2026
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS

Thank you for your support for the Spingarn Alumni Association Inc. (SAA). Since 1997, SAA has awarded neighboring high school graduating students over $200,000 in scholarships. These scholarships were made possible through the help and with significant donations and contributions from the Dr. Purvis J. Williams and the Spingarn Alumni Association General Scholarship Funds.

We thank our wonderful community of members for your support in creating positive financial ripple effects for generations to come.

This academic year, the SAA Education Committee is pleased to present seven (7) qualified inspiring students from these schools to receive $1500 scholarship awards. Here is a quick overview of our award winners:

Christan Dortch, a graduate of St. Charles High School, Waldorf MD, has been accepted to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her work with Safeway Inc. helped influence her pursuit in the food chemistry field. In her words, she finds it intriguing to discover how we can use science to help improve our safety and the quality of food. Sponsor – Paulette Tilghman ‘63

Kaitlyn Lee, a graduate of The Potomac School, McLean, VA has been accepted to Harvard University, Cambridge, MA. While interning at Boston Children’s Hospital she assisted the research team with developing an AI tool for patients. This led to her aspiring to become a technology entrepreneur, building systems that expand access and serve underserved communities.
Sponsor – Edith Chen -Friend of SAA

Milan Mills, a graduate of Macarthur High School, Washington, DC has been accepted to Lincoln University, Lincoln University, PA. Milan struggled during Covid (8th to 10th grade) she credits her recovery from Covid depression to her working her first job with Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Employment Program. Afterwards, she spoke on the struggles of bouncing back from this crisis with others, where she earned the Become Award and Believe Award. Her counselor reports she has earned Magna Cum Laude status every advisory period during her senior year.
Sponsor– Violet Lucas ‘61

Douglas Ray, a graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School, Hyattsville, MD has been accepted to the Biological Sciences Program at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. This STEM student aspires to become a doctor and credits his love of swimming as the contributing factor in his discipline, commitment and hard work with his studies. Sponsor – Lorraine Washington ‘63

Oyindamo Shofela, a graduate of Bowie Senior High School, Bowie, MD has been accepted College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at University of Maryland, this community advocate career goal is to pursue law and political science on her way to becoming a family lawyer. During her high school career she earn several honors such as Principals’ Honor Roll, Member of the Black Student Union, Captain – ASA Modeling Team, and team manager of girl’s lacrosse team, Sponsor – Deborah McFarland ‘65

Dalyce Wallace-Graham, a graduate of Bowie High School, Bowie, MD has been accepted at Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. She will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Studies. This graduate career goal is to become an orthodontist. Her high school accomplishments include the Bowie HS Honor Roll, Captain - Varsity Cheerleading Team, Member of BHS track team and BHS band. Sponsor – Deborah McFarland, ‘65

Asa Watson, graduate of Ron Brown College Prep High School, Washington, DC has been accepted at Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. He will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management. While serving as SGA Class President (3-year term), his accomplishments include Commander Army JROTC Battalion, member of the National Honor Society and included working 2 years with TRIO Upward Bound Programs at Howard University and George Washington University.
Sponsor – Bevelyn Whitfield, ‘71


Please join us in wishing them continued success, as they aspire to reach their full potential.

Education Committee
Spingarn Alumni Association, Inc. 
June 2026