2026 Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award Recipient
Essence Davis, Eastside High School
Essence Brejae Davis is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and rise with determination. As the Executive President of Eastside High School and a senior in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, she maintains an outstanding 4.5 GPA while embodying the spirit of excellence that inspires her peers and community.
A four-year captain of the Eastside Volleyball Team, Essence leads not only with skill, but with heart—lifting others, encouraging teamwork, and modeling the discipline required to succeed. Her leadership extends beyond athletics. She has served as President of the University of Florida Upward Bound Math and Science Program and currently serves as Mentor Director of the Black Student Union, where she pours into younger students and creates spaces where they feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Essence’s commitment to service is woven into everything she does. She is actively involved in the Pre-Collegiate Program, Mock Trial, National English Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Each summer, she dedicates her time to Girls Place, tutoring and mentoring young girls and helping them discover their own confidence, voice, and potential. Her presence there has become a source of hope and encouragement for many. In 2025, Essence turned compassion into action by founding the Prom Dress Closet—an initiative that provides free prom dresses to students who may not otherwise be able to attend. What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a movement of generosity, dignity, and community support.
Her vision is to ensure that every young person feels celebrated, included, and worthy. A gifted student-athlete, Essence has competed in volleyball, softball, and lacrosse, earning recognition as a Meldon Law Scholar-Athlete. Yet her greatest strength is not her athletic ability—it is her character. She leads with humility, serves with joy, and carries herself with grace.
Essence’s faith is the foundation of her journey. As a proud member of Spring Hill Baptist Church, she draws strength from her relationship with God and remains committed to uplifting her siblings and those around her. She strives to be a living example of perseverance, faithfulness, and purpose-driven leadership. With plans to study political science, attend law school, and one day serve as a judge, Essence is preparing to use her voice and her gifts to advocate for justice, equity, and meaningful change. She believes that every person deserves fairness, dignity, and opportunity—and she is determined to help create a world where those values are upheld.
Essence Brejae Davis is not just a student leader. She is a young woman of vision, faith, and unstoppable determination. Her story reminds us that when we lead with love, serve with intention, and believe in what is possible, we can transform not only our own lives—but the lives of everyone around us.
We proudly recognize and present the 2026 Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award to Essence Davis, IB Senior, Eastside High School.
Alumni Students Reception Photos
Melanie Moore Acosta our 1998 Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Recipient and her research – They transformed Black education in the South. This professor is telling their story
Past Recipients
Cayden Parker – Santa Fe H.S. | 2025
Justice L. Alexander – Eastside H.S. | 2024
Makayla A. Flanders – Gainesville H.S. | 2023
Gabrielle N. Gregory – P.K. Yonge | 2022
Taylor Hill-Miles – Eastside H.S. | 2021
Spencer Gregory – P.K. Yonge | 2020
Anthony Hardge – P.K. Yonge | 2019
Samuel Ray – Eastside H.S. | 2018
Adam Maxwell – P.K. Yonge | 2017
Nadia Thomas – Gainesville H.S. | 2016
Joni Perkins – Santa Fe H.S. | 2015
Raven Delk – Buchholz H.S. | 2014
Jenna Stafford – Eastside H.S. | 2013
Jennifer Kizza – Eastside H.S. | 2012
Taonga Leslie – Eastside H.S. | 2011
Benjamin Osoba – Eastside H.S. | 2010
Thashea Miles – Eastside H.S. | 2009
LeNora Walton – Buchholz H.S. | 2008
DeAdria Hilliard – Buchholz H.S. | 2007
Kendra Grimes – Eastside H.S. | 2006
Lashay Clayton – P.K. Yonge | 2005
Adria Green – Eastside H.S. | 2004
Wenona DeCestro – Hawthorne H.S. | 2003
Shaun Lovings – P.K. Yonge | 2002
Wantanisha Dawson – P.K. Yonge | 2001
John Green, II – Eastside H.S. | 2000
Alexis Amaye-Obu – Gainesville H.S. |2000
John McKnight, Jr. – Eastside H.S. | 1999
Christopher Polke – Gainesville H.S. | 1999
Melanie Moore – Eastside H.S. | 1998
Christopher Chestnut – Gainesville H.S. | 1998
Victoria Barr – Buchholz H.S. | 1997
Malcom Kiner – Buchholz H.S. | 1996
Tristin Hayes – Gainesville H.S. |1995
Vashiti Crowell – Eastside H.S. | 1995
Erin Shell – Eastside H. S. | 1995
Arnetta Haywood – Gainesville H.S. | 1994
Ebony Terrell – Gainesville H.S. | 1993
Kimberly Rushing – Gainesville H.S. | 1993
Erika Robinson – Gainesville H.S. | 1992
Natasha Graham – Gainesville H.S. | 1991
Corey Hines – Newberry H.S. | 1991
AnneMarie Mingo – Eastside H.S. | 1991
Cynthia White – Gainesville H.S. | 1990
Lynnette Harrison – Eastside H.S. | 1990
Karla Davis – P.K. Yonge | 1989