1st Place Winner
My name is Michael Cleveland, a 2017 honor graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Ga. I am a devoted child of God. I attend Walker Tabernacle Baptist Church where I serve God as a Junior Deacon and by being an active member in the music and educational ministries of my church. During my high school experience, I was heavily involved in the Early College program where I attended Atlanta Metropolitan State College and graduated with college credit, as well as The National Beta Club, The Tri-M Music Honor Society, The Marching 100 Band, and Yearbook. Since childhood, watching my mother work as a paramedic I have had the desire to one-day work in the medical field. I devoted 146 hours to volunteering in the E.R. at Grady Health Systems the summer of 2016 which inspired me to want to become an E.R. Physician. I chose to attend Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans where I will major Biology Pre-Med with a Chemistry minor. After I obtain my bachelor’s I will either attend Morehouse School of Medicine or Meharry Medical College for medical school. . I am extremely grateful for this opportunity which will help contribute to my success. Thank you.
1st Place Winner
My name is Michael Cleveland, a 2017 honor graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Ga. I am a devoted child of God. I attend Walker Tabernacle Baptist Church where I serve God as a Junior Deacon and by being an active member in the music and educational ministries of my church. During my high school experience, I was heavily involved in the Early College program where I attended Atlanta Metropolitan State College and graduated with college credit, as well as The National Beta Club, The Tri-M Music Honor Society, The Marching 100 Band, and Yearbook. Since childhood, watching my mother work as a paramedic I have had the desire to one-day work in the medical field. I devoted 146 hours to volunteering in the E.R. at Grady Health Systems the summer of 2016 which inspired me to want to become an E.R. Physician. I chose to attend Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans where I will major Biology Pre-Med with a Chemistry minor. After I obtain my bachelor’s I will either attend Morehouse School of Medicine or Meharry Medical College for medical school. . I am extremely grateful for this opportunity which will help contribute to my success. Thank you.
2nd Place Winner
My name is Eboni Diamond Washington, a native of the South Bronx, New York currently living in Chiang Mai, Thailand where I own a vegan soul food pop up shop called Vegan Traphouse. Our sole mission is to promote veganism while raising awareness about Black American culture through food and education. I hold my Bachelors of Arts in Radio-TV-Film from the illustrious Howard University and am now currently enrolled at the University of New England obtaining my Master of Social of Work. While attending Howard, I volunteered with an organization called Lady Me where we mentored and tutored “at-risk” high school females. Since being in Thailand, I was given the opportunity to lead several English camps for Thai students focused on health and environmental conservation. This fall, I will begin my internship with Burmese refugees here in Thailand. My ultimate goal is to become an international social worker and work specifically with oppressed indigenous populations around the world. I believe in the saying "no one is free while others are still oppressed" and cultural competency plays a vital role in positive human interaction. With the help of the Rahman Alim Strum Scholarship, I will be able to continue my venture in helping individuals in various communities achieve better mental, physical, and emotional health. I will be forever grateful for this award.
ABOUT US
The Rahman Alim Strum Scholarship Incorporated in memory of Rahman's humanitarian works around the world, his love for family and friends and overall scholastic achievements. Rahman traveled to third world countries to study abroad and to preserve clean water in distraught areas. Rahman was involved in clubs and organizations at school and development in the community all while maintaining a high grade point average at school.
Here are a few of Rahmans accomplishments:
Director at Omaha AHEC
Studied Health informatics at University of Nebraska Medical Center
Studied Public Health Administration at University of Nebraska Medical Center
Studied Public Health Informatics at University of Maryland, College Park
Studied Public administration at University of Nebraska Omaha
Studied Educational Administration and Supervision at University of Nebraska Omaha
Studied Communications at Holyoke Community College
Went to High School Of Science And Technology
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Congratulations to our 2026 Rahman Alim Strum Scholarship Winners!!!
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1st Place Scholar - Imani Evans
The journey toward becoming a neonatal nurse is one I embrace with purpose, compassion, and
a deep desire to care for others at their most critical and delicate moments. My passion for
nursing began at an early age as I watched my grandmother dedicate over 40 years to the
nursing profession. Her stories and unwavering compassion inspired me to pursue a path where
I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, especially children.
As a 2026 graduate of Westlake High School, I was actively involved in organizations inside and
outside of school that strengthened both my leadership and commitment to service, including
the National Honor Society, BETA Club, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), 21st
Century Leaders, CRAJ Student Ambassador program, and Women of Westlake. Outside of
academics, I enjoy baking cookies and experimenting with new flavors, which allows me to
express my creativity. This fall, I will attend Georgia State University to pursue a degree in
nursing, with the dream of one day caring for newborns and their families in a Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit.
My interest in nursing deepened through hands-on experience during my internship at the
Shepherd Center, where I worked with patients recovering from spinal cord and brain injuries. I
assisted with art therapy and pool therapy sessions while observing patient care in a clinical
setting. his experience opened my eyes to both the challenges and rewards of healthcare. This
experience strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in neonatal nursing, where every
moment of care can have a lasting impact.
Service has always been a cornerstone of my journey. Volunteering at St. Francis Soup Kitchen,
participating in the #Lunchbag program, and helping organize food, clothing, and toy drives
through my church have shown me the importance of serving others with dignity and respect.
These experiences taught me that healthcare extends beyond clinical settings and begins with
understanding the social and economic challenges individuals face. As a future nurse, I hope to
advocate for holistic care that addresses not only medical needs but also the emotional and
social factors that influence a patient’s well-being.
I am deeply grateful to the Rahman Alim Strum Scholarship Committee for investing in my
future. This scholarship is a tremendous blessing to both me and my mother, helping to ease
the financial burden of college and allowing me to focus on achieving my dream. I am
committed to paying this opportunity forward through continued service, purposeful action,
and, one day, by becoming a financial supporter of the Rahman Alim Strum organization so that
future students can pursue their dreams as I have been blessed to pursue mine.
2nd Place Scholar - De'Shawn Washington Jenkins
De'Shawn Washington-Jenkins is a native of Edisto Island, South Carolina, and a proud graduate of Baptist Hill Middle High School, Class of 2025. During his high school career, he distinguished himself as a servant leader and advocate for student success, serving in numerous leadership roles including JROTC Battalion Commander, Student Government Chief of Staff, Senior Class Vice President, and Chair of the School Improvement Council, becoming the first student to hold that position within the Charleston County School District. His commitment to leadership and civic engagement was further demonstrated through his participation in Palmetto Boys State, where he developed a deeper understanding of government, public policy, and servant leadership.
De'Shawn is currently a sophomore at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, where he is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree before transferring to the University of South Carolina Aiken to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. As a college student, he has continued to exemplify a heart for service by taking on leadership roles across campus and within his community. His involvement in student leadership, residence life, and professional organizations reflects his dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for others while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and inclusion.Rooted in the principles of servant leadership, De'Shawn believes that true leadership is measured not by titles, but by one's willingness to serve. Whether mentoring peers, organizing initiatives, advocating for students, or volunteering within his community and church, he remains committed to leading with humility, integrity, and purpose. His passion for education extends beyond the classroom, as he seeks to empower young people to become informed citizens, critical thinkers, and compassionate leaders.
Following graduation, De'Shawn plans to begin his career as a secondary social studies teacher before advancing into educational leadership as an assistant principal, principal, and district administrator. His long-term vision is to serve as a South Carolina school district superintendent, become the South Carolina State Superintendent of Education, and ultimately fulfill his lifelong aspiration of serving as the United States Secretary of Education. Through every stage of his career, he is committed to strengthening public education, expanding opportunities for all students, and advocating for policies that promote equity, innovation, and academic excellence.
Guided by faith, service, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education, De'Shawn Washington-Jenkins is dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy of leadership that inspires others, strengthens communities, and shapes the future of public education for generations to come.
3rd Place Scholar - Maja Hausmann
My name is Maja Hausmann, and this fall I will begin my freshman year at Florida Gulf Coast University,
where I will pursue a degree in Journalism. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from North Fort Myers High
School with a 4.01 GPA, but the experiences that have shaped my character extend far beyond the
classroom.
Throughout high school, I embraced every opportunity to grow as both a student and a journalist. I
devoted myself to chorus, television production, broadcasting, and soccer, discovering that the most
meaningful education often unfolds through collaboration, creativity, and service. As a member of my
school's choral program, I was honored to participate in All-County Choir and other chorus events on
multiple occasions, deepening my appreciation for the beauty of collective achievement. Through
Television Production, I earned recognition at the Lee County Film Awards multiple times, where I
learned that every compelling story begins with careful thoughtful communication, and genuine
curiosity.
Service became an equally defining part of my high school years. I dedicated more than 100 hours to
volunteer-ng with a nonprofit organization, primarily working with children. Those experiences impressed
upon me that kindness is most powerful when offered consistently and without expectation. During that
same time, I also helped care for my father throughout his illness until his passing. Though profoundly
difficult, that chapter taught me resilience and revealed that compassion is often expressed not through
grand gestures, but through unwavering presence.
Surprisingly, some of my most rewarding experiences took place online. Managing my school's soccer
program allowed me to cultivate friendships that have become some of the most meaningful in my life
while strengthening my ability to report on athletics with greater insight and appreciation. I also managed
the social media for multiple choirs, our Television Production program, discovering how writing and
communication can give a community a stronger voice.
My love for journalism was born from an even deeper love of literature and poetry. I have always believed
that words can preserve history and illuminate truth. Some may say that journalism is a dying profession,
I believe the opposite. I believe journalism is an enduring profession. As long as the need to communicate
is present, so is the writing and reporting of journalists. I hope to build a career that reflects those ideals,
eventually serving as a media specialist for the FBI, where I can use thoughtful communication to inform
the public, strengthen trust, and protect integrity.
Receiving this scholarship has been both a tremendous honor and a deeply humbling reminder of the
generosity of those who choose to invest in the aspirations of others. I am profoundly grateful for your
confidence in my future. As I begin this next chapter, I carry with me not only your support, but also the
responsibility to honor it through curiosity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.
My hope is that wherever life leads, I will leave every community I encounter a little more informed, a little
more connected, and a little better than I found it.
Presenters Corinne and Andre Strum
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VOLUNTEERING
We encourage future scholarship recipients to volunteer and give back to their community. Volunteering allows individuals to be abreast about what is going on in their community and also being the change they would like to see.
STUDENTS
Students can take advantage of a great cause by furthering their education. Students coming from socioeconomic stricten communities and facing socioeconomic hardships surely can close the gap between other social classes. Furthering one's education ultimately opens up more opportunites for ones self, being in a better position to land a job you want and potentially earning more income.
PARENTS/EDUCATORS
Parents and educaters play a vital role in student's success'. We must nuture, understand, care, spend quality time, teach and challenge their intellect. They depend on us to show them the way. Lets get involved and show them!
SUPPORT
EDUCATION
Socioeconomic status (SES) is often measured as a combination of education, income, and occupation. It is commonly conceptualized as the social standing or class of an individual or group. When viewed through a social class lens, privilege, power, and control are emphasized. Furthermore, an examination of SES as a gradient or continuous variable reveals inequities in access to and distribution of resources. SES is relevant to all realms of behavioral and social science, including research, practice, education, and advocacy.
We believe that socioecnomic status and education plays a large role in society. At the Rahman Alim Scholarship, Inc we would like expand the distribution of resources, equalize the access to education and close the gap between those who may face socioeconmic hardships or coming from socioeconmoic deprived communities versus those that may not.