Phyllis Marie Brackett Memorial Scholarship
established in 2018
Phyllis Marie Brackett: 7/10/1956 - 1/4/2018
Mission
The Phyllis Marie Brackett Memorial Scholarship, is a fund dedicated to providing financial support to African American, high school girls, from Monticello High School in Charlottesville, VA who will be attending college the following year. The scholarship assists the selected recipient in their transition from high school to college. The funds will cover the financial needs of the recipient as she prepares for her first year of college. This scholarship is not intended to pay for college tuition. Focusing on the needs of African American girls who are college bound but are also first generation college students, from a single parent household, and concerned about their ability to afford all aspects of the college experience, this scholarship is dedicated to closing an often unattended to gap of high school to college transition. The 501c3 status allows the organization to request donations that will build the stability of the scholarship fund and maintain the yearly award of at least one scholarship.
About the scholarship
This scholarship is named after and is in memory of my late mother who passed away in January 2018 from complications with breast cancer. One day driving with her in the summer of 2018, after hearing someone on the radio say they won $30,000,000 my mother asked me, "Toy, what would you do with $30,000,000?" I said a couple of things but most importantly, I said this: "I'd like to start a scholarship for girls like me." After my mother passed, I realized, why can't I create a scholarship. What is stopping me from helping girls like me?
This scholarship is a scholarship for the transition from high school to college. The period between high school graduation and welcome week of college can be more difficult for girls like me. An African American female, first generation, lower income, who focuses academically but still contends with the fact that she is the only one in her family to take on the journey of higher education. How do you pay for the travel to your new school? Who will pay for the items you need in your dorm room? Who will pay for a computer? What if you need something that you didn't prepare for ahead of time? This scholarship is for those things and more. It may be a small amount, in comparison to other scholarships, but this one goes to establishing a stable and well structured bridge for a new journey.
This Transition Scholarship will go to an African American young lady from Monticello High School, located in Charlottesville, Virginia every year. It is the girl like me scholarship. Click below to learn about recipients.
Phyllis with her daughter (founder of PMB) LaToya, circa 1985.
Phyllis and LaToya circa 2015.
Board of Directors
LaToya T. Brackett
LaToya is the daughter of Phyllis, and the founder of the scholarship.
Simone Brackett
Simone is the niece of Phyllis, and a dedicated secondary educator.
Macha O’Brien Townsend
Macha has been a great friend of the Brackett family for over a decade.
Zanetta Ford-Byrd
Zanetta has been a major advocate for student success, and a partner in the development of the scholarship.
2025 Scholarship
Recipients
In 2025 we have two recipients of the scholarship. We do hope to offer more than one scholarship every year, as we have in the past. Be sure to support us by donating and spreading the word.
Simya R.-M. PMB Scholar 2025
Simya Rush-Martin
HS graduation year: 2025
High School: Monticello High School
Extracurricular Activities: I was on the dance team & enjoy photography
University she will attend: Piedmont Virginia Community College
What it means to receive this scholarship: Receiving this scholarship meant so much especially because it was my first scholarship acceptance. I’m really excited about this support, it will be a great help in jump starting my new post high school journey.
What she plans to major in: Sonography
A class she’d love to take in college: Real Estate
Her favorite thing to do: Photography
Someone she’d like to thank: I’d like to think my counselor Mr. Southhall because he has been a great support and help throughout my whole experience in high school. He always made sure I knew what was going on with my schedule and classes.
A place she’d love to visit: Bora Bora!
Raelyn T. PMB Scholar 2025
Raelyn Trent
HS graduation year: 2025
High School: Monticello High School
Extracurricular Activities: Cheerleading, Track & Field, Black Student Union, Key Club, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, & Student Senate
University she will attend: North Carolina State University
What it means to receive this scholarship: This scholarship means a lot to me because it covers items for the everyday college experience and thus it makes taking care of the expensive costs easier and more manageable.
What she plans to major in: Animal Science and/or Kinesiology
A class she’d love to take in college: Dance
Her favorite thing to do: Hanging out with friends
Who would you say is a role model?: My role models are all of the adults who have made an impact on my life because I see how strong and confident they are in what they do and I aspire to be like them.
Someone she’d like to thank: My family because they have always been there for me and have supported and cheered me on in everything that I have tried.
A place she’d love to visit: Greece
Phyllis Marie Brackett Memorial Scholarship is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all monetary donations are tax deductible.
Executive Director: LaToya Brackett, PhD | pmbscholarship@gmail.com
