Aleja S. Bates is the recipient of the Help A Child 2020 Scholarship. A student at the University of Missouri Columbia, Aleja is majoring in Health Science with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. She is the daughter of Sharonda Buckner.
The “Help a Child Scholarship Fund” was envisioned in 2006 by Mrs. Janet Cornish-Davis, owner of Janet’s Just for You. Through her community involvement, she witnessed the need to give financial assistance to deserving university students—the high achievers and the economically disadvantaged. The scholarships are in memory of Ms. Willie Ruth Harps, Mr. Herman Cornish, and Mrs. Kizzie Davis, parents of Janet Cornish Davis and mother of George D. Davis.
In the past, Janet used her yearly fashion show as a way to support the scholarship fund through donations and proceeds. The fashion show served as a platform to acknowledge the winners. When the shows ended in 2015, the scholarships continued to be awarded through a yearly gala event.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the annual event on April 4th was canceled. However, Janet realizes students still need help and deserve recognition for their accomplishments. “It is an honor to do what God has put me here to do in our community. The “Help A Child” committee has been giving monetary awards for 15 years to 25 students. I pray those I have helped in the past will pay it forward by giving back to Help A Child.” Janet is already looking forward to next year’s event on March 27th, 2021, at the Contemporary Art building. In the meantime, she says, “Stay in and Stay Safe. See everyone next year.”
To donate or for more information on the “Help A Child” Scholarship Fund, contact Janet Davis at (309) 685-7844. All donations are tax-deductible.
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