The Good Paid Forward Scholarship was formed by Claflin Alumna and Cosmopolitan Creative Group Owner, Marshaé Smith, with the motivation of paying forward acts of kindness to students currently attending her Alma Mater. The Scholarship’s application processes consisted of several essay questions focusing on topics such as the importance of HBCUs, visionary leadership, spreading acts of kindness and more.
This year, thanks to our many generous donors, we were able to more than double the face value of the award and grant two Claflin students with the financial support needed to continue their pursuit of higher education at the older HBCU in the state of South Carolina — Claflin University.
Continue reading below to get the know the first ever Good Paid Forward Scholars and to review our 2018-2019 Donor List.
meet the scholars
PennShelia Griffin
PennShelia is a Human Performance and Recreation major and Biology minor from Yemassee, SC. In her spare time, she enjoys giving back to and being active within her campus and hometown communities. Following her early graduation in December, she has plans to attend medical school to become a Physical Therapist and then start her own practice. However, before PennShelia graduates and goes on to become a Doctor, she has the undergraduate goal of writing and publishing a book that teaches young African American girls about self-love, confidence and what it truly means to be “beautiful”.
Stephon Clunis
Stephon is a native of Kingston, Jamaica and a member of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College. He is a graduating senior double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice while also showing his Panther Pride and representing the University as a member of the track and field team. Stephon finds joy and motiviation in helping others and spends his spare time mentoring and tutoring his peers and other members of the Orangeburg community. Stephon has his eyes set on the goal of graduating this year as the Valedictorian of the Claflin University Class of 2019 and then going on to pursue a career as a Doctor of Forensic Psycology.
"If you're lucky enough to do well, it's your responsibility to send the elevator back down."
2018-2019 Donor List
COSMOPOLITAN LEVEL DONORS:
($100 and Up)
Jerame Smalls
SILVER LEVEL DONORS:
($21-$49)
Cellipha Joseph
Malahah Waller
Amari Battiste
Kiana Williams
Portia Bosco
Isha Conteh
Jasmine Parsons
Quinton Wallace
Camblyss Pinckney
Matisse Lee
Brianna Worley
Tracey Lee Dimsoy
Dae’Keria Stewart
Jazmine Diggs
Coach Latisha Luckett
Brianna Polite
Kadejah Johnson
Crystal Brooks
Chymaine Guinyard
BRONZE LEVEL DONORS:
($20 and Below)
Kimberly Elliot
Sierra Williams
Jordan Barnes
Taylor Willis
Broderick Williams
Valencia Perry
Amber Nelson
Xania Jackson
Brandi McFadden
Anisha Shaw
Cami McLaughlin
Lanice Kibler
Amber Nelson
GOLD LEVEL DONORS:
($50-$99)
Roshamod Torrance
April Frasier
Alexia Parnell
Brianna Smith
