Roanoke woman receives $2k scholarship – The Randolph Leader
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Lost your password?
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
← Back
GraceFest is proud to announce Ms. Shealissa Williams of Roanoke, Alabama as the recipient of the 2025 GraceFest Empowering Futures Scholarship, a $2,000 award recognizing African American single mothers who demonstrate resilience, ambition and commitment to education.
This year’s scholarship honors Ms. Williams for her unwavering determination to rise above life’s challenges while continuing to pursue her education and care for her family.
“I’ve often heard the phrase, ‘You’re going to have a story to tell,’” Ms. Williams shared in her essay. “For a long time, I didn’t quite understand what people meant by that. But now, I do. Life hasn’t always been fair—but every time it knocked me down, I got back up.”
Her journey—marked by loss, recovery and perseverance—embodies the heart of the Empowering Futures Scholarship, which was created to support single mothers who refuse to give up on their goals despite adversity.
Raised in a single-parent household, Ms. Williams learned early on the value of hard work and education from her mother. Her essay recounts multiple turning points, including surviving a devastating car accident, enduring the loss of her home, overcoming a high-risk pregnancy, and balancing motherhood while caring for her mother during her battle with cancer. Through it all, she never lost faith or focus.
“That’s always been my testimony,” she wrote. “We made it through.”
Today, Ms. Williams works as a nutrition educator with teens and adults and is committed to finishing her college degree to expand her impact in her community.
“Shealissa represents exactly what this scholarship stands for—the drive to continue despite adversity,” said Adrienne Nichols, GraceFest founder and scholarship sponsor. “Her story is one of hope, courage, and strength. She is proof that persistence pays off.”
The GraceFest Empowering Futures Scholarship supports underprivileged African American single mothers in Alabama who are first-generation college students. The award encourages women balancing the demands of family, work, and education to remain steadfast in their academic and career goals.
Ms. Williams summed up her mission simply:
“I don’t believe in making excuses. I believe in learning, growing, and doing better. I’m more determined than ever to finish what I started. I have an obligation to my daughter, my mom, my community—but most importantly myself. I am the change.”
Plans are actively underway to fund next year’s scholarship initiative, which will award $1,000 scholarships to at least five young men graduating from high school during the 2025–2026 academic year.
This opportunity is open to any young man pursuing higher education, whether through a college degree program, vocational training, or specialized certification in a technical field.
Our goal is to empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals by investing in their educational journey.
