The members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority , Incorporated , Mu Omega Zeta Chapter Scholarship Committee are proud to announce Jared Braxton, a native of Natchitoches and a 2022 graduate of Natchitoches Central High School, has been named the first recipient of the Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor Legacy Academic Award. This academic award program is designated for the children, grandchildren and guardianship of children of fully financial and active members in good standing with the local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Mu Omega Zeta Chapter. Mrs. Josephine Winder currently serves as the Chapter President and Ms. Candance Grayson serves as the Scholarship Committee Chairperson. The scholarship applicant had to complete an application and meet all necessary requirements to have been considered for this award. As the Inaugural Scholarship Recipient, Mr. Braxton will receive a book scholarship, a dormitory care package and dinner with the benefactor, Mrs. Toliver-Taylor.
“So many times we as members of our Greek Letter Organization sacrifice our time away from our families especially our children. We know we are leaving a legacy of helping others through volunteerism, service to our communities and financial support. As the chapter’s past president from 2017 to 2021, my parting thoughts were to guarantee something financial in the form of an academic award based on Zeta’s primary founding principle, Scholarship. This award is made available to the children (legacies) who see the sacrifices and efforts made by their mothers or grandmothers as viable members of this chapter. It is our hope that one day they too may want to become part of this Blue and White Family. “
Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor, Life Member, Immediate Past Chapter President and Elementary Educator
Jared is the son of Catherine and Kenny Braxton. Mrs. Braxton is an educator with Save the Children Headstart, Red River Region. She has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Mu Omega Zeta Chapter since 2015. She has served as the chapter’s ZHOPE Coordinator and Sergeant- at- Arms. She has also served on various committees and programs.
This fall Jared will be attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on an academic scholarship majoring in Biology with a minor in Business. After receiving his bachelor’s degree Jared plans to become a Pediatrician. Apart from studying Jared likes to read, play basketball, play video games and attend church services. He serves as a drummer of the Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Ernest Green. Jared has a major concern about the gun violence that is plaguing our communities. If he could change one thing it would be to better monitor gun control and those who have access to guns. We wish Jared the very best in his future endeavors as he matriculates to college.
