2025 Bessie R. Hargest Scholarship Banquet

This was an unforgettable evening celebrating our stars! Congratulations to the winners of our 2025 Scholarship Banquet:

Spotlight on Our 2025 Recipients

Alaysha Huggins

A dedicated senior nursing student in her final semester, passionately committed to advancing women’s health.  Looking ahead, Alaysha aspires to become a Labor and Delivery nurse, creating a seamless pathway to obstetric care for women in need. Ultimately, she plans to advance her career as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, traveling to serve diverse communities, advocating for her patients and educating them so they feel truly seen and supported. Support from this foundation will empower her to pursue advanced training, attend specialized conferences, and maintain her academic excellence without financial strain. With its encouragement and resources, she will continue to break barriers, uplifting women’s health and inspiring future generations of healthcare advocates.

Gabriel London

A proud junior nursing student at Prairie View A&M University. He is originally from College Station, Texas and chose PVAMU because he wanted to attend a university where he could grow both academically and personally while being part of a community that reflects and uplifts his identity. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with plans to graduate in Spring 2026.  His goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist—a role that demands skill, compassion, and a deep understanding of patient care. He is passionate about providing safe and high-quality care to those who need it most. This scholarship will help bring his goal closer by allowing him to focus on his education and clinical training without financial distractions. Gabriel is sincerely grateful to the foundation for recognizing his potential and investing in his future. He would like to thank you for helping him continue his journey with purpose and determination.

Camille Mack

A senior nursing student at Prairie View A&M University, entering her third semester of nursing school with a 3.6 GPA.  Camille’s long-term goal is to provide high-quality, evidence-based care as a critical care nurse practitioner while serving marginalized communities. Receiving support from the foundation will allow her to continue her education with less financial burden, giving her the flexibility to focus more on developing as a compassionate and skilled nurse. The Foundation’s investment in her education will not only help her reach her goals but also enable her to give back to underserved communities through excellent and equitable care.

D’Juan TreVina Matthews

She is currently in her final semester at Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Psychology.  D’Juan’s long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner specializing in either Women’s Health or Pediatrics. She is passionate about delivering quality, culturally competent care and being a trusted advocate for vulnerable populations. Receiving support from the Bessie R. Hargest Health Sciences Scholarship Foundation is a tremendous honor and a meaningful investment in her future. Like the late Mrs. Hargest, she may be small in stature, but her heart, spirit, and determination, especially in the face of adversity, are bigger than the state of Texas. This foundation’s support will not only ease the financial burden of nursing school but also allow her to further embody Mrs. Hargest’s enduring legacy of excellence, resilience, and service.

Josselyn Pacheco

She was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She is Hispanic and proud to be a first-generation college student. She will be attending Houston Community College and working hard toward her dream in the Radiology field.  Josselyn’s goal is to not only succeed in her career but to inspire others— especially students like her who are the first in their families to go to college—to keep pushing forward no matter what life throws at them.

 "Through scholarships, we are committed to promoting excellence in The Health Sciences Field of Education to help build a strong and diverse workforce."