Magic Johnson Foundation Honors 110 Students

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, along with sponsor FedEx, honored 110 scholars who earned the Magic Johnson Foundation's Taylor Michaels Scholarship July 27 at a special brunch at The Skirball Center in Brentwood.

The scholarship develops future leaders by supporting socioeconomically challenged high achievers through completion of their undergraduate degrees. This year, MJF teamed up with the FIAT brand to award one graduating scholar with a brand new Fiat 500.

The winner, USC student Makiah Green, was announced during the event’s program, where Magic Johnson took the stage to talk about his own personal barriers to reaching success before surprising Green, who attended USC and is the second in her family to graduate from a four-year anniversary, with a brand new Fiat car.

There have been 460 scholarships and $4 million awarded since 1998, when the scholarship program was created.

Here are profiles of the scholars:

Candace Whaley

Thanks to the TMSP, Candace was able to graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with the skills and resources necessary to become a successful and productive professional. Overcoming a traumatic pregnancy that resulted in miscarriage at a very young age, Candace plans to pursue a MBA/MHA and become an executive at a major hospital system.

Lauren Bailey

Thanks to the TMSP, Lauren was able to graduate from the University of West Georgia completely debt free. Lauren is returning to Marietta to begin a job as a 4th grade teacher. During the summers, she plans to audition for Broadway to pursue her other passion, the arts, which she found comfort in after the passing of her father at a young age.

Moriah Lark

Thanks to TMSP, Moriah is motivated and prepared to continue her education and achieve her M.B.A. degree from Hampton University. She contributes her growth and overcoming shyness to the people and resources of the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program.

Thien Nguyen

Thanks to TMSP, Thein was able to overcome the obstacle of adapting to his move to America at the age of sixteen, graduating from Ohio State University. He is now preparing to begin his Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

N’Keya Peters

Thanks to TMSP, N’keya was able to fund her undergraduate career and obtain a degree from Temple University. She plans to pursue a Master of Social Work degree and return to her hometown in NY to help families in need.

Joseph Robertson

Thanks to TMSP, Joseph was able to afford and attain a degree from Carnegie Mellon University, one of America's most expensive and most selective universities. He plans to use the leadership skills developed by TMSP to continue his education, obtain a Masters in Education, and eventually bridge the gap of disconnect between teachers and students, overall improving the education system.

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