Our Scholars become lawyers, teachers, engineers, nurses, entrepreneurs, social workers, and community organizers. Many have chosen to return to North Lawndale– to inspire and lead others in the community where they got their start.
Visit our Honor Roll of successful graduates, dating back to the very first class of Phoenix Pact Scholars in 2002.
Kendra Clayton
NLCP Class of 2016
University of Illinois at Chicago, 2020
“You are worthy of achieving a college degree and can make it happen, even when you face adversity.”
Michael Bradley
NLCP Class of 2016
Beloit College, 2020
“I don’t believe I would’ve even started college let alone graduate without the Phoenix Pact.”
Shunnaria Smith
NLCP Class of 2019
BA in Business, Michigan State University, 2023
“Never be afraid to try something new!”
Ronnie Branch
NLCP Class of 2016
Grand Valley State University, 2020
“For me, Repairing the World means returning to North Lawndale to apply my skills and knowledge within my community.”
Destiny Coleman
NLCP Class of 2021
BA in Animal Sciences, University of Illinois-Urbana, 2024
“Get involved in as many opportunities that your major has to really explore and see what you love.”
Jordan Caples
NLCP Class of 2018
BA in Criminal Justice, Grand Valley State University 2022
BA in Spanish, Grand Valley State University 2022
“Put your heart in your education and find something that you are passionate about.”
Samys Douglas
NLCP Class of 2017
BA in Economics, Tougaloo University 2020
MBA, Clark Atlanta University 2023
“I have a goal and a dream… to continue Irv and Roberta Lewis’ legacy. I want it to go further.”
Tashawnna Johnson
NLCP Class of 2020
BA in Criminal Justice, Illinois State University 2020
“It means a lot to me to be back at NLCP working as an alumni counselor. It allows me to provide the same kind of support I received as as student; helping NLCP grads with everything they need to maintain their drive through college graduation.”
Kasandra Posey
NLCP Class of 2002
BA in Special Education, Western Michigan University 2007
MA in Instructional Leadership, Loyola University 2010
MA in Special Education, University of Illinois at Chicago 2016
“I am an educator so I will always be repairing the world in real time,” Kasandra says. “I will always be in the education field and will always do everything I can to support students who are facing adversity. Always.”
Stanley Taylor
NLCP Class of 2016
BA in Communications, University of Illinois-Urbana 2020
“The greatest thing you can do is inspire other people. For Mr. Lewis to create and name a college scholarship after his wife…has given kids a light and a path to go down, and see a better life for themselves and for their families.”
April Birge
NLCP Class of 2010
BA in Exercise Science, Indiana State University 2014
MA in Occupational Therapy, Indiana State University 2020
“If Mr. Lewis were here today, I would just say ‘Thank you– and I hope that I am making them proud. You’re making my dreams come true.’"
Crystal Adams
NLCP Class of 2009
BA in Educational Studies, Knox College 2014
10th Grade Math Teacher, 11th Grade Student Advisor
“A lot of times students see teachers and think that you've graduated from college, you have this job, but…you don't know what it's like to be them. But no… We're only here to show you that you can make it– to show you that you can not only get to where we are– but go beyond that."
Dinitia Robinson
NLCP Class of 2003
AA, Harold Washington College 2013
North Lawndale Community Organizer
Lake County United, Community Organizer
“The RBL Scholarship and Phoenix Pact have given my family a college graduate and a professional working woman. I can be an example in my community now. Not only of a college graduate and professional but of what it looks like to fight for what’s right.”
Christopher Frills
NLCP Class of 2009
BA in Psychology, Carleton College 2013
Founding Principal of KIPP Wonder Academy
“We have to change the narrative that we ‘make it out of our community.’ We have to think of it as empowering ourselves to stay in and lead our community.”
Zedrika Thomas
NLCP Class of 2015
BA in Accounting and Finance, Valparaiso University 2019
“I am a first generation college student. For me, it was important to break the cycle… that’s why I was so passionate about going to college– I was so focused, I was so driven.”
Shanera Wilson
NLCP Class of 2012
BA in Public Health, Purdue University 2016
BA in Nursing, Loyola University Chicago 2020
“As a nurse, I plan to make a difference by caring for and educating others. It is my hope that my passion for medicine and caring for others will contribute to repairing the world.”
Brandon Hummons
NLCP Class of 2009
BA in Economics, Denison University 2013
Procurement Consultant at Source One
CEO/Founder of Hummons Consulting, LLC.
“My hopes for repairing the world are all about helping others become the best version of themselves. We must become what we need. We're up next.”
Marla Stamps
NLCP Class of 2015
BA in Gender and Women Studies, UIC 2019
PIE Org, Data Coordinator
“When we treat people with kindness, you never know what a person is experiencing at that moment and the smallest act of kindness can go a long way.”
Antonio Williams
NLCP Class of 2015
BA in Philosophy, Trinity College 2019
BA in Political Science, Trinity College 2019
To future students of North Lawndale Prep, Antonio says “Bring them every single dream you have, because they will help you achieve anything you want, at any time.”
RBL Scholars
Why are Phoenix Pact scholarship recipients called RBL Scholars?
Phoenix Pact first first took shape in 2001 as the Roberta Bachmann Lewis Scholarship Fund, named in memoriam for the wife of Irv Lewis, a long-time supporter of North Lawndale College Prep High School and its students.
What began as an effort to assist just 10 students per year has grown to a dynamic organization of students, mentors, and supporters– that now sends fifty or more students to colleges throughout the country each year.
In recognition of the mission and vision of Mr. Lewis, the students who become part of the Phoenix Pact family will forever be referred to as RBL Scholars. Along their personal journey to and through college, they become mentors and leaders; fulfilling Irv’s belief that each one has the ability to Change the World for the better.