2025 Sojourner Truth Legacy Scholarship Winners

The Sojourner Truth Education Committee, in partnership with the Akron Press Club, recently announced the winners of the annual Sojourner Truth Legacy Scholarship: Dasha McCary and Kortlyn Thomas.

 

The Sojourner Truth Legacy Scholarship honors Akron Public Schools (APS) students who embody the values and spirit of Sojourner Truth and her iconic 1851 speech in Akron, Ohio. The scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in journalism, communications, marketing or public relations.

 

Dasha McCary is a senior at North High School in the Signet Jewelers Academy of Global Technology & Business and the Programming & Software Development pathway. She has a passion for graphic design and video essays. Currently working at McDonald’s, Dasha has recently been offered a marketing communications internship at Signet Jewelers. She is active in drama club, plays guitar and enjoys crocheting. At school, Dasha has served as Student Ambassador, APS Student School Board member and Peer Mediator. This fall, she plans to attend Kent State University, majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Journalism.

 

Kortlyn Thomas is a senior at Firestone Community Learning Center in the Kent State University Academy of Performing Arts and the Dance pathway. She is a dedicated honor student, athlete and artist. She has earned varsity letters in volleyball, track and basketball and is also a dancer in the Akron School for the Arts program. With a 3.5 GPA, Kortlyn has taken honors, AP and college courses at The University of Akron and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has completed more than 120 hours of community service with organizations like the Akron-Canton Food Bank and the I Promise School. Kortlyn will enroll at Bowling Green State University this fall to study advertising, aiming to use her talents in marketing, communications and public relations to uplift the Akron community.

 

For more information about the Sojourner Truth Legacy Scholarship and its mission, visit https://www.truthlegacyakron.org/about-us.