Four Students Receive $2500 Scholarships Courtesy of Board Member Joyce Wilkerson, 2025 Green-Garner In Urban Education Award Winner

Four Philadelphia high school students have been selected to receive $2,500 college scholarships as part of Philadelphia Board of Education Member Joyce S. Wilkerson’s selection as the 2025 winner of the Green-Garner Award in Urban Education.

The Green-Garner Award, given by the Council for Great City Schools, recognizes a past or present school superintendent or board of education member who exemplify the highest standards of leadership, achievement, professionalism and inclusion. Wilkerson received the award last fall during the Council’s annual fall conference.

“I am delighted that these graduating seniors, all of whom aspire to become educators, will receive scholarships as part of my recognition as a Green-Garner Award winner,” said Wilkerson. “It is well known that there is a crisis in the pipeline of new certified teachers in the nation. There is no more significant and rewarding profession, and I commend these students for their passion to teach.”

The Green-Garner Award in Urban Education honors the legacy of pioneering educators Richard Green, the former Chancellor of the New York City Public Schools and former Superintendent of the Minneapolis Public Schools, and Edward Garner, the former School Board President of Denver Public Schools.

The scholarship funds are provided by Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries.

The student winners include:

Drew Holland is a senior at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, where he has been a standout athlete and student leader in the Career and Technical Education program. An aspiring educator, Holland has worked as a Teacher Assistant for a middle school music teacher and organized the SLA afterschool basketball mini-course program for a group of 15 students, where he taught basketball skills and drills. “Through my experiences in the CTE program, I began seriously considering a career in teaching. I learned about the teacher shortage crisis in the United States and the important need for more Black male teachers in schools,” Holland said in his application. He will attend West Chester University in the fall to pursue a career in physical education teaching.

Lailah Flemming is a senior at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, which she has attended since fifth grade. As a member of the school’s Education CTE program and the Temple Education Scholars dual enrollment program, she has gained meaningful exposure to the field of education, which has strengthened her commitment to becoming a teacher. “Through my education pathway, I have learned that teaching requires time, effort, patience, and most importantly, love — not only love for students, but love for the work of helping them grow,” said Flemming. She will attend West Chester University, where I plan to major in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology.

Anipsy Urena is a senior at Building 21, past recipient of the Building 21 High School Cornerstone Award and Temple Education Scholar… Anipsy has excelled in college-level coursework through Harrisburg University, and their passion for education has been reflected in their participation in the Upward Bound Trio Program. “I have gained valuable hands-on experience as an intern at Joseph Pennell Elementary School, where I worked to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment for young children. Anipsy will attend Temple University in the fall, where they will pursue becoming a teacher.

John Osborne is a senior at The LINC High School, where he has excelled in Algebra 2 Honors and maintained Honor Roll status throughout high school. Beyond his academic achievements, he has served on the Prom Committee, managing bookkeeping and sales, and been part of the stage crew for school productions. “My educators are the people I look up to every day. By showing me both the rewards and the challenges of teaching, they became the main reason I want to follow in their footsteps, “ said Osborne. A current Temple Education Scholar, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Temple University and become a teacher for the Philadelphia School District.

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About the Board of Education

The Board of Education is the governing body responsible for overseeing all policies and budgetary decisions of the School District of Philadelphia. Additionally, the Board of Education serves as the authorizer for all charter schools in Philadelphia. The Board comprises nine Board Members who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council.