Scholars earn national recognition

david MOSS • justin SMALL

Omoye Ehimare, senior, was pleasantly surprised when she was informed she was eligible for the National African American Recognition Program.

“I didn’t know it existed in the first place, but it was just cool to be able to get that recognition,” Ehimare said.

Ehimare was one of three students at MHS to receive an award from the College Board National Recognition Program.

While the program doesn’t offer any money, Ehimare said she is excited to see how it will benefit her future as she attends the University of Southern California.

encompasses them. It doesn’t have anything to do with their grades,” Costa said.

Costa said Hudson always supported all students and the Hudson family wanted to give back to students who struggle financially.

“Not all kids get scholarships because of their academics, but a lot of kids go to college and still need that financial help,” Costa said. “Their goal with this scholarship is to help those kids who need a little bit more in the benefit department of getting a scholarship.” kids if they had certain grades they want. He would plan a dinner for them. He would give them a certain amount of money. He would always come in just to try to have these kids reach certain goals.”

The scholarship fund allows Hudson to positively impact the community just as he always found ways to help students at the school during his life, Costa said.

Senior Principal Dr. Richard Regina said the scholarship is a way for Hudson to keep giving back to MHS.

“In the next couple of years, there’s not going to be too many students that know about Mr. Hudson anymore, and that part is sad, but the part that makes me happy is that some of these students who are sixth, seventh and eighth graders who have never have met Mr. Hudson, there’s a chance that he can make a positive impact on them as well,” Dr. Regina said.

Dr. Regina also said the scholarship continues Hudson’s role in the school.

“I think it’s important because it allows his legacy to live on and it provides students some financial resources as they head off to college,” Dr. Regina said.

“It’s just cool to know that the hard work I put into school is getting recognized,” Ehimare said.

Julia Welker, A+/testing coordinator, said the program offers recognition to underrepresented students who identify as Black, African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Indigenous or who attend high school in rural communities. These students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and a high score on the PSAT or AP tests. The students submitted applications for the award.

Welker said the recognition award is an academic honor, and students can include it in college applications and resumes.

Anna Hill-Jones, junior, also received an award from the National African American Recognition Program.

Hill-Jones said when she was first informed she was eligible for the program after receiving emails from the College Board, she was incredibly proud.

“He would have them come work and sweep the floors. That way he could give them money, just so he wasn’t giving them money for free, but had them work towards something,” Costa said. “He would make bets with