Jackson State University announces its 2023 BeyGOOD Renaissance Scholars Scholarship recipients

By William H. Kelly III

Jackson State University (JSU) is a recipient of the $100,000 BeyGOOD Foundation Renaissance Scholars Scholarship, founded by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Ten JSU scholars will each receive $10,000. Following the announcement of the RENAISSANCE World Tour, Knowles-Carter committed $1 million dollars to support education and impact 10 colleges and universities worldwide to fund 100 students with the $10,000 award.

“When I came across my acceptance letter, I was overwhelmed with joy. I had just finished paying my tuition and was trying to figure out how I would cover the expenses for my next semester,” said Cameron Esco, an electrical engineering honors student from Jackson, Mississippi. “With this newfound financial stability, I can fully dedicate my time and energy to my academic journey. This means I can invest more effort into my studies, research, and educational activities. The scholarship is not just a financial relief but a key factor in ensuring my academic success and future prospects.”

Esco shared that he is deeply driven to be a part of shaping the future as an electrical engineering major. He added that “our world is progressively relying more on advanced energy systems, and I am passionate about being an integral part of this transformative change.”

The BeyGOOD Foundation seeks to help organizations, institutions, and people work to transform their communities into places of well-being, economic prosperity, generosity, and justice.

Shernica Ferguson, is a doctoral student in the public policy program who recently ran out of financial aid funds. Ferguson is also a graduate student researcher in the Public Health, Informatics and Technology (PHIT) Department in the College of Health Sciences.

“As a young public policy professional in my state, I am responsible for assessing and addressing educational disparities, economic development, and social inequities. Through my academic pursuits and civic engagement, I aim to contribute to the state’s growth and progress by focusing on research and initiatives to improve educational outcomes and access for students in underserved communities,” said Ferguson, who is also studying fund equity gaps and financial vulnerability in minority businesses.

“This impact is economical and universal in overcoming challenges related to diversified funding for persons of color. I am continuing to do research and help minority business and nonprofit organizations by disseminating important information that helps them become more resilient.”

BeyGOOD was established in 2013 and focuses on economic equity by supporting marginalized and under-resourced programs, committed to serving people through educational scholarships, the advocacy of internships, and access to resources for advancing entrepreneurship and small business sustainability across the country and abroad.

The scholarship seeks to award college students who exhibit outstanding potential, mentorship, and a strong desire to impact society positively and portray academic excellence.

“Being a U.S. Navy veteran, I have always had service in mind. Many young people look to me for guidance and leadership,” said Sir Johnathan Rucker, a graduate student in the public policy and administration program at Jackson State. “Being a recipient will most definitely motivate me to help other young people to apply for scholarships. I want this to encourage others that no matter how “late” it may seem in life, keep going. I am 38 years of age and received this scholarship.”

Rucker shares that in April 2018, he was elected as the youngest Black person to serve as alderman in Yazoo City, Mississippi. In 2022, he ran for mayor but was not elected. However, he says he continues to serve the community. Rucker currently serves as the assistant to Commissioner Willie Simmons in the Mississippi Department of Transportation for District 5, and is a Yazoo City native.

Georgia Galatas, who leads worship at Madison Heights Church and Livingston Fellowship, says that she was substitute teaching when her acceptance letter appeared on her phone. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling.

Galatas recalled fulfilling her substitute teacher duties when she received her notification email about the scholarship.

“It happened to be homecoming day, where the students played fun games all day, and I was in charge of overseeing one. Picture me keeping time on my phone, writing down points as they are earned, and shouting out the time as it dwindles. All of a sudden, I see the words ‘congratulations’ and ‘BeyGOOD’ appear at the top of my phone,” Galatas shared.

She explained there were 33 remaining seconds in an intense game of KanJam, and she was trying to hold it together in front of 9th graders while her heart was racing and trying not to black out.

“The game finally ended, and I got to officially read the email and I sent it to three more people to verify it was real. For about a week, I was certain it wasn’t. I felt like I was floating. I felt so grateful and blessed, and I still do.”

Galatas thanks God for providing and her husband, Daniel Galatas, for believing in her.

“My faith and desire for leading worship has always been something I cling to and has taken me so many places in life. I have been able to take my gifts and use them to serve others locally and abroad,” said Galatas, who added that she is always looking for opportunities to serve and show love through music and ministry.

“My goal in life is to counsel high school students, and if I can positively impact and be a light to them, it can cause a ripple effect that expands far beyond the Jackson Metro Area,” she added.