Bernie L. Bates 12th Annual Graduation and Scholarship Ceremony

12th Annual Scholarship and Graduation Recognition Reception Celebrates Academic Excellence and Awards Over $30,000 in Scholarships

On a proud and memorable afternoon, the Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc. (BLB) brought together family, friends, and community supporters at the elegant Country Club of Fairfax for the 12th Annual Scholarship and Graduation Recognition Celebration, honoring the power of education and the bright futures of young people who chose to keep going. The awards were proudly presented by Ray Buckner, Chapter Basileus, and Foundation President Marvin Chisolm, who together placed each award in the hands of our deserving honorees. This afternoon was not just about handing out checks, it was about letting these young men and women know that their hard work has been seen, their dreams matter, and that our community is standing right behind them.

The celebration opened by first honoring those who had already crossed the finish line, our four college graduates. Each of these outstanding men and women who went off to college and saw it all the way through to graduation were recognized and presented with a monetary award. By honoring this milestone, the Foundation sent a clear message to everyone in the room: we celebrate every step of the journey, from the first day of college to the day you walk across that stage. We also honored two high school students who did great work in the community.

With the spirit of the room already lifted high, the Foundation then turned its attention to the next wave of leaders — 15 outstanding high school graduates heading off to college. The Bernie L. Bates Foundation was proud to award more than $30,000 in scholarships, with special recognition going to this year's highest scholarship recipient, Noah Isirimah, who was awarded $5,000; a testament to his outstanding achievement and the incredible potential he carries into his future. This year's scholars will attend some of the nation's finest institutions, including Spelman College, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T, Virginia Tech, Hunter College, Harvard University, Carleton College, Louisiana State University, Marquette University, George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Hood College, and Syracuse University.

The Country Club of Fairfax provided a beautiful and fitting setting for such a meaningful occasion. Master of Ceremony Jevon Walton kept the program flowing with energy and grace, while guest speaker Barrye L. Price, Major General, Retired, U.S. Army, and President and CEO of CADCA; delivered a moving and thought-provoking address that had every person in the room dedicating themselves to growth and achievement. In one of the most emotional moments of the afternoon, Daniel Purvis, last year's BLB scholarship recipient, delivered a heartfelt charge to this year's high school graduates, urging them to “raise their frequency, tune in, and be confident, authentic, and grow: You are unstoppable!” The afternoon was further lifted by the soulful and talented musical performance of Mathieu Mercer, a two-time Talent Hunt recipient.

The Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter and the Bernie L. Bates Foundation remain deeply committed to supporting students at every stage of their educational journey. We believe that every young person deserves a great future, and education is the key that opens that door. The best investment we will ever make is in our young people; and we will never stop making that investment.

Bernie L. Bates Foundation | Scholarship & Graduation Recognition Celebration

Country Club of Fairfax | $30,000+ Awarded to 15 Scholars