Deborah Kay Myers Scholarship Fund
Deborah Kay Myers was born in Jacksonville, Florida on July 24, 1949. Myers was the youngest of nine children born to Richard and Janie Myers.
Graduating from William M. Raines high school in 1966, Myers was a member of the very first graduating class in the history of Raines. After graduation, she was accepted into Edward Waters College; the only HBCU in Jacksonville and the surrounding area still today.
Myers started her first job (as an adult) with the State of Florida as a specialist working with developmentally delayed youth at a state operated facility called The Cottage. It was there where she discovered her true passion. After working for the State of Florida for over 20 years, Myers pursued yet another passion, cosmetology. After earning her cosmetology certification, Myers opened her very own salon, New Trends. Myers was a very successful entrepreneur cosmetologist never falling short of satisfying her clients. Shortly afterwards, Myers was offered a position with the Northside Skills Center to teach cosmetology. The offer was one that she couldn’t pass up so she went back into the classroom sharing her talents and skills and empowering students to be great.
Myers’ smile was infectious; she lit up a room when she entered, was always the life of the party and wanted everyone to relax and enjoy life. When she wasn’t working, Myers enjoyed spending time with immediate family; two daughters, Antenet (Shell) and Robyn (Lena); son in law, Rodrick and three grandchildren, Antwan, Tevin, and Janae. In her spare time, she also enjoyed socializing with friends.
Myers was given her angel wings and went to her heavenly home on July 29, 2020.
Scholarship Eligibility
- Current 12th grader
- Attends William M. Raines high school
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA
- Plans to attend an HBCU
- Major in Business or Special Education (with plans to teach developmentally delayed youth or adults)
The organization will select 1 scholarship recipient in August of each year. The recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship paid directly to the student. Selection criteria will focus on academic achievements, persistence, and leadership abilities.
A rigorous application review includes:
- A 1,000 word, original essay using the prompt: How important is voting to you and in what ways can you assist your peers with understanding the importance of civic responsibility.
- 2 letters of recommendation (one from a teacher/school administrator; one personal, non-family related)
- High school transcripts
- College acceptance letter
Application Timeline
The application, essay, letters of recommendation, transcript, and college acceptance letter are due by May 31. Scholarship semi-finalists will be notified by June 31.
How to Apply
Click on the link below to download the application. Save the file on your desktop or USB. After completing and saving the application, click on the ‘Choose File’ button to locate and upload. The name and email fields are required fields.
>>Click here to view essay prompt<<
