
2023 Graham E. Hayes, II
Memorial Scholarship Recipients
High School Graduate Scholars

Zion Xavier Wynn, from Mitchellville, MD, is a 2023 graduate of Bishop McNamara High School. He will be attending Penn State University, majoring in Forensic Science. Zion is the son of Sydney Wynn and Nicquel Wynn. He is the older of 2 sons and his younger brother also attends Bishop McNamara High School. They, unfortunately, lost their father, Sidney Wynn, suddenly on November 2, 2022, during Zion's senior year of high school.
During high school, Zion played football and received the MVP Offensive Player Award in 2022 and Football Unsung Hero Award in 2023. Zion has also been an active member of Students with a Testimony (SWAT) Ministry at Woodstream Church and volunteered to provide lawn service to the elderly through the Faithworkers Ministry at his church and through the Sallie Eaton Benevolence Foundation, a non-profit organization established in honor of his great grandmother. Zion graduated with a GPA of 3.78.
In his essay answering the question of what I am Kept means to you, Zion stated, "'I am Kept' means to me that I am loved, I am cared for, and I am not alone. . . . Although I am kept by my family and friends, most importantly I am kept by God."

Tryniti Elese Brooks from St. Louis, Missouri, is a 2023 graduate of Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School and she will be attending North Carolina A&T State University (NCATSU). Tryniti is the daughter of Travis Brooks and Brittany Ross and a twin. Her twin sister will also be attending NCATSU. They, unfortunately, lost their father on November 15, 2010, when they were five years old. Tryniti has a younger brother and sister who are also twins.
During high school, Tryniti participated in the SIUE Diversity in Healthcare Program, Kamp Kizzy Girls Mentorship Camp, SWAG Girls Youth Mentorship, AIM College Readiness Summer Institute, and Missouri S&T Engineering Science Camp. Tryniti also worked 15 hours per week and was involved in her community as a participant in the Rhoer Club, an affiliate of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Sisters of Lavender Rose organization, and Top Teens of America (TTA).
Tryniti was inducted into the National Honor Society and maintained a GPA of 3.8. Tryniti desires to become a veterinarian.
In her essay answering the question, what does I am Kept mean to you, Trinity stated, "I am kept; I am blessed. I am protected and provided for. Being kept is a wonderful place to be, it reminds me that everything will always be ok and that I am not alone. …I know daily that God keeps me and that he gives the necessary blessing to my family to keep and support me also."
Continuing College Scholars

Tharry-Ann Metary from Brockton, Massachusetts, is a rising Junior attending Howard University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Strategic, Legal & Management Communications. Tharry-Ann is the daughter of Paul Metayer and Marie Metayer. She, unfortunately, lost her mother on August 5, 2022.
At Howard University, Tharry-Ann made the Dean's List and maintains a GPA of 3.75.
Tharry-Ann intends to honor her mother by embodying the values and principles that her mother instilled in her; by pursuing her passions and achieving the goals they shared including educational goals and actively seeking out opportunities to volunteer and give back to her community; by creating a lasting tribute such as a scholarship or foundation in her name; by cherishing the memories they shared and keeping her spirit alive; and by taking care of herself and striving for personal growth to become the best version of herself.
In her essay answering the question, what does I am Kept mean to you, Tharry-Ann stated, "'I Am Kept' is not just a phrase; it represents the essence of my resilience and determination as a college student who tragically lost their mom. . . .It embodies my determination to rise above adversity and create a better future despite the heart-wrenching loss of my mom."

Tajizhanae Hanson from Lancaster, Texas, is a rising sophomore attending Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), majoring in computer science, with a concentration in cybersecurity. She is the daughter of Michael Wooldridge and Tajiahisah Hanson. She, unfortunately, lost her father on February 18, 2017.
Tajizhanae is a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the Dean's List at PVAMU. She has served as an IT Coach to first- and second-year high school students, helped children with academics, and helped with career fairs.
Tajizhanae intends to honor her father by being the first family member that graduated from high school and his first daughter to graduate college, by accomplishing her goals of being a cybersecurity engineer, and by continuing to make him proud and to make a prime example of what a daughter can be."
In her essay answering the question of what I am Kept means to you, Tajizhanae stated, "I am incredibly blessed to be in the position that I am in today. I don't have to worry about anything because God is with me daily and has continued to bless me and my family."