TAP Foundation 10th Year Anniversary Scholarship Benefit Concert 2026
Thank you to everyone who supported the Scholarship Benefit Concert!
What a Year for TAP!
Celebrating 10 years of Scholarships was truly an amazing evening. This milestone year allowed us to award 9 scholarships, (six outstanding high school seniors and three dedicated college students, including two returning TAP Scholars) - with scholarships totaling $8,000. This milestone pushes TAP’s overall scholarship impact to more than $44,000 awarded to students pursuing their dreams and continuing our mission of supporting extraordinary students on their educational journeys.
We were especially proud to honor three TAP Scholars with awards from our first two Legacy Scholarships:
Our silent auction was a success, with enthusiastic bidders both in person and online. We are deeply grateful to all of our family and friends who showed up, supported, and celebrated with us.
One of the most touching moments of the evening came from TAP Scholar Varia Alston, (3 yr TAP Scholar), and her mother. They surprised us with a beautiful Plaque of Appreciation presented to the TAP Foundation. Their gesture was heartfelt and reminded us why we do this work.
Thank you to all of our supporters. Your generosity, encouragement, and belief in our mission continues to help TAP Scholars turn their dreams into reality. Of course, the TAP band along with Tyrone and our guest ending the evening with the signature song “Don’t Stop Believin’”.
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for an unforgettable year!
We were especially proud to honor three TAP Scholars with awards from our first two Legacy Scholarships:
- Two awards from the Dr. Leroy Barton, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
- One award from the Dr. Jada Graham Book Scholarship — Dr. Graham, a distinguished 3 year TAP Scholar
Our silent auction was a success, with enthusiastic bidders both in person and online. We are deeply grateful to all of our family and friends who showed up, supported, and celebrated with us.
One of the most touching moments of the evening came from TAP Scholar Varia Alston, (3 yr TAP Scholar), and her mother. They surprised us with a beautiful Plaque of Appreciation presented to the TAP Foundation. Their gesture was heartfelt and reminded us why we do this work.
Thank you to all of our supporters. Your generosity, encouragement, and belief in our mission continues to help TAP Scholars turn their dreams into reality. Of course, the TAP band along with Tyrone and our guest ending the evening with the signature song “Don’t Stop Believin’”.
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for an unforgettable year!
Here are our 2026 TAP Scholars:
1. Leah Fornwalt – Currently attending Shenandoah University majoring in Exercise Science with the pre-physical therapy track, she has learned that growth comes from embracing opportunities, stepping outside her comfort zone, and building meaningful connections. She is committed to continuing her personal and professional growth while making a positive impact on the communities she serves.
2. Imani Groce – (4 yr TAP Scholar) – Currently attending Hampton University majoring in Sports Management on track for pre-Law, she has grown in leadership-through her involvement on campus as a new member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Training Program, Voters of Tomorrow Hampton, and Minorities in Sports. Imani has learned how to communicate effectively, serve others, and show up consistently even when it’s not easy.
3. Precious Oyewole – (2025 & 2026 TAP Scholar) – Currently attending University of Maryland College Park majoring in Finance and Information Systems. As the first person in her family to attend college, she has demonstrated resilience by overcoming academic obstacles while remaining committed to her goals. She is determined to use her education to create opportunities for herself, inspire future generations, and make a meaningful impact on others.
4. Ayo Ogunyebi – A graduate from North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, Florida. Through leadership with Protect Our Future and his school's Surfrider Foundation chapter, Ayo organized community cleanups and environmental advocacy while developing a passion for renewable energy. Ayo plans to pursue innovative solutions, including renewable energy research and a solar-powered smart irrigation system designed to reduce water waste. He will be attending University of Michigan in the fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
5. Josiah Groce – A graduate from Western School of Technology & Environmental Science, Josiah has demonstrated a strong commitment to service by mentoring students, volunteering through his church and community organizations, and serving as a student ambassador. He will be attending North Carolina A&T State University majoring in Elementary Education.
6. Desire Coates – A graduate from The Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Desire plans to pursue a career in forensic toxicology, combining her passion for science and justice to help uncover the truth, bringing closure to families, and while serving her community. She will be attending Towson State University majoring in Chemistry.
2. Imani Groce – (4 yr TAP Scholar) – Currently attending Hampton University majoring in Sports Management on track for pre-Law, she has grown in leadership-through her involvement on campus as a new member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Training Program, Voters of Tomorrow Hampton, and Minorities in Sports. Imani has learned how to communicate effectively, serve others, and show up consistently even when it’s not easy.
3. Precious Oyewole – (2025 & 2026 TAP Scholar) – Currently attending University of Maryland College Park majoring in Finance and Information Systems. As the first person in her family to attend college, she has demonstrated resilience by overcoming academic obstacles while remaining committed to her goals. She is determined to use her education to create opportunities for herself, inspire future generations, and make a meaningful impact on others.
4. Ayo Ogunyebi – A graduate from North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, Florida. Through leadership with Protect Our Future and his school's Surfrider Foundation chapter, Ayo organized community cleanups and environmental advocacy while developing a passion for renewable energy. Ayo plans to pursue innovative solutions, including renewable energy research and a solar-powered smart irrigation system designed to reduce water waste. He will be attending University of Michigan in the fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
5. Josiah Groce – A graduate from Western School of Technology & Environmental Science, Josiah has demonstrated a strong commitment to service by mentoring students, volunteering through his church and community organizations, and serving as a student ambassador. He will be attending North Carolina A&T State University majoring in Elementary Education.
6. Desire Coates – A graduate from The Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Desire plans to pursue a career in forensic toxicology, combining her passion for science and justice to help uncover the truth, bringing closure to families, and while serving her community. She will be attending Towson State University majoring in Chemistry.
The Dr. Leroy Barton, Jr Memorial Scholarship Recipients
7. Shantrice Washington – A graduate from the Baltimore School for the Arts, Shantrice hopes to build a successful career in the entertainment industry while inspiring other Black students to pursue leadership roles in the arts. She will be attending Howard University in the fall majoring in Theatre Arts Administration.
8. Carri Jiggetts – A graduate from Broadneck High School, Carri plans to study music in college and hopes to inspire the next generation by teaching music and music theory, ensuring her lifelong love of performance continues to make a positive impact on her community. She will be attending Morgan State University majoring in Musical Theatre.
7. Shantrice Washington – A graduate from the Baltimore School for the Arts, Shantrice hopes to build a successful career in the entertainment industry while inspiring other Black students to pursue leadership roles in the arts. She will be attending Howard University in the fall majoring in Theatre Arts Administration.
8. Carri Jiggetts – A graduate from Broadneck High School, Carri plans to study music in college and hopes to inspire the next generation by teaching music and music theory, ensuring her lifelong love of performance continues to make a positive impact on her community. She will be attending Morgan State University majoring in Musical Theatre.
The Dr. Jada Graham Book Scholarship Recipient
9. Shane King – A graduate of The Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Shane is committed to building a future that allows him to mentor others, promote financial literacy, and create opportunities through leadership and service. He is determined to use his education to build a life of purpose, stability, and lasting impact for others. He will be attending North Carolina A&T State University majoring in Biology.
9. Shane King – A graduate of The Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Shane is committed to building a future that allows him to mentor others, promote financial literacy, and create opportunities through leadership and service. He is determined to use his education to build a life of purpose, stability, and lasting impact for others. He will be attending North Carolina A&T State University majoring in Biology.
THANK YOU FOR AN AMAZING 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSITY! SEE YOU IN 2027!
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