2025 Bessie R. Hargest Scholarship Banquet

Saniya Harris

A nursing student at Prairie View A&M University with plans to graduate in the Spring of 2026. In school, she participates in the Prairie View Student Nurses’ Association and Prairie View Nurses’ Mentorship Organization. For the 2024-2025 academic calendar year, she will serve as Membership Coordinator or the Helping Advance the Lives of Others (H.A.L.O) community service organization of the College of Nursing. Outside of school, she enjoys volunteering at her local homeless shelter in her hometown of McKinney, Tx. She enjoys being able to give back to her community and helping those in need. After graduation, Saniya plans on being either a Labor and Delivery or NIC nurse and also has plans of travel nursing.

Amna Sami

A current nursing student at Prairie View A&M College of Nursing. She is excited to take on this path and progress her knowledge in the nursing field. She plans to continue her education after receiving her bachelor's degree and focus on the NICU. When she is not studying, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, learning new recipes, and shopping. Similarly, she enjoys applying the knowledge she has gained in the community around her and volunteers at local health clinics. Originally, she is from Chicago but has resided in the Houston area for the last decade. She is grateful

to be selected for this opportunity and excited to see the opportunities it will bring.

Kandice Smith

A Junior nursing major with a minor in health hailing from Houston, Texas. She is currently enrolled at the prestigious Prairie View A&M University, affectionately known as PVAMU. Inspired by PVAMU's legacy of nurturing STEM scholars, Kandice is enthusiastic about contributing to this tradition. Alongside her academic pursuits, she actively participates in various organizations, including Women of H.E.R., Purple Jackets, Honors Program, and PALS, showcasing her commitment to both leadership and service.

With a passion for pediatric care, Kandice aspires to specialize in pediatrics and ultimately become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Her choice stems from a desire to provide comprehensive care to patients ranging from newborns to young adults, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Outside of her academic and professional endeavors, Kandice enjoys immersing herself in new experiences, whether it's through meeting new people or exploring diverse culinary delights at local restaurants. Interestingly, despite her adventurous spirit, Kandice has yet to travel abroad, adding a

unique facet to her vibrant personality.

Alyssa Taylor

A rising Junior currently majoring in nursing at Prairie View A&M University. She is currently involved in multiple organizations at PVAMU, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., NAACP, the Prairie View Student Nurses Association, and the Prairie View Nursing Mentor Organization. She is dedicated to her studies and will eventually become one of the 6% of Black nurses. She plans to become an NICU nurse, hopefully, making a difference in each individual baby's and parents’ lives.

Victory Ugorji

As a first-generation Nigerian-American and lifelong learner, she takes pride in her Igbo heritage, culture, and languages. Her passion for connecting and transforming lives has enriched her life and taught her valuable skills.

Currently, she is pursuing a nursing degree at Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing, while staying connected to her cultural heritage and values. She is deeply committed to nursing, and she envisions a future where every individual has access to quality healthcare. With this scholarship, she can continue pursuing her passion, while giving back to her community and improving the healthcare system for everyone. As a child, she experienced the devastating consequences of a lack of financial resources to cover healthcare costs, which led her to pursue nursing.

Her ultimate goal is to build free clinics in impoverished countries and host health campaigns to improve hygiene and disease prevention. By offering free medical supplies, delivering vaccines, and providing neonatal necessities, her aim is to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare and that no one else has to lose a loved one to a curable disease. In her current efforts, she crochets for elderly residents, donates clothing and food after natural disasters, teaches life skills to children, visits patients in the hospital, and sponsors school fees for vulnerable children abroad. Additionally, she provides COVID relief packages and non-perishable foods to families in marginalized countries.

2024 Raffle Drawing Winners

2023 Bessie R. Hargest Scholarship Banquet