By Stephany Taylor, Advocates for Youth Education
Advocates for Youth Education (AYE) held a dinner celebration on Thursday, May 1, at the Maketewah County Club to honor their scholarship recipients.
Dr. Karen Bankston, a distinguished professional in nursing and healthcare leadership, Professor Emerita and leadership consultant, was the keynote speaker.  Her inspirational message focused on the need to be resilient and confident when facing new challenges. William Dupree, II, spoke to those assembled on the topic “What to Expect in College.” During dinner, Everett Moore provided a musical interlude featuring Uriah Lambert, who sang a moving and original composition composed by Moore.
AYE’s mission is to provide scholarships to high-achieving and deserving high school seniors. AYE members donate money each year to provide these scholarships to students in the Cincinnati-area who have enrolled in a four-year accredited college or university. AYE was founded by Merri Gaither Smith in 1989. Co-founders included Rosa Blackwell, Dr. Myrtis Powell, and the late Agnes Parker and Dr. Lee Etta Powell.  Â
Carole Cutter Hawkins is the President of AYE. AYE now enjoys a diverse membership of more than 50 professional women who are invited to join the organization and agree to contribute to the scholarship fund annually. There are no fundraising activities. AYE has awarded over 1.5 million in scholarships since its founding.Â
The AYE Scholarship committee, chaired by Dr. Staci Kennedy, awarded scholarships to thirteen outstanding seniors. The following students received the 2025 AYE scholarship.
Faustina Ansah, a graduate of Western Hills High School will attend Notre Dame University and plans to study applied engineering or mathematics and will seek a career in medicine as a surgeon.
Alanah Balter, a graduate of Oak Hills High School plans to attend the University of Cincinnati and major in business administration.Â
Paris Blanchard, a graduate of Purcell Marian High School, will attend the University of Cincinnati and pursue a career in dental hygiene.
Khalana Davis, a graduate of Oyler High School, will attend the University of Cincinnati and major in early childhood education.
Savanna Hayes Bogle, a graduate of Walnut Hills High School, will attend the University of Michigan and plans to pursue a career in medicine and pharmacology.
Mara Bronson, a graduate of Walnut Hills High School, will attend Spelman College and major in art history.
Caelyn Harper, a graduate of Clark Montessori, will attend the University of Cincinnati and major in nursing.
Gregory F. Jones II, a graduate of Walnut Hills High School, will attend North Carolina A & T and plans to major in animal science and pre-veterinary medicine.
Phoenix Lewis, a graduate of Walnut Hills High School, will attend Miami University and study psychology and pediatric neuroscience.
Olumtomiwa Oyedele, graduate of Schroder High School plans to attend either the University of Cincinnati or DePaul University and study computer game design.
Amadoir Revels, a graduate of Moeller High School, will attend the University of Dayton and study engineering and cyber security.
Raegan Robinson, a graduate of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy will attend The Ohio State University and study biology and plans to become a pediatric physician assistant.
Ava Taylor, a graduate of Walnut Hills High School, will attend Tennessee State University and study mechanical engineering or aviation.
Parents of Uriah: Stephen Lambert and Raichell Lambert; Everett Moore (at the keyboard) and Uriah Lambert, soloist 
AYE member Stephany Taylor serves punch to the scholarship recipients and their parents. 
AYE member Angelita Moreno Jones presents a scholarship award to Olumtomiwa Oyedele. 
From left are AYE members Merri Gaither Smith, Founder; Carole Cutter Hawkins, President; Dr. Karen Bankston, Keynote Speaker; and Stephany Taylor, member. 
AYE members in the photo are: Seated: Camille Haamid, Staci Kennedy, PhD., Kathleen Dupree, Carole Cutter Hawkins, Merri Gaither Smith, Sue Landgrebe, JD, Melanie Moody, Katherine Jordan Standing: Yvonne L. Edmonds West, Stephany Taylor, Delores Hargrove Young, Janice Walker, PhD., Carole Rigaud, Toi Clarke Jones, Angelita Moreno Jones, Barbara McFarland, Patricia Stewart Adams, Renee Dunn   Members of AYE not pictured are Donna Jones Baker, Dr. Barbara Beimesch, Rosa Blackwell, Kimberly A. Blackwell, Patrice B Borders, Esq., Beverly Clayton, Angela Davis, Alisa Dortch, Nicole Leslie Dowdell, Michelle Egger, Pat Fox, Monica Fox Hitchcock, Kristin Gyimah, Mary Hemmer, Constance Holt, Lauretta Hubbard, Jan Michele Lemon Kearney, Esq., Louise Lawrence, Delores Lindsay, Phyllis McCallum, Julia “Rita” McNeil Danish, Monica Newby, DDS, Catherine Nwankwo, J. Phenise Poole, Myrtis Powell, PhD, Gwendolyn I. Robinson, Nedra Scott, Suki Skidmore, Barbara Smitherman, Doris Stokes, Barbara Turner and Lucy Ward
This article beautifully highlights the importance of community support in empowering young scholars. Advocates for Youth Education’s commitment to providing scholarships showcases a powerful model of mentorship and encouragement. It’s inspiring to see local leaders come together to uplift the next generation. Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients—your futures are bright! Thank you for sharing this uplifting story.