SCHOLARS

What our scholars say about the METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington:

Thank you for your compliments and for this scholarship. It will provide tremendous support towards relieving the financial difficulties that accompany going to college. I hope to work just as hard this semester and I do plan on staying in touch.

The METCO scholarship has been so much help over these years. I would just like to say how grateful I am for having the opportunity to be a part of the METCO program and for the generous scholarships I’ve been given.

I would love to be considered for the “College Completion Scholarship.” It would be very helpful towards completing my educational goals. I just completed my Sophomore year this past spring semester with straight As and will be starting my Junior year in the fall at UMass Amherst.

Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship recipients!

Freshman Year Scholarship Recipients

Ishani Benskin | Wentworth Institute of Technology

 Garbins Bernard | University of Massachusetts - Boston

 Jaden Bernard | Wentworth Institute of Technology

 Naraya Brown | Jackson State University

Naomi Françillon | Jackson State University

Laila Hood | Howard University

Dilean Laine | Dean College

Sariya Lyder | Framingham State University

Rovanya Mendes | Bridgewater State University

Sharif Robinson | Emmanuel College

Malaiah Shouder Rodrigues | Bridgewater State University

College Completion Scholarships

Congratulations to these students who are continuing their studies with support from MCSFL!

SOPHOMORES

Kai’Lah Boston | Rochester Institute of Technology

 Destini Crawford | Temple University

 Layla Dossantos | Suffolk University

Briana Ortiz | Wheaton College

Isatu Savage | Framingham State University

Jada Solomon | University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Ameera Pearl Suttles | Suffolk University

Tahtiana Thompson-Morales | Clark Atlanta University

 Ji-Young White | Northeastern University

JUNIORS

Naya Cardoso | University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth

Kyra Cooper | University of Massachusetts - Boston

Alex Exposito | Franklin Pierce University

Ailani Stephen | Franklin Pierce University

SENIORS

Merkeb Amanuel | Boston University

Jamahl Cruickshank | University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Sayid Davis | University of Massachusetts - Lowell

Selena Davis | University of Rochester

Kaisha Glass | Fort Valley State University

Alea Turner | Massachusetts College of Pharmacy

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT

Leila Exume

UMass Boston Class of 2025

“The METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington has enabled me to focus on my studies and really home in on my passion for mental health advocacy.”
— Leila Exume

Since a very young age, I have been fascinated by the human brain. The way we behave, think, and interact with one another is just so intricate and complex. The mind is a very powerful tool that a lot of people often overlook, but I have always had a keen interest in how the brain controls our very existence. That is why, when I got to college, I chose psychology as my area of study. Throughout my undergraduate journey, I have studied various subjects regarding mental health, trauma, relationships, and child development. Each plays a vital role in an individual’s psyche. The stigmatization of mental health in our society is an issue that I do not take lightly and, by educating myself on the severity of this issue, I can become a better ally and serve as an outlet for the most vulnerable.

The METCO Scholarship Fund of Lexington has enabled me to focus on my studies and really home in on my passion for mental health advocacy. Financial insecurity, especially regarding postsecondary education, can be a highly stress inducing predicament for a lot of students. This scholarship helps tremendously with alleviating that stress, which is why I have so much gratitude for the organization and its donors. This assistance aided me and countless other students in furthering our education. The METCO community has always prioritized students’ needs and that is something I will never take for granted.

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT

Gianna Watson

Salem State University Class of 2025

“Because of the support I received — particularly through the METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington — I was able to fully engage in my education and campus community without the burden of financial stress.
”
— Gianna Watson

During my undergraduate studies at Salem State University, I majored in Psychology. I was deeply involved in campus life through the Black Student Union (BSU), Building Inclusive Academic Communities (BIAC), and Residential Life as a Resident Assistant (RA).

In my freshman year, I secured a work-study position with BIAC, where our mission was to bridge the gap between professors and students by fostering more inclusive and engaging classroom environments. This opportunity allowed me to connect with faculty and fellow students who were equally passionate about equity in education.

As an active member of BSU, I helped organize events that brought our community together — ranging from cultural dinners and parties to pop-up shops and meaningful discussions. I also played a key role in reviving B.E.E.S. (Bold, Education, Empowered Sisters), a group dedicated to supporting and empowering Black and Brown women on campus through networking and open dialogue.

Serving as a Resident Assistant further strengthened my leadership skills and gave me the chance to support students in their college journey both personally and academically.

Because of the support I received — particularly through the METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington — I was able to fully engage in my education and campus community without the burden of financial stress. I not only relieved my mother of the pressure to take on additional loans, but it also gave me the freedom to grow, lead and learn. I plan to pursue a master’s degree to launch my career in counseling.

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT

Cynthia Fu

Boston University Class of 2025

“LHS gave me the confidence to try new things and showed me how creativity and engineering can go hand in hand.”
— Cynthia Fu

I graduated from Boston University in the spring of 2025 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and concentration in Technology Innovation, where I learned how to bring creative ideas to life through design, analysis, and hands-on projects as well as gaining a business perspective. Along the way, I joined several dance teams on campus and within the community, which became a huge part of my college experience. Balancing engineering and dance taught me how to think both logically and creatively — whether I was troubleshooting a design issue in the lab or cleaning choreography with my teammates.

Looking back, my time at Lexington High School encouraged these interests. I was involved in both robotics and dance, which helped me discover how much I enjoy problem-solving and working as part of a team. Robotics introduced me to the technical side of engineering such as building, testing, and refining designs while dance gave me a sense of expression and community. LHS gave me the confidence to try new things and showed me how creativity and engineering can go hand in hand.

Now I’m living in California, exploring new opportunities personally and professionally. While studying for certificates to continue building on what I learned in college, I’ve joined a new dance team to connect with the community and pursue my hobbies. Alongside everything, I am also working a part time job, allowing me to improve my interpersonal skills and manage multiple commitments while focusing on my goals. I’m excited to keep growing my skills, meet new people, and find ways to combine my technical background with my creative side. Whether it’s through future projects or new career paths, I want to keep learning and finding that balance between engineering and creativity.

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