What happens when young Black students look around a hospital and see no one who looks like them? They become the change they want to see. Meet Paris Holiday and Lenroy Elbowie, two extraordinary scholars headed to Hampton University and Florida A&M University, respectively, both with dreams of transforming the medical field through representation.

Paris, a Philadelphia native and future Hampton student, shares how breaking her leg years ago became a pivotal moment in her life. Looking around the hospital room at predominantly white doctors, she felt uncomfortable and decided then that she would become the Black anesthesiologist that future generations could look to for comfort and inspiration. As a first-generation college student with neurodivergent siblings, Paris brings a unique perspective on diversity and inclusion, viewing her education not just as personal advancement but as building a legacy of Black doctors within her family.

Meanwhile, Glenroy carries forward a rich family tradition of HBCU excellence. With relatives who attended Morgan State, Howard, Hampton, and Virginia State, his decision to attend FAMU continues a proud legacy. Caught between becoming an anesthesiologist or plastic surgeon, Lenroy articulates a powerful vision for how HBCUs prepare students to advocate for change when faced with institutional barriers. His philosophy of "leading with purpose means lifting up others as you climb" showcases how these young scholars view their educational journeys as opportunities to create systemic change.

Both students represent the transformative power of HBCUs in nurturing the next generation of Black excellence in healthcare. Their stories remind us why supporting these institutions and students matters—because representation saves lives. Vote for your favorite contestant in the Takisha A. Davis Scholarship Award competition and help these future medical professionals bring their vision of equitable healthcare to life.

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The search for the next Takisha A Davis Scholarship recipient heats up as we meet exceptional finalists headed to Historically Black Colleges and Universities this fall. This unique award doesn't focus on GPAs but rather seeks students with unwavering determination, compelling essays, and the ability to shine through multiple interviews.

Host Dr. Monique Robinson welcomes two standout candidates who represent the incredible diversity of talent within the HBCU-bound student community. First, we meet Ayden Glover from Jacksonville, Florida, who will continue her family's powerful legacy as a fourth-generation Rattler at Florida A&M University. With plans to major in political science on a pre-law track, Aiden articulates a mature understanding of how political decisions impact communities and why HBCUs create vital spaces where students feel genuinely valued. Her perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion reveals wisdom beyond her years.

The competition takes an athletic turn when we meet William Osby II, a record-holding hurdler from Frisco, Texas, committed to Prairie View A&M University. Despite his impressive track record, William displays remarkable humility while sharing his vision for double-majoring in kinesiology with a minor in teaching. His passion for mentorship and desire to guide future student-athletes reveal the depth of character that has kept him consistently at the top of the competition rankings. Coming from a family with strong HBCU ties, including Howard University alumni, William brings a thoughtful perspective on how these institutions help students from diverse backgrounds "grow together and prosper together."

As the scholarship competition narrows from 66 candidates toward the final recipients, these interviews capture why HBCUs remain transformative educational environments that cultivate tomorrow's leaders. Watch previous episodes to meet all the amazing finalists, and don't forget to vote for the candidate who most inspires you before the field narrows further!

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We highlight remarkable students from across the country competing for the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship, which supports attendance at HBCUs with no GPA requirements. Each scholar shares their personal journey and why they've chosen HBCUs as their educational path forward.

• Lashari Patterson-Davis from Las Vegas is headed to Morgan State University to study nursing with plans to address diversity issues in healthcare
• Aniyah Faith Williams from Jacksonville will attend Florida A&M University for biology with a pre-dentistry focus, following a family legacy of FAMU graduates
• Amaris James from North Carolina will begin at Fayetteville State immediately after graduation to study sociology and find community among peers with shared experiences
• Mayonna LeGronne from Michigan will attend Howard University on a pre-med track with specific goals to combat racial health disparities and reduce maternal mortality rates among Black women
• All scholars articulated thoughtful perspectives on the importance of HBCUs and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in today's political climate
• The scholarship honors Takesha A. Davis, who never had the opportunity to attend college herself

Support these extraordinary students by visiting our social platforms under A Better Chance for Youth, Inc., and ABC Television to vote for your favorite scholars as they compete to make the top 10.

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