Ernest "Trey" Harris
Ernest "Trey" Harris, a senior at East Hamilton High School, has accepted Early Decision to Morehouse College, earning a $34,000 Academic Award recognizing his scholarly dedication and athletic skill.
"Many things in life will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue those," said Trey, whose quiet determination in the classroom matches his fierce presence on the basketball court.
Marie Mott, founder and CEO of Hutchins Academy, bristles at the memory of those who discouraged Trey from applying Early Decision. "I was very displeased that Trey was discouraged to commit to his dream school," she said. "After speaking with Trey and his mother, we watched him boldly bet on himself. When we raise the bar for our young people, particularly our Black boys, they don't just meet our expectations - they soar beyond them.
"Sometimes in our community, there is an overemphasis on sports while we allow a student's grades to suffer. That's not the expectation of Hutchins Academy."
While some students hope for a single scholarship, Jamaal Quinones is stacking them up. The Hutchins Academy and University High at UTC senior has just been awarded both the Orange & White Scholarship and the Flagship Scholarship from UTK. Together they represent a combined investment of $81,400.
Jamaal will receive $1,500 per year from the Orange & White Scholarship. Full tuition and mandatory fees are covered by the Flagship Scholarship. When combined with the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, these awards add up to $26,400 and $55,000 respectively over four years.
Jamaal said, "You must make your success a necessity and not an option. Removing any doubts will get you there." And he's living those words these UT Knoxville scholarships follow his earlier full-ride offer from Berea College as a Woodson Scholar.
"Every time I turn around, Jamaal is bringing in another impressive offer," said Ms. Mott. "We are watching a young man who has turned his work ethic into gold. These aren't just scholarship offers, they're universities competing for a student they know will make waves on their campus."
Jamaal has also received an admission offer from Middle Tennessee State University and the Presidential Scholarship. The scholarship would provide $4,500 per academic year for four years, totaling $18,000 in educational support.
"This opportunity means everything to me, and I couldn't have achieved it without my mother's unwavering support," said Jamaal. "She has always pushed me to excel academically and believed in my potential, even during challenging times. Her sacrifices and dedication to my education have made this moment possible."
The Presidential Scholarship is one of MTSU's most distinguished academic awards. It recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.
Jamaal Quinones