RCB Foundation Awards Scholarships to 9 BCS seniors

The Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) is pleased to announce the recipients of the recipients of the 2025 Rotary Club of Birmingham Foundation Jim Hughey, Jr. Scholarship. The scholarship was commemorated last year in memory of RCB Past President Jim Hughey, Jr. in celebration of the organization’s 110th anniversary.

The nine outstanding seniors selected attend Birmingham City Schools: Sydnee Allen and Marquel Patterson, Ramsay IB High School, Jaeda Davis, Huffman High School, Mariama Diallo and KJ Osborne, Jackson-Olin High School, Aneria Harris, Woodlawn High School, Bethany Horn, Ramsay High School, Marquel Patterson, Ashley Valdivia Altamirano, Parker High School, and Jacob Woods, G.W. Carver High School. 

Over 90 Birmingham City Schools seniors applied to the competitive annual scholarship program. Students were selected based on their academic and extracurricular achievements, commitment to serving the community, personal essay and educator recommendations. Each student will receive $2,000 per year over four years that can be used for any expenses while they are enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university.  

RCB Scholarship Committee Members Stephanie Mays, Maynard Nexsen Chief Talent and Human Resources Officer, and LeNá McDonald, Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner for Academic Relations, celebrated the students and presented them with certificates. Assisting in the selection of recipients were RCB Scholarship Committee members George Medlock, Troy Haas, David Perry and Roman Gary, Chair.

Mays thanked Rotarian Dr. Mark Sullivan, BCS Superintendent; Dr. Pamela Williams, BCS Chief Academic and Accountability Officer; Dr. Taqua Lewis, BCS Counseling Coordinator; Rotarian Mary Boehm and fellow members of the Birmingham School Board; as well as the teachers, staff and counselors at each of the schools for their assistance and incredible support for students in the Birmingham City Schools system. Mayor Randall Woodfin, featured speaker for the meeting, applauded the students’ achievements and praised the leaders of the BCS school system, which saw an increase in enrollment last year for the first time in three decades.

Sydnee Allen

Sydnee Allen graduated from Ramsay IB High School as valedictorian. She plans to study mechanical engineering at Tuskegee University and hopes to pursue an MBA. She was SGA secretary, Senior Cabinet president, Mu Alpha Theta president, Academic Bowl Team captain, a Key Club member and Birmingham Merit Scholar, in addition to participating in JROTC, softball, volleyball and track. Allen enjoys swimming, dance, travel, reading, art, and public speaking. 

Jaeda Davis

Jaeda Davis graduated from Huffman High School as valedictorian. She plans to study chemistry at Berea College. She served as SGA chaplain and secretary, was Family Career & Community Leaders of America secretary, and a senior ambassador, in addition to participating in INROADS College Links, and College Choice Foundation. Davis enjoys reading, sewing, painting, volunteer work, and organizing events. 

Mariama Diallo

Mariama Diallo is a graduate of P. D. Jackson-Olin High School. She plans to study international relations at Samford University. She received the Outstanding Citizens Award from Birmingham Youth & Peace in Action, the Jackson-Olin Athletics Leadership Award, and Key Club Outstanding Leadership Award. She served as a student ambassador, interned with multiple city departments, served in SGA, and with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Diallo enjoys reading, photography, and trying new food spots with friends. 

Aneria Harris

Aneria Harris is a graduate of Woodlawn High School. She plans to study elementary education and music at Wake Forest University. She served as National Honor Society president, Woodlawn Band president and section leader, was a member of the Woodlawn Choir and received distinctions in multiple honor bands. Harris volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and enjoys playing the flute, singing, painting, and doing her nails. 

Bethany Horn

Bethany Horn is a graduate of Ramsay High School. Bethany looks forward to attending Emory University and is interested in the nursing field. She was golf team captain, President of the National Society of Black Engineers, Key Club and Chess Team, as well as a school ambassador and member of the Superintendent's Student Cabinet. Horn enjoys listening to music, travel, walking in nature, golf and cooking.

KJ Osborne

KJ Osborne is a graduate of P.D. Jackson-Olin High School. He plans to study automotive mechanics engineering at Shelton State Community College. He was recognized for excellence as part of the JOHS Marching and Concert Bands, and played on the school’s basketball team. Osborne enjoys working out, riding his four-wheeler, fixing things, music, cooking, and volunteering.

Marquel Patterson

Marquel Patterson is a graduate of Ramsay High School. He plans to study civil engineering and continue his football career at Alabama A & M University. He was a FOX 6 Rising Star, played football and competed in track & field, served as National Society of Black Engineers vice president, was a member of Key Club, and multiple community service organizations. Patterson enjoys football, weight-lifting, reading, drawing, and listening to music. 

Ashley Valdivia Altamirano

Ashley Valdivia Altamirano graduated from A.H. Parker High School as valedictorian and earned the prestigious Gates Scholarship. She plans to study biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and hopes to attend dental school in order to become a pediatric dentist. She served as Future Health Professionals Club treasurer, was an SGA representative, and volunteered with Junior Achievement of Alabama. Valdivia Altamirano enjoys swimming, walking on trails, reading, and painting.

Jacob Woods

Jacob Woods graduated from G. W. Carver High School as valedictorian. He plans to study political science and engineering at Boston University and is training to serve as Alabama State Vice President of the Army Junior ROTC. He was Homecoming King, SGA president, GWCHS Band drum major, JROTC battalion commander, and a NewGen Peacebuilders Program youth activator. Woods enjoys soccer, binge watching shows, working out, and helping others. 

2025 RCB Foundation Jim Hughey, Jr. Scholarship recipients with Mayor Randall Woodfin, Rotarian Mary Boehm and Dr. Pamela Williams (Allen, Horn, Patterson and Woods not pictured due to prior commitments).