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Surprise Scholarship Will Help Buy Expensive Books

August 26, 2014
Aikelah Johnson shows off plaque that came with scholarship.

Aikelah Johnson shows off plaque that came with scholarship.

Chris Meehan

Aikelah Johnson was shocked when she went to price the books she needs for her classes in biomedical technology at Grand Valley State University in West Michigan.

When she returned home, she told her mother, Shakira Griffin, that her books were going to run more than $650, not what they had expected.

But then, the next day they received a text message from Rev. Robert Price, ethnic leader for the Black/Urban Ministries Team for Christian Reformed Home Missions.

Price informed Johnson that she was being awarded a $250 Vern Palmore Scholarship.

She was one of six young people who this year were awarded scholarships, named after a former member of Pullman CRC in Chicago.

“It was, like yes, I needed that to help out,” said Johnson, a recent graduate of Grand Rapids Community College who has plans to be a medical doctor.

She worked full-time drawing blood as she completed her studies and graduated with a 3.6 GPA.

“I feel really good about getting this scholarship,” she said. “I also feel good for the other young people, especially black kids, who get to see that I got this so I can be a positive role model for them.”

Johnson received the scholarship during a recent Sunday service at Coit Community Church, where she has been a member for 18 years. Her mother, Shakira Griffin, is a deacon at Coit.

“Aikelah has grown in her walk with Christ through her faithfulness in teaching children in church and in the youth group,” said Jerome Burton, pastor of Coit.

“She is a young lady who I believe has come to realize that she has to pour life into others, just as others poured their lives into and supported her.”

Funds for the scholarship are raised from various sources, especially through Pullman CRC.

“I am happy that we are able to do this,” said Betty Palmore. “My husband wanted kids to go to school. He always liked mentoring young people.”

She said that this is the third year that scholarships have been awarded in honor of Palmore, who, besides being a long-time elder at Pullman CRC, was a retired U.S. Army officer, a certified public accountant, and an active participant in the CRC’s Black and Reformed Conference.

“In giving the scholarship, we want to acknowledge Aikelah and let her know we are praying for her as she plans to study to be a doctor,” said Rosetta Polk-Pugh, a leader in the CRC’s Black and Urban ministries.

Of the six scholarships this year, five were handed out at the recent 13th Annual Urban Youth Conference, held at Jeremiah Missionary Baptist Church in Milwaukee, said Price. The conference is sponsored in conjunction with Home Missions.

Normally, Aikelah Johnson would have been there, given she has been a leader at the conference for several years. But since she couldn’t make it this year, Price and others traveled to Grand Rapids to make the award.

Scholarships are awarded to those studying in college, trade school or the military.

“These scholarships are a way of honoring our kids for the hard work they do,” said Price.