News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2025
10:00 a.m. ET

MEDIA CONTACT
Mo Banks
mo.banks@andrewgoodman.org
(201) 502-6144

The Andrew Goodman Foundation Announces Recipients of Inaugural High School Living the Legacy Scholarship

The Living the Legacy Scholarship recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding civic leadership and a commitment to social justice in their communities

The Andrew Goodman Foundation (AGF) proudly announces the five recipients of its inaugural Living the Legacy Scholarship. This initiative empowers young civic leaders and honors the legacy of Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner. These exceptional high school students have demonstrated outstanding leadership, a commitment to civic engagement, and a passion for making a difference in their communities.

The recipients of the 2025 Living the Legacy Scholarship are:

Olamide Adekoya, Ewing, NJ

Olamide is devoted to civic engagement and human rights advocacy, serving as President of Ewing High Student Council and Student Representative on the Board of Education. She has advanced her commitment to public service through an internship with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and leadership roles in various volunteer programs.

Annie Chen, Chandler, AZ

Annie is a dedicated voting rights advocate and the Arizona State Lead for New Voters, where she works to expand ballot access and increase high school voter registration. She plans to continue her civic engagement by studying social policy analysis at Rice University, focusing on empowering underrepresented communities and challenging restrictive voting measures.

Iman Cook, Atlanta, GA

Iman is passionate about mental health advocacy and political activism, focusing on uplifting marginalized communities and inspiring young people to engage in social justice. His commitment to public service has grown through programs like Freedom Summer 3.0, Youthcracy at Clark Atlanta University, and the Lt. Governor Jones Senate Page program.

Rainey Reese, Chicago, IL

Rainey is an advocate for social justice and co-founder of ReIntegreat, a nonprofit that supports the reintegration of incarcerated individuals through literacy and letter-writing campaigns. As senior class president and aspiring policymaker, she is dedicated to using her leadership to empower marginalized communities and drive inclusive policy change.

Sophie Rivell, West Chester, PA

Sophie is a civic leader committed to empowering young voters and advocating for policy change. As a PA State Lead for New Voters, she organizes voter registration drives and statewide events, has served on Senator Comitta’s Student Advisory Board proposing legislation, and actively engages in political campaigns and youth policy initiatives.

“These extraordinary young leaders are living proof that Andrew Goodman’s legacy continues to inspire action and courage,” said Rashawn Davis, Executive Director of The Andrew Goodman Foundation. “Through their civic engagement and dedication to justice, they exemplify the values that define AGF’s mission. We are honored to support their journeys and look forward to seeing the impact they will create in their communities and beyond.”

Each recipient will receive financial support for their educational pursuits and gain access to AGF’s resources, including mentorship opportunities and a network of civic leaders dedicated to advancing democracy and social change. 

“We are thrilled to welcome these five inspiring students as our inaugural Living the Legacy Scholars,” said Gabrielle Slaughter, HBCU Lead Program Manager at The Andrew Goodman Foundation. “Through our upcoming virtual convenings focused on civic leadership and professional development, these young leaders will gain the tools, mentorship, and support they need to turn their passion for change into meaningful action. We are honored to help them build on the legacy of Andrew Goodman and continue the fight for a more just and inclusive democracy.”

This scholarship underscores AGF’s commitment to expanding its Civic Leadership Pipeline and nurturing the next generation of changemakers who will carry forward the mission of strengthening democracy and advancing social justice.

To learn more about the Living the Legacy Scholarship, visit https://andrewgoodman.org/living-the-legacy-scholarship/. 

About The Andrew Goodman Foundation

The Andrew Goodman Foundation’s mission is to make young voices and votes a powerful force in democracy by training the next generation of leaders, engaging young voters, and challenging restrictive voter suppression laws. The organization is named after Andrew Goodman, a Freedom Summer volunteer and champion of equality and voting rights who was murdered, alongside James Earl Chaney and Michael Schwerner, by the KKK in 1964 while registering Black Americans to vote in Mississippi. To learn more, visit www.andrewgoodman.org.

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