$20,000 Raised to Support Scholars at MLK Celebration

More than 200 community members gathered on Jan. 24 at the Moreno Valley Community Center to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and honor three outstanding Moreno Valley College (MVC) students with two $1,000 scholarships and one $500 honorable mention scholarship. The Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Ceremony not only highlighted these students’ resilience and aspirations but also raised over $20,000 to support future scholars.

This year’s scholarship recipients—Kyla Thompson, Savion Cooper, and Dacia Bradberry—exemplify Dr. King’s vision of perseverance, leadership, and service.

Kyla Thompson, a business administration major and single mother, has faced immense challenges, including homelessness and the loss of a child. Determined to build a career in real estate and create financial stability, she also hopes to establish a nonprofit supporting families affected by hypereosinophilic illnesses and prenatal strokes.

Savion Cooper, a computer science transfer student, is a Black trans man using his lived experiences to advocate for underrepresented communities in tech. With a background in nonprofit leadership and a passion for art history, he is focused on bridging societal gaps through technology.

Dacia Bradberry, a child and adolescent development major, is dedicated to mentoring underprivileged girls and teens. As an older youth leader with Think Together, she aspires to create an after-school academy for young girls interested in entrepreneurship, offering mentorship and opportunities for Black and Brown youth in urban communities.

In addition to honoring these remarkable students, the ceremony also celebrated other outstanding individuals who continue to contribute to the community’s growth and progress.

The ceremony honored retired professor James Banks with the 2025 MVC Legacy Award for his lifelong dedication to education and community service. Additionally, high school essay contest winners from Moreno Valley and Val Verde Unified School Districts—Jazae-Zehra Rizvi, Leah Dykes, Owen Perez, and Joselyn Natalia Mendez-Cerritos—were awarded $500 scholarships for their exceptional essays.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Brandi Avila, Ed.D., dean of student development and wellness and co-chair of the event’s workgroup, shared, "This gathering was more than an event; it was a testament to our collective values and our ongoing efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of our students and our community. This level of support and participation exemplify what it means to turn inspiration into action."

Thanks to the generous contributions from attendees and supporters, more than $20,000 was raised to help future scholars achieve their educational goals. The 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Ceremony demonstrated the power of community collaboration and commitment to fostering educational equity, ensuring that Dr. King’s vision of hope and opportunity continues to inspire change.