The Marcus M. Wilson Scholarship Fund (MMWSF) is proud to announce its 2026–2027scholarship recipients. As the 16th anniversary in October is fast approaching the celecration will continue to celebrate the achievements of outstanding students and remain honored to serve the youth of RoanokeCity.
Since its founding in 2010, the Marcus M. Wilson Scholarship Fund has been committed to-supporting students as they pursue higher education and work toward achieving their dreams.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
Ernesto Gomez, a graduate of William Fleming High School, will attend Swarthmore College,where he plans to major in Economics and minor in Mathematics. He is the son of Ms. OraliaMeza Banda.
Safana (Xen) Wajad, a graduate of William Fleming High School, will attend the University ofVirginia, where she plans to major in Engineering with a minor in Applied Science. She is thedaughter of Ms. G. Dillard.
Christian Burnette, a graduate of Patrick Henry High School and the outgoing president of theRoanoke NAACP Youth Council, will attend Virginia Tech, where he plans to major in PoliticalScience. He is the son of Mr. Cecil and Mrs. Linda Hodnett.
Olivia Dabney, a graduate of William Fleming High School, will attend Randolph College,where she plans to major in Psychology. She is the daughter of Ms. Katinia Dabney.
Zakyah King, a graduate of William Fleming High School, will attend Virginia UnionUniversity, where she plans to major in Health Science. She is the daughter of Mr. David King.
The Marcus M. Wilson Scholarship Fund congratulates these exceptional students and wish them continued success as they begin this exciting new chapter. We are confident they will havea positive impact on their communities and beyond.
