Meet the 2026 Scholars

Cara Kirksey

Planning to Attend: North Carolina A&T State University

Cara Kirksey is a graduating senior at Castro Valley High School who has achieved an outstanding 4.0 GPA while demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership, service, and advocacy. This fall, she will attend North Carolina A&T State University to study Journalism and Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. Passionate about empowering her community, Cara is actively involved in the Black Student Union, NAACP Youth Council, and mentoring programs that support young Black children. Her dedication to activism and community engagement has inspired her career goal of using media and communications as a platform for advocacy and positive change. Through her academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and work experience at Old Navy, Cara has developed exceptional leadership, communication, adaptability, and public speaking skills.

Elliott Situjie Chin

Planning to Attend: University of California, Santa Barbara

Elliott Situjie Chin is a graduating senior at Skyline High School in Oakland, California, and a proud fourth-generation Oakland native. Throughout his academic career, he has maintained an exceptional 4.3 weighted GPA and a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while attending Oakland public schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Elliott is deeply committed to service and leadership, volunteering through Saint Patrick’s Parish, mentoring middle school students through the Oakland Roosevelt Summer Music Camp, and serving as a mentor in Skyline High School’s Youth Alive violence prevention program. A three-year varsity letterman and captain of the volleyball team, he exemplifies dedication both on and off the court. This fall, Elliott will attend the University of California, Santa Barbara to study Psychology, with aspirations of earning a Ph.D. and making a meaningful impact in the field.

Jada Jackson

Planning to Attend: Hampton University

Jada Jackson is a graduating senior at Bishop O’Dowd High School who has distinguished herself through leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community service. She serves on the 12th Grade Student Council, the Executive Council of the Black Student Union, and Solidarity in Action, where she advocates for youth voter engagement and health equity. Jada has represented her peers at the California State Capitol, supporting the statewide adoption of AP African American Studies. Her achievements include induction into the National Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars, as well as receiving the Bishop O’Dowd Spirit of the Dragon Award. An entrepreneur, athlete, and mentor, Jada also runs her own business and plays club volleyball. This fall, she will attend Hampton University to study Cybersecurity and Information Technology, with aspirations of owning her own cybersecurity firm.

Kaya Bullard

Planning to Attend: University of California, Berkeley

Kaya Bullard is a graduating senior at Bishop O’Dowd High School who has distinguished herself through academic excellence, STEM leadership, community service, and athletics. Maintaining a 3.9 unweighted GPA, she has earned First Honors all four years and is a member of both the California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society. Passionate about engineering and equity in STEM, Kaya interned at a Stanford University AI research lab, served as a STEM Apprentice at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and founded her school’s National Society of Black Engineers Jr. chapter. Her Girl Scout Gold Award project resulted in the planting of more than 50 trees and the creation of pollinator gardens throughout Oakland. This fall, Kaya will attend the University of California, Berkeley to study Mechanical and Materials Science Engineering and pursue her goal of becoming “an engineer for humanity.”

Maili Segura

Planning to Attend: California State University, Sacramento

Maili Segura is a graduating senior at American Canyon High School and an accomplished student-athlete dedicated to leadership, service, and academic achievement. A fourth-year Willie B. Adkins Scholar and active member of Delta Gems, Maili has participated in community service projects, mentorship programs, college-preparation activities, and public speaking opportunities that have strengthened her commitment to serving others. She also volunteers at Kaiser Permanente, gaining valuable healthcare experience while supporting patients and staff. As a standout athlete, Maili has earned Scholar Athlete and MVP honors in both volleyball and softball, demonstrating excellence, perseverance, and teamwork. She also holds CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications through EMS and Fire Academy training. This fall, Maili will attend California State University, Sacramento to study Kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy.

Aminah Goines

Planning to Study Veterinary Sciences

Aminah Goines was raised in Hercules, California, and attended school in Oakland, where she developed a strong passion for creativity, learning, and service. As the youngest of six children, she is inspired by her family’s educational achievements, including siblings who are pursuing higher education and military service. Aminah enjoys drawing, fashion, and baking, and has dedicated years to developing her artistic talents through animation lessons and art classes. She especially enjoys expressing herself through fashion and design. Looking ahead, Aminah plans to pursue a career as a veterinarian while continuing to cultivate her passion for fashion design. She has already enrolled in pre-veterinary programs and applied to colleges offering degrees in Veterinary Science and Fashion Design.

Carl Holmes III

Planning to Attend: Morehouse College

Carl Holmes III is a graduating senior at St. Mary’s College High School in Berkeley, California, where he has maintained a 3.4 GPA while completing a challenging academic program that includes AP Calculus BC and AP Biology. A four-year honor roll student, Carl balances academics with athletics, employment, and service, working at a community pool, photographing school sporting events, and playing basketball. Passionate about supporting youth, he has volunteered at his former daycare, served as a church youth leader, and tutored students in reading and algebra. Carl has also completed internships in dentistry and physical therapy, reinforcing his commitment to healthcare. This fall, he will attend Morehouse College to study Biology and pursue his goal of becoming a pediatric dentist dedicated to addressing health inequities in underserved communities.

Gavin McMillon

Planning to Attend: Georgia Institute of Technology

Gavin McMillon is an accomplished graduate of Jesuit High School who maintained a perfect GPA while successfully balancing a rigorous academic schedule, leadership opportunities, extracurricular activities, and employment. A talented musician, he performed on the baritone horn in both the school’s marching and concert bands, demonstrating dedication, discipline, and teamwork. Gavin also gained valuable customer service experience while working at Publix, where he strengthened his communication, professionalism, and time-management skills. Committed to serving others, he was selected for the prestigious Mayor’s Youth Leadership Corps and regularly volunteered to support individuals experiencing food insecurity. Motivated by perseverance, curiosity, and a passion for mathematics and problem-solving, Gavin will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology this fall to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Jaliyah Fitch

Planning to Attend: Howard University

Jaliyah Fitch is a graduating senior at Moreau Catholic High School who has excelled academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA for most of her high school career while earning numerous honors, including Principal’s Honor Roll, Student of the Month, and Best Student awards in Science and Social Studies. This fall, she will attend Howard University to pursue a degree in Health Sciences with aspirations of becoming a respiratory therapist or pulmonologist. Passionate about medicine, public health, and service, Jaliyah has been actively involved in the S.A.G.E. Club, dance, and community outreach initiatives supporting underserved populations. She also volunteered at George Mark Children’s House, providing support through respite care services. Through her leadership, compassion, and dedication, Jaliyah exemplifies the qualities of a future healthcare professional committed to improving the lives of others.

Lamariah Holmes

Planning to Attend: Texas Southern University

Lamariah Holmes is a graduating senior at AIMS College Prep High School who is guided by faith, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others. This fall, she will attend Texas Southern University to study Aviation as she pursues her lifelong dream of becoming a commercial airline captain. A bilingual student and talented pianist, Lamariah serves as President of her church’s Young People’s Department (YPD), where she supports and mentors her peers. As the youngest of four children and a youth in foster care, she approaches life with gratitude, resilience, and a positive outlook. Her Christian faith keeps her focused and grounded while inspiring her dedication to helping others. After gaining experience in the aviation industry, Lamariah plans to achieve her goal of becoming the captain of a Boeing 777.

Makeyla Pablo Mendoza

Planning to Attend: University of San Francisco

Makeyla Pablo Mendoza is a graduating senior at De Anza High School in Richmond, California, who has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, service, and community engagement. She serves as Vice President of the Sewing for Charity Club, where she helps organize projects that support individuals and families in need. Makeyla also volunteers with Urban Tilth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving community health, food access, and environmental sustainability throughout Richmond. Through her involvement in service-oriented organizations, she has developed a passion for helping others and improving community well-being. This fall, Makeyla will attend the University of San Francisco to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Her long-term goal is to become a nurse and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.

Timothy Hamp II

Planning to Attend: Howard University

Timothy Hamp II is a graduating senior at Saint Mary’s College High School whose achievements reflect excellence in academics, leadership, athletics, service, and the arts. Maintaining a 3.7 GPA while completing Advanced Placement, Honors, and community college coursework, he has earned Honor Roll recognition throughout high school and is a member of the California Scholarship Federation. Timothy has served on Class Council for four years and as a Student Ambassador, while also mentoring youth through The Hidden Genius Project and supporting economic empowerment initiatives through Play Black Wall Street. A talented musician, he is a four-year First Chair Tenor Saxophonist and recipient of Saint Mary’s Certificate of Distinction in Jazz Improvisation. This fall, Timothy will attend Howard University to study Finance and Accounting while pursuing a minor in African American Studies, with aspirations of advancing economic opportunity in underserved communities.