Ja’leaha Thornton, a student at Bethune-Cookman University, has become the first-ever recipient of the Patricia Ann Harper Garrett Scholarship, receiving $5,000 in recognition of her dedication to education, leadership, and community service.
The scholarship honors the legacy of Patricia Ann Harper Garrett, a retired Miami-Dade County Public Schools educator and Bethune-Cookman graduate, who was passionate about academic excellence and civic engagement. Established in 2024, the award supports students who exemplify these values and are committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

“Ja’leaha Thornton embodies everything this scholarship represents,” said the Patricia Ann Harper Garrett Scholarship Fund Committee in a press release. “Her commitment to excellence, her leadership on campus, and her service to her community make her an inspiring trailblazer. As the inaugural recipient, she is setting the standard for all who will follow in her footsteps.”
Receiving a scholarship tied to Garrett’s legacy is especially meaningful for Thornton, who joins the first generation of students recognized by this fund. The scholarship aims to continue supporting deserving students, helping them pursue their academic goals while fostering leadership and service.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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