Meet Some Scholars

Click on an image to learn more about a Scholar

CELECIA CHASENGNOU

2022 Valedictorian of her graduating class at East Central High School.
She states that, “It took a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve this goal in my high school career.” She is described by a teacher there as, “…a model student, friend, and team member…diligent, working not only until a task is completed, but until it is completed correctly.”
Her collegiate plans include majoring in Psychology, “to contribute to the community and make a difference.”

Olivia Patton

Graduated from Booker T. Washington High School with a 3.7 GPA.

She states, “Beginning at a young age, I have constantly pushed to achieve my goals through hard work and determination. The ambition to be successful in every aspect of my life is my motivation.  The Simon Estes Scholarship will positively impact my journey to success by fueling my imagination, creativity, and curiosity. It will reward me with the opportunity to experience new challenges and allow me to grow as a young woman.

A former teacher says, “Her intelligence, hardworking skills, creativity, and easy going nature will make her an asset to any college that she chooses to attend.”

Gracie Loney

Graduated with a 4.0 GPA from Booker T. Washington High School where she was a Co-President of the National Honor Society, Co-President of YMCA Youth and Government, Co-President of RISE Girl Up, and Principal Cellist of the Advanced Orchestra.

Additionally, she was Creator & Founder of “B4 You Vote OK,” Second Chair in the Tulsa Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Cellist of Sistema Community Youth Orchestra.

She states, “My passions for music, equality, and politics have given me an unwavering commitment to enact change that will continue into law school.  I will use the Simon Estes Scholarship to seek higher education so I can be at the frontline of change to continue fighting for the arts, women, and people of my community.

JACKSON BAILEY

Graduate of Booker T. Washington High School where he was a member of the All-Metro Jazz and Concert Band, President of Men of Power, President of the Tulsa Kappa League, and a member of the Student Council.

He states, “Education is of the utmost importance because it will take me to new heights that would be unachievable without a degree.  The reason that I have chosen education as my field of study is to teach others, to empower, to provide direction and to define priorities.  Receiving the Simon Estes Scholarship will not only help relieve the financial burden of higher education it will also give me motivation to live up to the Foundation’s expectations – failure is not in my vocabulary.”

Jackson is double-majoring in Mathematics and Education with a career goal of becoming   a Secondary Education Teacher.

SARAH SMITH

2022 Valedictorian of her class at McLain High School for Science and Technology graduating in the top 1%.
She recounts, “When I first heard about this scholarship, I thought it was unbelievable, I couldn’t comprehend that there are so many people willing to help high school seniors succeed in life…People like you make young future leaders have the courage to follow their dreams and pursue a meaningful career in their community.”
Sarah attended the 2020 Congress of Future Medical Leaders and Scientists where she encountered 2007 Nobel Prize winner and geneticist, Dr. Mario Capecchi who advised her, “The difficult we do right away, the impossible we have to dive deeper and have the courage to finish it.”
She plans on pursuing her dream to become a veterinarian.

Mekhi Singleton

Graduated with a 4.0 GPA from Booker T. Washington High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society.  He states, “I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school while participating in two varsity sports, volunteering in my community, and working a part time job to help my family.

He is described by a former teacher, “His character is beyond reproach…leadership skills are exceptional. He has a unique ability to absorb volumes of information and translate them into practical application. These attributes along with his zeal for achieving great things will certainly make him successful.”

Mekhi plans on majoring in Finance & Accounting with a minor in Economics.

Evan Byrd

Graduated from Edison Preparatory High School where he was Academic All State Nominee and on the Honor Roll.  He was actively involved in community volunteerism, most notably with Mission Tulsa, an organization that feeds the homeless.

Former teachers describe him as, “intelligent, polite, hard-working, and loyal.”

He states, “The Simon Estes Scholarship would help me improve my society through my pursuit of community service in the pharmaceutical branch of Chemical Engineering and allow me to fulfill a lifelong dream of helping low-income families.”

Evan plans on continuing his post-secondary education toward a career in the field of Chemical Engineering.

Ashley Kirkpatrick

Graduated with a 3.90 GPA from Charles Page High School, where she took college classes with concurrent enrollment at TCC and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was actively involved in serving her community through volunteerism with Mana Meals, Blood Drives, German Shepherd Rescue of Tulsa, and Bell Ringing with Salvation Army.

A former teacher remembers that “She deflects the enormous praise that is heaped upon her so that others may bask in the limelight … She thinks how her words and actions impact others. I have met very few students that possess Ashley Kirkpatrick leadership skills.”

Ashley will pursue a chemistry degree to further her goal of becoming a Biochemist.

KRYSTAL MARTINEZ

2022 graduate of Memorial High School with National Honor Society Presidency, Senior of the Month, Honor Roll, and Perfect Attendance Award to her credit. She declares, “I hope to contribute to my community by educating them on the importance of watching and taking care of your health.”
She is described by one of her teachers as, “…magnificent, energetic, tenacious young woman, full of care for her fellow man and full of integrity and sound character.”
Krystal’s plans are to become a Registered Nurse.

Habiba Mila Rob

Graduated from Tulsa School of Arts & Sciences with a 3.62 GPA.

She maintained concurrent enrollment at Tulsa Community College where she earned placement on the Dean’s Honor Roll.  Additionally, was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and Feminist Club.

She moved to the U.S. from Bangladesh and is forging new ground in her native culture as a woman pursuing higher education.  She states, “I knew at a young age that I was going to do something important with my life.”

Habiba lists her attributes for success at a university as, “…self-confidence, perseverance, compassion and hard-working.”

Her undergraduate path to major in biology will lead toward the attainment of her goal to become a medical doctor.

Caressa Bossa

Graduated from Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences with a 3.6 GPA.  She states, “As a young girl, I always understood what an impact education can have on an individual’s life.  Education opens up many choices and opportunities, reduces the burden of poverty and diseases, and gives empowerment. I am thankful for foundations such as Simon Estes Educational Foundation that are willing to contribute to the success of hardworking students.”

She is sincerely interested in volunteering which is evidenced by her being a member of Key Club since her freshman year. A former teacher describes Caressa, “She truly enjoys being of service and helping people.”

Caressa will pursue undergraduate pre-med courses in preparation to later attend medical school.

Samantha Rangel

Graduated with a 3.5 GPA from Memorial High School where she was on the Principal’s Honor Roll for two years while volunteering at The Little Light House, Loaves and Fishes, local libraries, and her church.

She is described by a former employer. “Samantha consistently shows a high level of competency, initiative and sets an example of leadership.”

Samantha wishes to pursue a career in Nursing.