2020-2021 WVBHF Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to all of our 2020-2021 West Virginia Black Heritage Festival Scholarship recipients! We can't wait to see what their futures hold! This year, we awarded nine graduating seniors:

1. James Owens of Beckley, WV ​is the son of Clarence and Cassandra Owens, and a 2020 graduate Woodrow Wilson High School (Beckley, WV). James was not only the captain of the boy’s high school soccer team, he was also a member of the boys track and cross-country teams. James is a four year honor student and an inductee into the National Honors Society, were he received certificates of achievement in math, world studies, English, AP Biology. James plays an active role in his church, and volunteers as mentor for various groups. He will attend Old Dominion University in the fall to study Computer Science.
2. Gia Marshall of Clarksburg, WV, is the daughter of Garrett Sapp and Drema Marshall, and a 2020 graduate of the Robert C. Byrd High School (Clarksburg, WV).  Gia is not only a proud member of the student government but has also served as an I-Believe Ambassador, and Raze club secretary. Crowned as a homecoming princess, Gia was an honor student and an inductee to the National Honor’s Society and the WV Rhododendron Girls state club. Moreover, she has played an active role volunteering for various charitable functions in order to support her community.  Gia will attend West Virginia University in the fall to study Marketing and Merchandising.
3. Khori Miles of Clarksburg, WV, is the son of Kristi Schwartz and a 2020 graduate of Robert C. Byrd High School (Clarksburg, WV). Khori is a member and captain of the boy's varsity basketball and soccer teams, where he earned various rewards and was publicly recognized for athletic abilities. He also played on various summer league and soccer teams, and served as a volunteer at the Clarksburg Mission. Khori will attend Alderson Broaddus University in the fall, were he will study journalism and play on the men's soccer team.
4. Azaria Michaels of Clarksburg, WV, is the daughter of Ariel and Angela Michaels, and a 2020 graduate from the Robert C. Byrd High School (Clarksburg, WV).  Azaria is a member of the cheerleading team that won six consecutive cheerleading championships. As an honor student she was selected for membership in the National Society of High School Honors, and The Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence. Moreover, she has played an active role volunteering for various charitable functions in order to support her community.  Azaria will attend Marshall University in the fall to study pre-veterinary medicine.
5. Franklin Bush of Fairmont, WV, is the son of Franklin and Tricia Bush Sr., and a 2020 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School (Fairmont, WV).  Franklin is not only an honor student, he was also a proud member of the student council and he played on the football, wrestling, track, lacrosse, and swimming teams, and sang in the Madrigals choir where he received honors. Moreover, he served as a volunteer for  The National Medical Convention in Washington, DC, the WV Senate in Charleston, WV, the Disability Action Center of Fairmont, WV, as well as the Union Mission.  Franklin will attend Fairmont State University in the fall study Biology.
6. Anaka Whiteside of Beckley, WV, is the daughter of Dorian Dickerson, and a 2020 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School (Beckley, WV).  Anaka was not only a proud member of the high school's Art and Key clubs, as well as sang as soloist in the school's Honor Choir. Anaka has spent many hours volunteering her time within various roles in the community, as well as served as an ambassador for a workshop dedicated to preventing bullying and violence.  Anaka will attend West Virginia University in the fall to study Political Science.
7. Elijah Iwuner of Moatsville, WV, is the son of Ngozi and Lorilee Iwuner, and a 2020 graduate of Notre Dame High School (Clarksburg, WV).  Elijah participated on the boy’s high school basketball and soccer teams.  As a member of the National Honor Society, Elijah spent a great amount of time volunteering alongside of his father in building a seven-floor basketball gym and soccer field in Moatsville, and he considers this one of his greatest achievements. Elijah will attend West Virginia University in the fall to study Sports Management.
8. Josiah Baker of Oak Hill, WV is the son of Pastor Paul and Jada Baker, and a 2020 graduate of Oak Hill High School.  As the President of the student council, Josiah was not only a proud member of the National Honor’s Society, Leadership Fayette County, Upward Bound, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and he also participated on the boy’s high school track and cross-country teams.  Josiah spends most of his time volunteering at his church, and he will attend West Virginia Tech University in the fall to study Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
9. Maliyah Cottingham of Clarksburg, of Salem, WV is the Daughter of Donald Cottingham and Meredith Baker, and a 2020 graduate of Liberty High School (Clarksburg, WV).  Maliyah was an honor student for the United Technical Schools Honor Society and ranked in the top 10 of her class. She was selected as the BB&T athlete of the week and selected as Second Team All-County for her role on the girls’ basketball team and was crowned as the 2020 Homecoming Queen. Maliyah is a very active member in her Church, as she works with her Church’s mission, praise team and as a junior counselor for Church camp. Maliyah will study surgical technology in the fall at MTech Junior College.​