Sojourner Truth Scholarships Awarded to APS Students

By Marilyn Paulk, APS Storyteller

June 26, 2025 -- Two Akron high school seniors received the 2025 Sojourner Truth Legacy Scholarship. The Scholarship celebrates students who share the values and spirit of Sojourner Truth and her famous 1851 Speech in Akron, Ohio. It aims to support a promising Akron Public Schools (APS) student who will pursue a degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations.

Dasha McCary of North High School CLC and Kortlyn Thomas of Firestone CLC are the winners of this year’s annual scholarship, which is in its second year. Each received a check for $5,000.

Dasha, 18, graduated from the IT Programming pathway. She has a love for graphic design and producing video essays. Dasha has held positions like Student Ambassador, APS Student School Board, and Peer Mediator and was in the drama club. She also plays the guitar and crochets. 

“Dasha is driven, independent, curious, and has a great positive energy. She is always in a good mood and loves to have conversations with everyone,” said her counselor Brian Caperones. “She is a great fit for college and will be amazing at Kent State University majoring in Public Relations and Communications. I am so excited to watch her journey through college and into adulthood. I know she will be a change agent in our community. “

She works at McDonald’s but was recently offered a position to work as a marketing communications intern at Signet Jewelers.

Dasha's counselor shared that her mere presence changes the atmosphere inside and outside the classroom. She is a visionary who will do well in the space of public relations and just like Sojourner Truth she will not allow her light to be darkened or her voice silenced. 

She will attend Kent State University in the fall.  

Kortlyn Thomas, 18, graduated in the Performing Arts Pathway. She is a dedicated honor student, athlete and artist. She has earned varsity letters in volleyball, track, and basketball while also excelling as a dancer in the Akron School for the Arts program. Academically, she has taken honors, AP, and college courses at the University of Akron, maintaining a 3.5 GPA and earning membership in the National Honor Society.

Her dance instructor at Firestone, Kira Ruffin, said Kortlyn will thrive under a college setting. “I am confident she will get what needs to be done in college and do it well and move on. She is mature and will easily transition into adult life. She is very independent. If she agrees with something you know it, if not, you know that too, She is her own person and doesn’t back into the opinion of others. She is set in her beliefs, which I think is important for women and she has her own creative ideas.”

Ruffin said even in dance class Kortlyn has strong movements and works outside of the basic dance techniques to explore her interest.

“Like Sojourner Truth who used her voice to fight for justice and bring people together. I want to use my creativity to share powerful stories that inspire change in my community,” said Kortlyn.

She has also devoted over 120 hours to community service, volunteering with organizations such as the Akron-Canton Food Bank, Vacation Bible School at Arlington Church of God and the I Promise School. Balancing academics, athletics, and extracurriculars has taught her discipline and time management. 

As she prepares for college, Kortlyn is eager to pursue a degree in advertising. This fall she will enroll at Bowling Green State University. As an incoming advertising student at Bowling Green State University, she wants to gain knowledge in marketing, communications, and public relations to enhance the Akron community.

The Sojourner Truth Education Committee in partnership with the Akron Press Club selected the scholarship winners. 

 “We are committed to honoring and continuing the enduring legacy of Sojourner Truth by illuminating her life’s work and the profound impact she has had on generations around the world,” said Towanda Mullins, Board Chair of the Sojourner Truth Legacy Education. “Through educational initiatives and community engagement, the scholarship fund seeks to connect young scholars to her powerful story—one rooted in courage, advocacy, and empowerment. By bridging history with present-day relevance, we aim to inspire future leaders and ensure that the spirit and example of Sojourner Truth remain a guiding force for justice and equity across the globe.”