Dr. Gerald and Gwen Dawkins First Chance Scholarship

  • The Grand Rapids Times
  • November 19, 2021
Dr. Gerald and Gwen Dawkins First Chance Scholarship

Back in the 60s when I was in the seventh grade I remember when I owed my teacher ten cents on a baseball bet that I lost. Yes, this was the beginning of my vice, betting on sports. When I went to pay him and yes it took a day or two because I didn't have the money to cover the bet, he told me to keep it and give it to someone who needed it more and remember the lesson to always help others when you get the chance. Well, the first person I helped was myself as I bought me some cake at lunch. We were poor but we were not eligible for the free lunch program.

My mom gave me 25 cents a week to go with the lunch she made for us and that money would be gone before I got to school every Monday because I had to go past the bakery. Anyway, I remember this lesson to help others less fortunate than me and I do what I can, but my friends Gwen and Gerald Dawkins have taken that lesson to a higher level. Gwen, a graduate from the public schools of Roanoke, Virginia as well as a HBCU graduate from Knoxville College, hand in hand with her husband Gerald, a graduate of the public schools of Spartanburg, South Carolina and another proud graduate from a HBCU institution, Knoxville College have remembered what impact teachers and others have had on their journey to achieve what God had in store for them and are doing their part to help others. For the last ten years Gwen and Gerald made a choice to give scholarships each year, valued at four thousands dollars, to Grand Rapids Public Schools graduates.

Think about it, four grand from their household budget to help students on their next academic step. Gwen and Gerald cherish the importance of Education as Gerald obtained his Doctorate Degree and Gwen her Master Degree. Gwen, from her days as a counselor at Creston High School, has always looked for ways to find and raise money for kids to attend college.

Now, we have plans, but we also must remember that God also has plans. God and his heavenly crew observed that Dr. Gerald Dawkins was a tremendous educator, great husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, so they made the call for Dr. Dawkins to become an addition to their heavenly team. His passing left a pain and void in the hearts of so many, but God has his own plan for a man who was a proud Marine, who loved his country as much as he loved his family.

With Gerald's death this past summer, Gwen and her family desired to continue to keep his legacy alive by making their scholarship more proper, accessible and up to date. Following Dr. Dawkins' lesson plan and mission which stemmed from always asking his staff, "How are the children?"

Are we doing our best to make world class schools for world class students? This was the greatness of, can we say, a simple man, who had a great education, great career, great life, but one who never forgot where he came from and who never lost the common touch with so many people. Yes, one can sing the song 'You are the wind beneath my wings' in regards to the gentleman who was the rock of his family as well as a true patriot. Wherever Gerald's career path lead him it was always in service to his family, providing and protecting.

So the family desires to keep singing with the scholarship. Having and giving a scholarship takes time and work as Gwen is amazed how at times where they found that energy to keep their dream going as this is HARD WORK to recognize the students who could use the money. Still this did not deter Gwen and Gerald from honoring their commitment in giving out these scholarships in these last ten years.

The Dr. Gerald and Gwen Dawkins First Chance Scholarship mission is to help support high school graduating seniors who are 1) inspired to excel, 2) have high ambitions, 3) who are driven and wants to pursue a post secondary education.

They see the scholarship as an unique opportunity to turn a student's dreams into a reality, while providing life changing financial aid to students from low economic backgrounds. Oh heck yes, there are eligibility requirements.

• Must be a Michigan Resident
• Must be a current year High School Graduate
• Must be enrolled in college August or September of the current year 2022
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Must be African American
• Must possess good communication skills proven by submitting a typed essay on committee chosen topics.
• Must be pursuing a primary college or university degree from an accredited college.
• Must be of good character with two letters of recommendation

This scholarship is a passion of Gwen and Gerald's and she is working hard to keep their dream ongoing. For all this time, effort, love, and energy that the Dawkins have put into this project for ten years, maybe much thanks should be given to the people who had a hand to inspire Gwen and Gerald to want to help so many students with their education Gwen did state that Gerald's and her dream was for the financial base of the scholarship to grow in such a manner via contributions and donations.

So following an old African Proverbs that Dr. Gerald loved to use and asked, 'How are the children' well they will be fine as we continue to knock down financial barriers.

Your donations are tax deductible as you can make contributions to The First Chance Scholarship, PO Box 8006 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49518.

Applications go online January 17, 2022 *with the *deadline to apply by midnight March 11, 2022.* While not trying to fool anyone, the winners will be notified April the first. Come April the second, Gwen can sit back, relax and raise a toast to Gerald in heaven, who can toast her for continuing their dream and legacy.

Makes one appreciate that Gwen and Gerald did more with that dime instead of buying cake at lunch.