Bethune-Cookman University Student Named First Recipient of Patricia Ann Harper Garrett Scholarship
The Patricia Ann Harper Garrett Scholarship Fund Committee is proud to announce Ja’leaha Thornton, a student at Bethune-Cookman University, as the first-ever recipient of the Patricia Ann Harper Garrett Scholarship. Thornton has been awarded $5,000 in recognition of her outstanding dedication to education, leadership, and service—the core values upon which the scholarship was founded.
The Patricia Ann Harper Garrett Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Mrs. Garrett, a passionate advocate for academic excellence, community engagement, and servant leadership. This newly established award is designed to support students who demonstrate exceptional promise in both their academic pursuits and their contributions to society.
“Ja’leaha Thornton embodies everything this scholarship represents,” said the Patricia Ann Harper Garrett Scholarship Fund Committee. “Her commitment to excellence, her leadership on campus, and her service to her community make her an inspiring trailblazer. As the inaugural recipient, she is setting the standard for all who will follow in her footsteps.”
Thornton’s selection marks the beginning of a legacy that the scholarship fund aims to continue for years to come, supporting deserving students in their academic journeys and helping them make a lasting impact in their communities.
About the Patricia Ann Harper Garrett Scholarship
The Patricia Ann Harper Garrett Scholarship was established in 2024 to honor the memory of Mrs. Garrett and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education, the importance of strong leadership, and the responsibility of service. Mrs. Garrett was a retired educator from Miami-Dade County Public Schools and was a graduate of Bethune Cookman College now University. The scholarship supports students who exemplify these values and are committed to making a difference.
