Students Honored, Scholarships Awarded at African American Awards Program

With the powerful theme “And…Still We Rise in 2025,” the 46th Annual African American Graduation Awards Program — hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Omega Omega Chapter, and the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation, Inc. — was a heartfelt and inspiring celebration of academic achievement, community pride, and excellence.

Held at the historic Harvey Auditorium at Bakersfield High School last week, the event drew a crowd of more than 1,000 attendees, including proud parents, educators, community members, elected officials, and supporters. The evening was filled with applause, encouragement, and joy as students were recognized for their academic success and future potential.

This year, the Sorority and Foundation awarded $30,150 in scholarships, while community donors contributed an additional $11,750, bringing the grand total to $41,900 awarded to 48 outstanding high school seniors. These students, representing 18 different high schools, earned scholarships for maintaining grade point averages as high as 4.5 GPA, demonstrating excellence both in and out of the classroom.

In addition to the graduating seniors, the program honored the academic efforts of younger students as well. 364 8th grade honor roll students from 26 junior high and middle schools across nine school districts were recognized with Certificates of Recognition and commemorative mementos.

Over the past 46 years, this signature event has become a cornerstone of community celebration and support for African American youth in Kern County. Since its inception, the Sorority, Foundation, and generous community donors have awarded over $490,000 in scholarships and have recognized thousands of 8th grade students for their academic achievements.

Congratulations to this year’s senior scholarship awardees:

Jordyn West Martin / Liberty High School
Kayla Vaughn / Del Oro High School
Xavier Buffington / Mira Monte High School
Kelli McKenzie / Ridgeview High School
Jayden Bailey / West High School
Quianna Williams / East Bakersfield High School
Precious Karuga / Frontier High School
Erykah Johnson / Ridgeview High School
Jayden Oliver / Del Oro High School
Jade Martinez / Liberty High School
Yoanna Barcenas / Bakersfield High School
Zariah Alexander / Golden Valley High School
Moriah Riggins / Independence High School
Isaiah Ray / Frontier High School
Neveah West / Bakersfield High School
Xena Buffington / Mira Monte High School
Alexis Tinnin / Frontier High School
Kayley Peterson / Stockdale High School
Zuryah Alexander / Independence High School
Amya Amey / Independence High School
Jessie Marie Brown / West High School
Janell Sherrell / Bakersfield Adventist Academy
Aamir Smith / Independence High School
Dilyn Stewart / Bakersfield High School
Alayah Brown / Independence High School
Kelsey Sebbern / Independence High School
Vanessa Fakrosha / Liberty High School
Jayla Ward / Garces Memorial High School
Tremelle Spain / Shafter High School
Jayda Green / Foothill High School
Amaya Stowe / South High School
Jada White / East Bakersfield High School
Emily Cramer / Centennial High School
Anthony Graim / West High School
Deashanna Hampton / South High School
Aubrey Ann Strong / Golden Valley High School
Eternity Proctor / Highland High School
Rhiyan Patterson / Ridgeview High School
Jordan Summers / Highland High School
Alexis Sheppard / Ridgeview High School
Revius Green / Frontier High School
Devin Adkins / Stockdale High School
Dennis Biakuse / Golden Valley High School
Anthwone Jones / South High School
Amarius Rowell / Independence High School
Isaih Jefferson / Independence High School
Aamare Smith / Independence High School
Vincent Carnegie / Stockdale High School