The 2024 recipient of the Annie Ibok Scholarship is Bourn Barquet, from Seattle, WA!
 

Bourn Barquet, a proud Seattle native, is a freshman at Howard University pursuing her Bachelor’s in Biology. Throughout her high school years, she distinguished herself as a dedicated leader and high achiever, all while maintaining a 3.6 GPA as a student-athlete. As president of her school’s Black Student Union, Bourn was instrumental in fostering cultural awareness and creating a stronger sense of community among her peers. She also demonstrated her leadership on the athletic front, serving as the captain of the women’s swim team, where she inspired her teammates with her drive and determination.
 

Academically, Bourn’s achievements are equally impressive. She managed to earn college credits at a local community college while still in high school, a feat that exemplifies her commitment to excellence and her readiness to embrace the academic challenges of college life. During her time, Bourn remained actively engaged in the Black Student Union(of which she was the President) and the Umoja Scholars program, where she continued to deepen her understanding of cultural advocacy and the importance of education in empowering communities.
 

Bourn’s passion for service is evident in her extensive volunteer work. She spent countless hours at a local food bank, helping to organize and distribute food to families in need and preparing meals for the homeless. Her involvement extended to a hygiene center, where she offered compassionate service, and she provided free swim lessons to Black and brown children in her community, encouraging water safety and self-confidence. These experiences shaped her desire to pursue a career in pediatrics, where she hopes to make a lasting impact by ensuring that all children, particularly those from underserved communities, have access to quality healthcare.
 

Bourn views the Annie Ibok Scholarship as a crucial stepping stone in her educational journey. It will not only alleviate the financial burden of her college education but also support her goal of becoming a pediatrician. With this support, she is determined to use her medical career to continue giving back to her community and hopes to inspire others who share her background to follow a similar path of service and leadership.