Recipients

A M I C A E S C H O L A R S H I P

Sydney Ariel Kayla Waite

was born in Chicago, IL to Hashim and Jessica Waite. She was the third born to this union. She graduated from Morgan Park High School in 2018. Her first interest was to attend the United States Army as she was in JROTC while attending high school where she ended her rank as Cadet Sargent. However, she set aside those plans to help her mother in taking care of her father with his recovery after several surgeries. Her mother often told her she lives life by the beat of her own drum. Her true passion has always been a good argument, which is why she decided to return to school and pursue a career as an attorney. She currently works as a Security Guard while attending Kishwaukee College where she majors in Criminal Justice and holds a 2.67 GPA. She plans to attend Northern Illinois University in the fall.

Sydney was born and raised in the church. She gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was a member of New Birth of Love Missionary Baptist Church until moving to DeKalb, IL. She still attends church regularly and keeps God first in her life. Her favorite saying from her mother is, “When things are bad and you feel you have no way out, to put your hand in God’s hand and allow him to lead the way.”

She is no stranger to the Blue and White family. She grew up as an Archonette Youth Auxiliary under Friend Alicia Thomas and later Friend Shannon Blackburn. She joined the Zeta Amicae of Alsip, Illinois Auxiliary under the leadership of her mother, Amica Jessica L. Waite in 2021. Joining has been a positive and thriving force in her life. She loves to help others. She is a hard worker. She is willing to dive in wherever needed. She volunteers at her school during their annual blood drive. Although she has the support of family and friends, her biggest inspiration was her Auntie Shelmadine Martinez. She spent countless summers with her and she was her biggest pusher to do something worthwhile in life. Although she is young, she has had her trials and tribulations. She may bend but does not break. Her family, friends, village, and auxiliary are excitingly waiting to see her complete all her goals.

Shannon Williams is the wife of Johnell Williams and mother of three. She is attending Governor’s State University seeking a degree in Early Childhood Education after her late mother where she carries a 2.80 GPA. She is also one of this year’s nominees selected to be a part of The National Society of Leadership and Success for exemplary student work. She currently works for Forest Chicago Heights SD163 at Algonquin PreKindergarten Center where she is a Teacher Assistant. Another example of education being her passion.

Shannon joined Zeta Amicae of Alsip, Illinois Auxiliary in November 2020 where shortly after she was appointed Correspondence Secretary. She was then elected to the same position in 2021, where she has served diligently. She is also a member of the She is a member of the Order of Eastern Star where she holds two positions within the chapter.

A M I C A E S C H O L A R S H I P