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NHEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:
2025 SCHOLARS

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GABRIELLE GIVENS GENERETT

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JORDYN ELLIS

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JASMINE PIERRE

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Ari Smith

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JOSEPH THRASHER

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JAILON JAMISON

2025 SCHOLARSHIP ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished scholars, their dedicated parents, and the supportive members of North Hills Ebony Women, Inc. (NHEW). Your unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to your goals is truly inspiring. To our scholars, your hard work, leadership, and determination have not only earned you these well-deserved scholarships but have also set a shining example for others to follow. We are immensely proud of your accomplishments and excited to see the remarkable impact you will make in your future endeavors. To our community and supporters, your generous contributions and steadfast encouragement play a pivotal role in the success of our scholarship program. Your belief in the potential of these young minds fuels their drive to excel and achieve their dreams. We are deeply grateful for your continued support, which empowers us to nurture and celebrate the talents within our community. Together, we are creating a legacy of excellence, unity, and empowerment that will resonate for generations to come.

OUR 2025 SCHOLARS

Gabrielle Givens Generett
Gabrielle Givens Generett is a graduate of Fox Chapel Area High School, where she consistently excelled in advanced mathematics and science, earning a 4.45 weighted GPA and completing both AP Calculus AB and BC with distinction. She is an admit to Washington University in St. Louis and has been named a prestigious John B. Ervin Scholar, a testament to her academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to justice.

Gabrielle’s intellectual interests center on using data to confront health disparities and address systemic racism. Inspired by her great-grandfather’s legacy as a trailblazer in his community, Gabrielle views education as a pathway to service. Her experiences as a Black student—often dismissed or underestimated—have shaped her mission to develop equitable solutions in public health and STEM.

She is a committed mentor, regularly tutoring both peers and elementary students in math and science. Gabrielle is actively involved in numerous organizations, including National Honor Society, STEM Club, TSA, the Black Student Union, and Jack and Jill of America. Through these roles, she exemplifies discipline, advocacy, and academic integrity. Gabrielle's ability to connect high-level analytical thinking with a drive for social change makes her a remarkable scholar and emerging leader in her field.

Precise · Composed · Insightful · Ambitious

Jordyn “Jojo” Ellis
Jordyn “Jojo” Ellis is a graduate of Pittsburgh Science & Technology Academy, where she maintained a 3.85 weighted GPA while earning distinction for both academic excellence and courageous leadership. Admitted to Howard University’s Chemistry program for Fall 2025, Jojo has shown a rare ability to integrate scientific inquiry with artistic creativity, analytical precision with emotional insight.

Jojo’s journey has been marked not only by achievement, but by moral conviction. When she discovered that her favorite science teacher—someone who initially sparked her love for STEM—was sexually harassing students, Jojo refused to remain silent. Despite his intimidation and the risk of retaliation, she took a principled stand and fought persistently to hold him accountable. It took time—and courage—but her efforts eventually led to his removal, protecting future students from harm. Jojo’s resilience in the face of institutional resistance revealed her deep sense of justice and a powerful commitment to truth.

Beyond the classroom, Jojo has served as a vital voice within her school community. As an active member of both the Student Voice group and the Black Student Union, she has championed equity, representation, and student empowerment. Her teachers describe her as intellectually curious, emotionally grounded, and endlessly creative. Whether dissecting complex chemical reactions or creating compelling visual art, Jojo approaches every endeavor with heart and discipline.

She will attend Howard University with the goal of exploring how scientific research can be used to advocate for truth, safety, and systemic accountability—just as she has already done in her own school.

Fearless · Creative · Principled · Resilient · Driven

Jasmine Pierre
Jasmine Pierre is a graduate of Pittsburgh Westinghouse, where she maintained a 3.89 weighted GPA while transforming both her school culture and her broader community through service, innovation, and leadership. Despite attending a high school with limited academic and extracurricular resources, Jasmine has seized every opportunity available to her—redefining what it means to lead in the face of structural barriers.

Jasmine revitalized the school’s marching band and pep culture, and as a team lead in both FRC and FTC Robotics, she has fused her passion for technology with a broader mission: to use engineering to help underserved communities. Jasmine plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina A&T University, where she has already been accepted, with the goal of designing affordable prosthetics for people in war-torn and underdeveloped regions.

Her dedication to service is evident in every facet of her life. She volunteers to assist other students with college applications, serves in Student Government, and holds leadership roles in organizations including the African American Center for Advanced Studies, GSA, and the Superintendent’s Student Voice group. Jasmine is also a presenter, peer advocate, and former intern at the Penn State Readiness Institute and the Pittsburgh Promise.

Jasmine's journey is one of defiance and direction: breaking free from the limitations of her environment, she has built a path defined by empathy, excellence, and purpose. Her future in robotics and humanitarian design is a natural extension of her belief in community-centered innovation.

Strategic · Relentless · Rooted · Bold · Transformative

Ari Smith
Ari Smith is a graduate of Pittsburgh Science & Technology Academy, where he earned a 4.06 weighted GPA and emerged as both an academic leader and an artist-activist. This fall, he will attend Boston University, where he will deepen his commitment to performance, equity, and community engagement. Ari stands out for his rare fusion of intellectual rigor, creative fluency, and a strong ethical compass that informs everything he does.

Ari has excelled in a rigorous academic curriculum that includes AP and College in High School (CHS) courses in Statistics, Biology, U.S. History, and English. But what truly sets Ari apart is his capacity to fuse personal growth with public service. As a proud member and officer of the Black Student Union, Ari served as social media manager and director of critical race theory programming, on a team, creating school-wide cultural showcases and leading inclusive initiatives. He also served as the historian for both the National Honor Society and Class Council, using digital platforms to elevate student engagement and celebrate shared accomplishments.

Ari’s leadership extends far beyond the classroom. As a Student Ambassador Group Leader and Head Tour Guide, he became the welcoming face of SciTech for prospective families. Simultaneously, he pursued his love for musical theater through Urban Impact, where he starred in lead roles, taught choreography as a dance captain, and raised approximately $15,000 to support program operations. He also mentors children as a choir huddle leader and educates young students on emergency preparedness through the Red Cross "Prepare with Pedro" initiative.

Perhaps most notably, Ari's path is marked by extraordinary emotional intelligence. His personal reflections on navigating rejection and silence reveal a young man of uncommon insight and resilience. Grounded in literature and introspection, Ari has turned pain into perspective and chosen to lead with authenticity and compassion.

He is a high-honor roll student, a storyteller, and a systems-thinker—committed to using his voice, creativity, and intellect to shape a more inclusive and humane world.

Trailblazer · Reflective · Scholar · Artist · Compassionate

 

Joseph Thrasher
Joseph Thrasher is a graduate of Pittsburgh CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) High School, where he earned a 4.14 weighted GPA and developed a reputation as a compassionate leader, artist, and advocate for equity. His academic excellence and outstanding contributions to community life earned him admission to the University at Buffalo, where he was named a Provost Scholar, receiving a $48,000 merit award recognizing him as one of UB’s top applicants.

Joseph’s strength lies not only in his academic discipline, but in his unwavering dedication to uplifting others. As a member of the National Honor Society, Black Student Union, Green Team, Student Council, and Stand Together, Joseph has taken on leadership roles that prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and youth empowerment. Whether coordinating school-wide events or managing social media to promote student engagement, Joseph has used every platform to foster community and positive change.

His volunteerism spans organizations including the Charlie Bach Foundation, World Vision, and Eradicate Hate, where he has worked to support youth, promote interfaith unity, and directly improve conditions for vulnerable communities. From ushering guests at live theater through Beyond Stage to clearing city parks and helping those in need with clothing and home repairs, Joseph’s impact is both broad and personal.

Joseph’s creative journey began with a simple passion: entertaining others. Inspired by childhood performances for his father and early YouTube videos, Joseph has continued to use digital storytelling as a way to connect, heal, and inspire. After the tragic loss of his father during his freshman year, Joseph chose to keep creating—not only to honor his dad, but to preserve joy and memory during a time of profound grief. His school vlogs, which once helped his father stay connected from afar, have now become a legacy of resilience, creativity, and love.

In every space he enters, Joseph brings light—through service, humor, humility, and care. He enters college not just with potential, but with purpose.

Visionary · Unshakable · Leader · Storyteller · Advocate

Jailon Jamison
Jailon Jamison is a sophomore at La Roche University, where he is majoring in Supply Chain Management, with a minor in Management Information Systems. A dedicated scholar, he has maintained a 3.85 GPA while excelling in multiple leadership and service roles. Jailon is a member of the University of Pittsburgh’s Air Force ROTC program, where he serves as a GMC Advisor and was twice selected as Cadet of the Month. He is also a student-athlete on the La Roche Cross Country team.

Jailon's leadership extends beyond the classroom and into the community. He has volunteered for various service events, including organizing logistics for the Tough Mudder and supporting animal welfare at the South Hills Pet Rescue. At the Pitt vs. Clemson women’s basketball game, he proudly represented Detachment 730 in the Color Guard, upholding military ceremonial traditions with precision and respect.

Prior to his academic career, Jailon served in the United States Air Force for eight years, where he managed aircraft maintenance operations and coordinated multi-unit logistics to support global mission readiness. 

Jailon has been repeatedly recognized by faculty and military leadership for his integrity, work ethic, and mentorship of younger cadets. He will commission into the U.S. Air Force upon graduation, continuing his commitment to excellence and service.

Disciplined · Solver · Community-Minded · Humble · Driven

2025 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 

North Hills Ebony Women, Inc. annually awards academic scholarships to Black high school students from the Pittsburgh Public Schools and North Hills area school districts, and a college student from La Roche University.

The Norma Jean Ware Duncan and North Hills Ebony Women, Inc. Scholarships are supporting scholars currently enrolled in colleges across the country, and they have impacted many who are recent graduates and young professionals. Our scholarships are funded through annual fundraising events such as the Sparkle and Glitz Scholarship Luncheon.

 

We are additionally grateful for the contributions of Pittsburgh corporations and the generous donations from members and friends of NHEW, Inc.

SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS 

NORMA JEAN DUNCAN WARE SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must meet the below eligibility requirements:

Be a resident of the surrounding -Northern Region of Pittsburgh

Be an African American high school senior 

Attends a North Hills Area public school, charter school, cyber school

Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0

Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited post secondary institution

Demonstrate academic and community excellence

Application Deadline: May 10, 2025 by 11:59: pm

NORTH HILLS EBONY WOMEN, INC. SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must meet the below eligibility requirements: ​

Be a resident of the city of Pittsburgh

Be an African American high school senior 

Attend a public school, charter school, cyber school

Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0

Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited post secondary institution

Demonstrate academic and community excellence

Application Deadline: May 10, 2025 by 11:59 pm

NORTH HILLS EBONY WOMEN, INC. SCHOLARSHIP-LA ROCHE UNIVERSITY


Be an African American or Black student
Currently enrolled at La Roche University as a full-time student
Be a current freshman, sophomore, or junior
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
Demonstrate academic and community excellence

Application Deadline: May 10, 2025 by 11:59 pm

Applicants must meet the below eligibility requirements: 

Applications are now available and the deadline (including all supporting documents) is April 23, 2025 by 11:59 pm. 

Have questions or interested in applying, please email us at nhew1979@gmail.com for additional information. 

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PREMIER SPONSOR: UPMC

"The North Hills Ebony Women Scholarship has helped me tremendously in pursing my college career. From the first moment that I met the women of NHEW, they gave advice and poured some of their wisdom into me. Their own accomplishments and success stories alone, are so enlightening for young people."

Zeinah Browne

2020 Scholarship Recipient

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