Scholarship
Education and research build a strong foundation. The Williams Tucker 1624 Society conducts research into the life of William Tucker and that of his descendants. As we gain insight into the strength and resilience of the Africans who built and populated the United States of America, we document, preserve, and share their narratives. The mission of the Society is to educate the greater public about the first Africans to arrive in Virginia.
In 2022, the William Tucker 1624 Society began its commitment to supporting high school graduates of the Hampton City School System, who exemplify academic excellence and community involvement. There were two inaugural scholarship recipients and over the years the scholarship reach has grown.
2024 Scholarship Recipients
Paul Stephen Davis
Phoebus High School Graduate
Virginia State University
Graphic Design Major
Paul Stephen Davis is a Phoebus High School graduate with an impressive record as a student-athlete. Paul Stephen earned a 1,210 SAT score and graduated with a 3.71 Grade Point Average in a rigorous slate of courses, to include AP US History, AP English Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP English Literature, Duel-Enrollment American Politics, Pre- Calculus, Honors Spanish IV, Honors Physics, Honors Math Analysis, Honors Advanced Art Portfolio & Development Studio, Economics and Personal Finance, Advanced Team Sports, and Business Management.
A 10-time AAU Junior Olympic All American and 2022 16U AAU National Indoor Track & Field 4x200 Meter Relay Champion with explosive speed and endurance, Paul Stephen paced his high school track team to the 2022 VHSL Division 5 Outdoor Track & Field Regional Championship, the 2023 VHSL Division 5 Indoor Track & Field Regional Championship, the 2023 VHSL Division 5 Outdoor Track & Field Regional Championship Runner-Up, and the 2024 VHSL Division 4 Outdoor Track & Field State Championship Runner Up will winning the 400 Meter run and the 4X400 Meter Relay championships.
As a First Team All-Region slot receiver and First Team All-State return specialist in 29 games as a varsity football player, Paul Stephen’s 27 TDs and 2,500 All-Purpose yards for 9.88 yards per touch, 78 successful PAT and 3 FG holds demonstrate his potential to contribute to Virginia State University’s football team during the 2024 season.
Sarah Graham
Hampton High School Graduate
University of Virginia
Biology (Pre-med track) Major
My name is Sarah Graham and I am a Hampton High School graduate. I was able, in my academic career, to obtain a 4.43 gpa with the rank of #7. I am a part of the Heath, Human, and Financial Services Academy at my school, and did many community outreach projects within this group. I am also a student ambassador, and helped mentor underclassmen and meet many city officials. I am the present of Rho Kappa Honor Society, and am a member of the National Honors Society. Outside of the classroom, I am a member of Ivy Baptist Church and am one of the discipleship teachers in the youth group Ivy 116. I also am part of the leadership team of the organization YStreet which is a student led organization whose goal is to create a healthier Virginia through different initiatives.
Corrina Poulson-Austin
Woodside High School Graduate
Christopher Newport University
Psychology Major
I am an incoming freshman at CNU, majoring in psychology. I come from Newport News, Virginia, where I graduated from Woodside High School within the top 1% of my class. While in high school I stayed engaged throughout my community and within my high school. For instance, I was involved in several clubs and organizations like: the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Social Studies National Honor Society, Varsity Field Hockey, Live Well Club, and more. In my community I painted a mural alongside other artists for the CAN Foundation, volunteered at holiday events to assist families with photographs, and participated in several walks that raised awareness towards causes dear to me; like the Walk for Alzheimer’s and Autism. In all, without God and the unwavering support of my family I would not have made it this far in life; especially after enduring the tragic loss of my mother at nearly two years old. I chose to major in psychology because I aspire to become a Pediatric Psychologist to help adolescents who may have endured traumatic life experiences or are experiencing developmental challenges.
Travis Alan Rivers
Kecoughtan High School Graduate
North Carolina A&T State University
Mechanical Engineering Major
My name is Travis Rivers, and I am a 17-year-old African-American senior at Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Virginia. Education and critical thinking are both important to me, and I am always dedicated and hardworking in everything I do. My motivation to succeed and commitment to my studies have helped shape me into the person I am today. I am truly grateful for the people, challenges, and experiences that have made me into the person I am today.
I have participated in various programs, such as the Virginia Earth System Science Scholars, Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, Kappa League,
Young Diplomats, 100 Black Men, and Toastmasters. I have also participated in various extracurricular activities, including the Ecology Club, Robotics Club, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and the Cooperating Hampton Roads Organizations for Minorities in Engineering (C.H.R.O.M.E.) Club. These opportunities have allowed me to achieve academic excellence, further my personal growth, help at food banks, mentor fellow students, contribute to environmental clean-up efforts, and provide resources to those in need.
I currently serve as the president of my school's Ecology Club, and my experiences in the Ecology Club, like many others, have molded my mindset. I am deeply committed to making a meaningful difference and striving for a better future. I am looking forward to pursuing a bachelor's and master’s degree in mechanical engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. I plan to use mechanical engineering to solve complex problems and eventually establish a successful company that will contribute to the betterment of my community and beyond. I am determined to work hard to fulfill my aspirations of positively impacting the world.
Previous Scholarship Recipients
Scholarship Application
The application process for the William Tucker 1624 Society Scholarship Opportunity is currently CLOSED
Application Dates: The application will open early 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
● Be a resident of Hampton, Virginia or Newport News, Virginia
● Be a 2025 public high school graduate of a Hampton City School or a Newport News City School
● Academic performance based on review of high school transcript
● Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
● Extracurricular involvement
● Letters of recommendation
● Creativity as demonstrated in essay