The Detroit Public Schools Foundation announces the winners of the $2,500 Dr. Kenneth Burnley Memorial Scholarships: Amber Chapman from Detroit International Academy for Young Women and Gregory Davis from Cody College Preparatory High School.
The announcement was made on July 10, 2012. The Burnley Memorial Scholarship was established by Eileen Burnley to benefit students within the school districts where her husband Dr. Burnley served as superintendent. He oversaw Detroit Public Schools from 2000-2005.
The Detroit scholarships were awarded to two students planning to further their education beyond high school, and who plan to give back to their communities, to be used for text books, lab fees, uniforms or anything directly related to their studies.
“Through Mrs. Burnley, Dr. Burnley’s commitment to Detroit students will now carry on for a new generation as his legacy lives on through gifts that reflect his life’s work,” said Chacona Johnson, President and CEO of Detroit Public Schools Foundation. “We wish these very deserving students, Amber and Gregory, great success as they pursue higher education.”
Chapman plans to attend Michigan State University. In high school, she was actively involved in several programs promoting leadership and diversity while also caring for her three younger siblings.
She regularly volunteered her time at school with events and fundraisers and within the community cleaning parks and helping younger members of her Girl Scout Troop. Her principal
Beverly Hibber nominated Chapman for the scholarship.
Already accepted to Oakland University, Davis served as a member of his high school’s yearbook staff and a senior class officer. He also demonstrated the qualities of leadership through his membership in Business Professionals of America (BPA) and of community service though his volunteerism with the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. His principal Charlene Mallory nominated him.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kenneth Burnley devoted himself to education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, director, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He led schools through challenging transitions in curriculum, instruction, management and finances.
About Detroit Public Schools Foundation
The Detroit Public Schools Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising, managing and stewarding funds and other resources to support value-added programs and activities for the benefit of the Detroit Public Schools, DPS-authorized charter schools, DPS schools placed in the Education Achievement Authority and their respective students. Detroit Public Schools Foundation operates independently of the Detroit Public Schools. For more information, visit DetroitPSFoundation.org.
