We are incredibly grateful to Dontavious Newell and Amanda Tucker-Davis for sharing heartfelt testimonials about the impact of the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship Program.

Dontavious reflected on the moment he looked at the cost of attending Clark Atlanta University and realized that the numbers simply did not align with what his family had available. He shared how receiving the scholarship provided meaningful support as he continued his education. Although the cost eventually led him to continue his journey elsewhere, Dontavious remains proud that he can say he attended the illustrious Clark Atlanta University. Today, he is pursuing his education with the goal of becoming a pediatric emergency room nurse and using his experiences as a sickle cell warrior to help others. Amanda shared her gratitude for the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation and the support she has received through the years. The scholarship helped her earn her theology degree, and she has continued to soar higher in her educational journey. Her words were a powerful reminder that the impact of a scholarship extends far beyond financial assistance—it affirms a scholar’s purpose, strengthens their confidence, and reminds them that a community is standing behind them. Thank you, Dontavious and Amanda, for returning to encourage the next generation of scholars. Your stories are living examples of what it means to keep rising. 💙