The scholarship is named for the late educator and civil rights activist Dr. John Y. Odom, who founded several local organizations and initiatives, including the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute, a teaching center to promote economic independence among Black youth. Dr. Odom was the president of Odom & Associates and a lifetime member of the NAACP, including being a past president of the local branch of the NAACP. He authored the following books: “Saving Black America: An Economic Plan for Civil Rights,” “Vote Every Time,” “No N-r Please: 22 Reasons to Stop Saying the N-Word in Public,” and countless newspaper and magazine articles.

Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. Alpha Phi Alpha's mission is to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our communities. Members worldwide upholds the fraternities motto, "First of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all". Mu Eta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha (Madison) was chartered on February 13th of 1976 and continues a legacy of service to the greater Madison community.

Mbaye Sarr--Current high school: Madison East High School

Grade point average: 3.36; Will be attending: University of Milwaukee

Intended Major: Health science

 

Lina Arach--Currently attend Madison East High School

Will be attending UW Madison

GPA  3.78

Intended Major: Nursing

 

Destiney Malone--Current High School: Vel Philips Memorial High School

Will be attending: UW Milwaukee

Intended Major: Spanish

Current GPA: 2.6