Jesse Brown scholarship provides opportunities.

For young Jamiya Harris, the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship means a more secure future. Her grandmother and guardian, Agnes Washington, had told her many times that she needed to do the right things in life--to get good grades and make the most of every opportunity.

As a result Jamiya was selected as the scholarship's top recipient, garnering $15,000 toward her college education. Her path to this accomplishment started at the age of 11, when Agnes, a dispatcher with Voluntary Services at VAMC Bay Pines, Fla., brought her in as a volunteer.

"She knew early on that we wouldn't have the money to put her through college," said Agnes. "I've enjoyed Jamiya so much for the 15 years we've been together. I want her to have a lifetime of rewards. I want her future to be more than just a struggle. And that's why I'm so happy for her that she's received this scholarship."

"She came here as a little girl, really. But you could see a genuine desire on her part to help people. As time went on, she spread her wings," said Maureen Flynn, who served as a Voluntary Service Specialist supervising Jamiya. "She's developed into a mentor. We use her to teach new kids coming into the program. She knows the hospital inside and out."

Flynn said that beyond logging 496 volunteer hours last year, and 1,568 total hours, Jamiya's attitude and spirit had a profound impact on the patients and staff at the medical center.

"Jamiya is the kind of person who always acts like she's never had a bad day. She has touched the lives of everyone she's encountered here," Flynn said. "And, she truly appreciates the veterans she helps. If her volunteer work doesn't give her direct interaction with the patients, she finds a way to work hands on with them."

Jamiya is not alone. Twelve students total shared more than $80,000. The scholarship is named in honor of Jesse Brown, a disabled Vietnam War veteran who was appointed Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs by President Clinton. Before his appointment, he served veterans through the DAY for three decades.

According to Flynn, the scholarship gives young people like Jamiya an incentive to volunteer at VA medical centers. "I think the scholarship plants a seed in the volunteers' hearts. When the kids realize what the veterans have done for us, we see them coming back year after year," Flynn said. "Our vets love to see the kids coming in here. They wait for them to come in when school is out, and they line up to see them come in."

National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson said the scholarship is an example of Jesse Brown's enduring legacy of service. "Jesse Brown was a man who believed in creating opportunities for people who'd earned them. It's so fitting that this scholarship--his namesake--is building better lives for the veterans whom he loved while giving young people brighter futures. The bonds these young people build with disabled veterans and their families last a lifetime."

Jamiya plans to use the money she's earned to attend Howard University, the University of Florida, or the University of Southern Florida in Tampa. Based on her experiences at the VA medical center, she plans to study pre-med.

"This is very exciting for me. I wouldn't be able to go to college without the scholarship. Just being around the veterans has been a great opportunity. At the hospital, I've had the chance to see how doctors work and how hospitals operate. I've learned what families go through, and I've learned a lot about taking care of people," said Jamiya.

"I've also learned about the things vets have gone through. I've listened to some amazing stories about the things they've seen and done, and the sacrifices they've made," said Jamiya, who once interviewed a Tuskegee Airman for the Voluntary Services Newsletter. "I feel like I'll always be close to veterans for the experiences I've had as a volunteer."

Andrew D. Wisneski is the second-place scholarship recipient, earning $10,000 toward his college education.

Other recipients include: Elizabeth Grondalski, VAMC St. Louis, Mo.; Sarah Kathleen Black of VA Eastern Kansas HCS, Topeka division; Sandeep Singh, VAMC Battle Creek, Mich.; Alicia E. Garcia, VA New Mexico HCS, Albuquerque, N.M.; Maya Jessica Williams, VA New Jersey HCS, North Brunswick; Stephanie Smith, VAMC Columbia, S.C.; Jenna Anne Greenman, VAMC Battle Creek, Mich.; Jimmy C. Chester, VAMC Decatur, Ga.; Ashleigh L. Summers, VAMC Jackson, Miss.; Michael Schultz, VAMC Milwaukee, Wisc.

Family members of the DAY and Auxiliary employees and staff were recently made eligible to apply for scholarships. Self nominations are accepted. The deadline for applicants is Feb. 28, 2008. Volunteers must have at least 100 VA volunteer hours credited to the DAY during the year to be eligible for consideration.

Students interested in applying may do so through the DAY Web site at www.dav.org/volunteers/jesse_brown_scholarship.html. Additional inquiries should be directed to Disabled American Veterans, National Service and Legislative Headquarters, Voluntary Services Department, 807 Maine Ave. S.W., Washington, DC 20024.