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.
Dwight Phipps
NLCP Class of 2022
Grand Valley University, 2026, BBA
“When equity and self-motivation come together, they empower individuals to break barriers, uplift their communities, and create opportunities for future generations.”
Maya Coleman
NLCP Class of 2020
DePaul University, 2024, BA
“Sacrifice and focusing on the bigger picture to achieve your goals will get you far.”
Jaylin Strong
NLCP Class of 2018
Augustana College, BA
"Embracing discomfort can be essential to helping you grow and tap into your full potential."
Brittany Wiggins
NLCP Class of 2009
Illiniois State University, BA
"Going away to college allowed me to figure out who I was as a student... and even more, a member of our society.”
Melvina Mcmorries
NLCP Class of 2022
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; BA, 2026
"Giving back through service... These experiences have strengthened my passion for helping others and contributing to positive change."
Jaylan Brackens
NLCP Class of 2024
Grand Valley State University
"Any obstacle can be overcome and you will succeed. The payoff is worth the hard work.”
Stephen Thorpe
NLCP Class of 2010
Colby-Sawyer College; BA, Concordia University Chicago; MA
"Leave behind more than just accomplishments—leave a legacy that makes life better for others.”
Nakiya White
NLCP Class of 2024
Xavier University of Louisiana
"I’ve been surrounded by a community that not only looks like me, but wants to see me win and push me to become the best version of myself.”
Christine Crossley
NLCP Class of 2024
Xavier University of Louisiana
"Lean on your community, and never doubt your ability to succeed—you belong in every room you step into.”
Kiana Porter
NLCP Class of 2015
Lake Forest College; BA, Aurora University; MS
“My college experience helped me to learn about others and their cultures... and I have become a more well-rounded person.”
Tyresse Miller
NLCP Class of 2020
Elmhurst University, BA
"Your outcome depends on you. Your effort will take you places."
Lynn Goggins
NLCP Class of 2020
Michigan State University, BA
"When you show up for your community, you create ripples that reach far beyond you.”
Shania Harris
NLCP Class of 2018
Grand Valley State University, BA
"If you fail, it's not about the failure, but what you do afterwards.”
Damarion Phipps
NLCP Class of 2020
Jackson State University, BA
“For me, poverty met opportunity. A chance was all that I needed as a kid growing up in the North Lawndale community."
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.”
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.