Dr. Karen M. Clark Scholarship
The Oklahoma City Chapter of Chums, Inc. established a scholarship program in 2009 to help minority youth who pursue post high school education or training. Annually, two $1,000 scholarships are awarded to high school graduates who attend a college or vocational school full time for the first time. Graduating seniors from the Oklahoma City, Edmond, Putnam City, Millwood or Mid-Del School districts are eligible to apply. Scholarship applications are accepted in February and scholarships awarded in May.
In 2012, the Chapter officially named the scholarship after Dr. Karen M. Clark, organizer and first president, in honor of her achievements and commitment to education. The annual “I’m Every Woman” luncheon helps fund the scholarships.
2022 Scholarship Recipients
DeAndrea Samuel
Del City High School
DeAndrea is a God fearing, intelligent, diligent and charismatic young woman. She is the daughter of Damien and Andrea Samuel. DeAndrea was a valedictorian for the 2022 graduating class at Del City High School. She is an accomplished choral and piano student, who was selected to the Central Oklahoma Choral Director's Association Honor Choir. As a member of the honor choir, she organized and prepared ensemble performances for the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association District Contest. DeAndrea is a National Honor Society AP Scholar. She was a member of the Del City High School Student Council and was a leader of her school’s step team. DeAndrea’s peers consider her a leader. She has invested significant time developing
her skills and guiding others to higher levels of musicianship and character. DeAndrea has volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Blood Institute and numerous school beautification projects at Del City High School. She definitely understands the statement “service above self”. DeAndrea aspires to do what is right and advocates and emboldens other to do the same. She has the unique ability to make meaningful and encouraging connections with everyone she encounters. DeAndrea will be attending Rose State University this fall. Her future plans are to transfer to the University of Oklahoma and pursue a degree in engineering.
Terrance Gilliam
Star Spencer High School
Terrance Gilliam graduated from Star Spencer High School with a 3.6 GPA. He is known by his peers as an assertive leader and role model. He often counseled and tutored classmates, as well as being a mentor for his teammates on the football, track and baseball teams. Terrance served as senior council representative on the Student Council and was selected as Mr. Football, Homecoming King. He has volunteered as a food service worker at his church and helped coach a little league football team. From an early age Terrance has been fascinated by the natural world and how resources are used to advance humanity. Through his research in the Information Technology field, he
learned that the STEM field is only occupied by 2% of African Americans. He believes it is time for that number to grow. Terrance’s future goals are to earn his Bachelor’s degree in computer science and work in the Information Technology field. He will attend Virginia State University. He believes this career
field will allow him to solve many complex problems in society. He would like to open doors for minorities to explore the STEM careers as well. Terrance is the son of Michael and Juanita Gilliam, military parents. He has five siblings and will
be the first generation in his family to go to college. His family attends True Vine Baptist Church.
Past Scholarship Recipients
2021 Layla Molina
Karen Santillan
Erin Williams
2020 Mackenzie Chandler
J'lientia McNeal
2019 Moun'tae J. Edmundon Jr.
Zamya Darthard
2018 Mallory Hudson
Avani Smith
2017 Cheryl Daniel
De’Ashia Cogdell
2016 Janna Carter
2015 Rickel Boyd
Hanna Ahmad-Coleman
2014 Alise Lanae Bundage
Aire-ana Robinson
2013 Sky Deer
MacKenzie Renfro
2012 Karla Y. Villalobos
2011 Siah Sicarr
Dr. Karen Marie Clark
For more than 20 years Dr. Karen M. Clark, organizer and first president of the Oklahoma City Chapter of Chums, Inc., served in education as a professor, department chair and administrator at the State Department of Education, St. Gregory College and Langston University.
Karen Marie Scott Clark, born in Chicago, IL, received a BA in Broadcast Journalism from Illinois State University, an M.Ed from Central State University and an Ed.D from Oklahoma State University. She also held local, regional and national leadership in Jack & Jill of America; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Links, Inc. and Chums Inc. She died on October 26, 2011.