For the very first time in Box2Box's short history, we were able to offer five scholarships to our graduating seniors who are attending college this fall. This was something we had wanted to do for a long time, and it was finally coming to pass.
Thanks to a generous donation from David Jones, father of board member Will Jones, we were able to award two scholarships in memory of Will's mother, Pyddney Jones. Additionally, through the generosity of Spy Coast Farm, we were able to provide three scholarships in memory of Paula Hollis, who was like a mother to founder Philip Manga and his brother John when they first arrived from the Congo.
The applications were carefully reviewed by a committee, and the following five students each received a $1,000 scholarship. Two of these accomplished young women will be attending Eastern Kentucky University this fall:
- Ndinayo Mireganyade (Deedee)
- Asukulu Chantike
- Ines Uwimba
- Olive Ivankunda
- Mwibelelcha Kalenga (MK)
As one student noted in their application, college is not cheap, and we were thrilled to contribute in a small way to the success of five refugees from the Congo who have made tremendous progress during their time here. A recurring theme throughout these scholarship applications was captured in Deedee's words: "I care about helping others because I know what it feels like to need help."
Another student, Olive, who received a scholarship from funds donated by Spy Coast Farm, shared: "This scholarship would really help me. My goal is to become a social worker and work in communities like the one I live in. I want to help families, especially refugees and immigrants, find the support they need. I know how it feels to need help and not know who to talk to. I want to be that person who listens and understands, because I have been there."
The Box2Box program aims to level the playing field for refugee and new American students by empowering them through our educational and soccer programs within a community wholly invested in their success throughout their middle school, high school, college years, and beyond. We offer both tutoring and after-school programs as well as soccer development programs.
Thanks to Spy Coast Farm and David Jones, we can be part of these young people's lives and futures.
We look forward to seeing you all at our annual fundraiser at Spy Coast Farm on November 1, 2025.
