Virginia Union University (VUU) proudly announces that Lana Priester, a junior majoring in Mass Communications, has been awarded two prestigious scholarships from KR Scholars and the JL Winston Foundation.
A native of Southside Jamaica, Queens, NY, Priester chose VUU for its strong sense of community and cultural diversity. Her decision was also influenced by the support of her family and community, who understood her desire for a supportive and nurturing environment.
"I wanted to be in an environment rich in culture and had students in attendance who were more like me," Lana Priester said.
In 2020, Priester was deeply impacted by the pandemic and the social justice movements that changed the lives of current and aspiring HBCU students. She felt a renewed urgency to make a positive impact, and her passion for social justice and equality was illustrated through her academic aspirations.
"Winning the KR Scholarship truly means a lot to me," Priester said. "This scholarship not only encourages me to excel academically but also provides me with valuable resources and support to develop my leadership skills and financial literacy."
The JL Winston Foundation Scholarship, a renewable scholarship that supports HBCU students, will provide Priester with tuition assistance and mentorship.
"The founder and the board members are mentors to me," Priester said. "They provide a safe space for me to seek advice or assistance regarding any topic, issue, or concern during this journey."
Priester is eager to utilize these scholarships to achieve her academic goals, which include earning a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. Priester's talents extend beyond academics. She is a gifted artist, having received recognition for her poetry and other content:
NAACP ACT-SO Achievement Program – New York - May 2022
Gold Award in Poetry-Performance
Silver Award in Poetry-Written
Silver Award in Vocal-Contemporary
2023 NAACP National ActSo Instagram Page
Disney College Program - Summer 2023
"This is My Day in the Life" campaigns
Not only is Lana a great poet, but she is an advocate for her community. Priester is passionate about advocating for educational equity, particularly for students attending HBCUs.
"We all are aware there still exist some disparities between HBCUs and predominantly white institutions," Priester shared.
"For the HBCU community, I want to see more work done on closing the educational and technological gap, providing more resources and access to technology as artificial intelligence becomes more prominent."
In the future, Priester also wants to see more scholarships available for non-STEM majors and initiatives to assist students in securing internships and valuable work experiences.
Priester advises other students aspiring to attend an HBCU to utilize available resources, actively pursue scholarship opportunities, and always remember why they decided to pursue their degree in the first place.
"I believe every student who chooses to pursue their academic journey is strong and more than capable of achieving their personal and professional goals," Priester said.
"Always remember your 'WHY,' and always do your personal best."