Kezia King
Lightning strikes twice for Hutchins Academy scholar Kezia King, daughter of Chattanooga Fire Department Captain Larry King, Jr., as she adds another scholarship to her growing list of academic triumphs. Just hours after announcing her $108,000 scholarship package from Agnes Scott College, Ms. King has been awarded the Bennett College Excellence Scholarship, worth $48,000.
"This latest achievement brings her total scholarship earnings to an impressive $156,000, exemplifying the extraordinary potential of young black women in academic excellence," officials said.
Bennett College, one of only two historically black colleges exclusively for women in the United States, has recognized Ms.
King's exceptional academic prowess with their Excellence Scholarship, offering $12,000 annually for four years.
Officials said, "This recognition from such a historic institution, which has been empowering black women since 1873, adds another layer of significance to Ms. King's achievements."
"The flame of excellence burns brightest when it's passed down through generations," aid Marie Mott, CEO of Hutchins Academy. "In Kezia, we see the powerful combination of her father's dedication to public service and leadership as a Fire Department captain, merged with her own unstoppable drive for excellence. Captain King's investment in his daughter's future reflects the kind of parental dedication that, when combined with Hutchins Academy's strategic support, creates unstoppable scholars. Kezia isn't just collecting scholarships – she's continuing a legacy of black excellence that will inspire generations to come. This is what happens when family foundation meets academic opportunity – our scholars don't just succeed, they soar."
"I am incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship from Bennett College. This support brings me closer to achieving my dreams, and I am deeply thankful to both God and my father for their unwavering guidance and encouragement. My father's influence on my life has been immeasurable; he has always stood by me, instilling the values of hard work, resilience and faith. Without the support of my family and God's blessings, I wouldn't be where I am today. This scholarship is one of many steps toward my future," said Ms. King.