she didn’t stop there—she continued to excel and was accepted into law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She went on to pass the bar exam, becoming not only the first person in her family to earn a degree but also the first lawyer in our family. Even after reaching this incredible milestone, my mother still had bigger dreams. She aspired to become a judge, a goal that would take years of perseverance to achieve. She ran for office five separate times before she finally won. This past January, she was sworn in as a judge, proving once again that persistence leads to success. Watching my mother’s journey has instilled in me the belief that obstacles are merely stepping stones to something greater. She has shown me that no matter where you come from—no matter how difficult the journey—success is possible through dedication and resilience. Her unwavering determination inspires me to work hard and give back to my community, just as she has. I am currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at NCCU, with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. My mother’s story reminds me that no matter how difficult the journey may seem, success is possible through persistence. Her example motivates me to push forward, even when I face challenges in my own academic journey. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to continue my education and follow in my mother’s footsteps by making a difference in my community. With this assistance, I will be able to focus on my studies, gain valuable classroom experience, and develop the skills necessary to become an effective educator. My long-term goal is to eventually pursue a master’s and Ph.D., ultimately working toward a leadership role in education as a superintendent. Just as my mother worked tirelessly to improve her life and give back, I am committed to doing the same. Through teaching, I hope to inspire young students, providing them with the knowledge and encouragement they need to reach their own goals. This scholarship will not only help me achieve my dreams but will also allow me to continue my mother’s legacy of resilience, perseverance, and community impact.

My name is Alexandria Gause, and I am a dedicated and passionate future educator striving to make a lasting impact on my community. Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at North Carolina Central University, with plans to graduate in 2027. My educational journey does not stop there—I aspire to earn my master’s and eventually a Ph.D., with the ultimate goal of becoming a superintendent in my hometown. Through this role, I aim to advocate for quality education, equitable school funding, and supportive learning environments for all students. My commitment to education is reflected in my professional experiences. I have worked as a substitute teacher for Guilford County Schools, where I managed classrooms, followed lesson plans, and ensured students remained engaged in their learning. Additionally, as a counselor for the YMCA Y-Learning program, I provided academic support to K-5 students, fostering both their academic growth and personal development. My time as a camp counselor at Growing the Distance Inc. allowed me to create interactive learning experiences that helped students develop critical cognitive and motor skills. These roles have strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities, all of which are essential in my pursuit of educational leadership. One of the most significant challenges I have faced was the sudden passing of my aunt due to stomach cancer. Her death was a heartbreaking and transformative moment in my life. Grieving while balancing my responsibilities as a student was incredibly difficult, yet it taught me the power of perseverance. Instead of allowing my grief to overwhelm me, I channeled my emotions into my education. For the first time in my academic career, I earned straight A’s during my first semester of college. This experience reinforced my resilience and my ability to push forward in the face of adversity. I learned that hardship does not define me; rather, my response to challenges shapes who I am and who I will become. Ultimately, my journey has been shaped by my unwavering dedication to education, my commitment to making a difference, and my ability to overcome obstacles. Through my future role as a superintendent, I hope to inspire students to embrace education as a tool for empowerment, just as I have. Thank you for taking the time to consider me for this scholarship. Any help you can provide in supporting me through my academic journey will be deeply appreciated. ~ Alexandria Gause

“Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King Jr. From my earliest memories, I have been surrounded by the world of education. With my father serving as a principal, I had a front-row seat to the daily struggles and triumphs within the school system. I watched as he navigated the complex web of curricula, budgets, and the endless stream of challenges that come with the territory. These experiences served as my first window into the world of education, and they instilled in me a profound respect for the dedication and resilience required of those who shape the minds of our future generations. In the summer that followed my junior year, I embarked on a new educational journey as a volunteer working with children. My days started at 6:30 in the morning and often extended well into the evening, as I spent my weekdays with a group of eager, inquisitive children. This experience became a defining chapter in my life. I quickly learned that the lives of children are brimming with potential and curiosity, and it's the role of an educator to kindle the flames of their inquisitiveness. The kids I worked with came from diverse backgrounds and had unique challenges, but they all shared a common desire to learn and grow. This shared aspiration is what connected us, bridging gaps in experiences and backgrounds, and forging deep connections that transcended typical teacher-student relationships. I discovered the transformative power of education during those summer months. It wasn't just about teaching; it was about inspiring and guiding these young minds. I had to develop lesson plans that were not only informative but engaging, fostering a love for learning. The structure was essential, providing a secure framework within which the children could explore, question, and discover. The lesson plans I created required my utmost attention to detail, and I had to adapt quickly when the unexpected arose. As a result of my dedication to their growth, I witnessed the remarkable progress these children made. It was both gratifying and humbling to see their confidence grow, their questions become more insightful, and their understanding deepened. I realized that as an educator, I held the key to unlocking their potential, and this was a responsibility I embraced with passion and commitment. My journey didn't stop there; I continued to be involved in education through after-school programs and my ongoing relationships with former and current teachers. These experiences further enriched my understanding of the complexities of the education system, the importance of mentorship, and the lasting impact that caring and dedicated educators can have on the lives of their students. In my own life, I've come to understand the significance of time management. It's a delicate balance, much like managing a classroom. Some days, I excel at keeping up with my scheduled study time and assignments, much like executing a well-thought-out lesson plan. Other times, the challenges can seem overwhelming, and I struggle to maintain that structure. But the experience of working with children has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. In closing, my journey with children has shown me that education is more than just knowledge; it's the spark that ignites a lifelong love for learning. The impact of working with kids is profound, and it has shaped me into a dedicated, compassionate, and resilient individual, ready to embark on my own educational journey, equipped with the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of future generations.