The Gardiner Foundation Scholarship
For a young person, losing a family member can be a devastating experience. However, losing multiple family members all at once is almost unthinkable. That’s what happened to Dexter Gardiner, who on July 9, 2006 lost six family members in a tragic car accident on the Bronx River Parkway.
Yet despite the loss, Dexter chose to use the tragedy as a way to help others who have experienced similar situations in losing beloved family members unexpectedly. Needless to say, for those left behind, especially children whose college education may suddenly be in doubt due to financial concerns, the world can suddenly seem very uncertain.
However, thanks to Dexter choosing to start the Gardiner Foundation, children in these unthinkable circumstances can rest easy, knowing they can receive financial help for their education. By teaming up with Jeff Korek and his partners at the law firm of Gersowitz, Libo, and Korek P.C., a scholarship of $1,500 will be awarded annually to as many as five deserving students. By doing so, we at the Gardiner Foundation can do our part to help ease the financial burden a student’s family may have in trying to help them realize their dreams of higher education.
Gardiner Foundation Events
- Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
- Annual Basketball Classic Tournament
- Annual Basketball Clinic
- Holiday Toy Drive
- Events at the HeartShare Women’s Shelter
Whether helping more than 1000 families with a free Thanksgiving meal or enjoying free entertainment, food and beverages and exciting action on the basketball court, to working with the woman and children at the homeless shelter, Gardiner Foundation takes great pride in partnering with GLK to help local families not only with financial and scholarship assistance, but also with help obtaining school supplies, spiritual mentoring, and burial assistance if needed.
Dedicated to Helping the Community
The Gardiner Foundation is more dedicated than ever to helping those in our community overcome tragedy and discover happiness and achievement in their lives. By partnering with Gersowitz, Libo, and Korek P.C., a personal injury firm that deals with family tragedies on a daily basis, we strive to address just how important financial resources can be to a family struggling with sudden loss. If your family is in need of attorneys who can help you with a personal injury claim, contact Gersowitz, Libo, and Korek P.C. for a free consultation, and let them help you get the financial compensation you and your family need and deserve.
Awarding Scholarships
Once we have looked over all the applications and determined those we feel are the most deserving, the winning students and their families will be contacted. And when it comes time to award the scholarships, the ceremony will be held at the Gardiner Foundation Basketball Classic at St. James Park in late August. Always a very rewarding and emotional event, the scholarship ceremony is our way of not only recognizing the students and their families, but also having an opportunity to express our thoughts regarding the courage shown by each family.
Gardiner Foundation 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Naia D. Braxton
Upon having the opportunity to be a candidate for the Gardiner Foundation Scholarship, I have been able to accomplish both academic and personal achievements which have led me to shape a brighter future. As an incoming transfer freshman coming into an HBCU, I faced a lot of culture shock, trajectories, and interpersonal development which was needed for the spark of my career. I transferred from Mary Baldwin University on a full-ride academic merit scholarship to cancel my full-ride and come to a place that felt more like home. Thankfully, I've been able to commit to my academic studies and become a leader both inside and outside of the classroom. Listed below are my completed achievements throughout the 3 years of attending Fayetteville State University. In the fall, ( December 2024) I will be achieving one of my goals which is obtaining my Bachelor of Science, with a major in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. My plans consist of earning my Doctorates in Osteopathic Medicine and later opening my private practice to all but targeted towards marginalized communities and/or veterans. I have also had the opportunity to shadow both a cardiologist and a pediatrician working in internal medicine for the past few months and have formed personal and professional relationships with them. I've recently been recognized as a candidate to conduct research in Dublin, Ireland for a study away program for the New York University (NYU)’s study away program, and I've also had the pleasure of conducting research as an Intern at East Carolina University, doing invivo therapy on insects and their resistance to pesticides while working as a research student independently during the semester under Dr. Kassem at Fayetteville State University to study genetics in soybean plants. I will also be presenting my published research at (ABRCMS), a symposium for minoritized scientists in Pennsylvania in the Fall of 2024. During this time, I was also recognized as a scholar and currently on the dean list, while currently upholding a ministerial position at a local church (New Life Church) in which I helped rebrand the church and assisted the pastor with the relaunch of the church, and outreach coordinating/events/hospitality and serving as a Kids Ministry Teacher. In my free time, I give back to my local and global community by participating in several non-profit organizations outside of school, work, and my responsibilities, in which it is my goal to impact someone else's life whether it is in a small or large way, on a daily basis. I plan to also found an organization that will start locally in my community in Fayetteville, North Carolina for younger women (specifically minorities) to connect with like-minded women and later network with individuals in their chosen field of study, while also acting as a mentor for these young women and help them towards their future career goals; even if they don't plan to go to college. They will also have a chance to volunteer and help their community by upholding the mission of the organization for incoming young ladies. Directly upon graduation, I plan to join the Virginia Chapter of the Fayetteville State Alumni Organization to help give back to my fellow Broncos. I am blessed and humble as ever to be able to receive recognition and guidance from the Gardiner Foundation which has helped shape me into the individual that i am today, whilst remembering to always put my faith & trust in God.
BLUE RIDGE SENIOR LIVING VOLUNTEER (RICHMOND, VA)
JUNE 2023 - CURRENT
LIFESTYLE PROFILE VOLUNTEER 2022- Current
GARDINER FOUNDATION SCHOLAR/VOL.
AMERICAN RED CROSS VOLUNTEER – 2023 CURRENT
Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) 2024 Cohort
Beta Kappa Chi (BKX) Fall 2023’ Initiate
RESIDENT ASSISTANT | FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
TRIO SSSTEM MEMBER | FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
NAACP VICE TREASURER FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY CHAPTER
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
ASSOCIATION (SENIOR CLASS SENATOR)
FUSION ART COLLECTIVE SECRETARY
MATRICULATION INSTITUTE, MENTOR
BRONCO WELLNESS AMBASSADOR |
RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION, MEMBER
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS (NSPE) MEMBER
Space & Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) member
BRONCOS IN ACTION, mentor for incoming biology & stem students
FSU Campus Ministry
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) member
Skye Saunders
“I want to thank the Gardiner Foundation for providing me with the financial assistance that contributed to me obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and History from Purchase College. Your dedication to supporting today’s youth with their pursuit of higher education has led me to a career as a substitute teacher within the NYC Department of Education and I will be attending Lehman College Graduate School of Social Work in the Fall of 2024. Thank you for supporting the youth of the Bronx Gardiner Foundation.”
Gardiner Foundation 2023 Scholarship Recipients
Nya Bunn
Nya is a graduate of the Promise Academy I Charter High School in Harlem. This fall she will enroll in the State University of New York at Buffalo where she will pursue a major in Biology and a career as a pediatric nurse. Nya served as a positive role model in her high school’s afterschool program and is a kind young woman with a great drive to succeed who is passionate about helping others.
Brandon Blake
Brandon is a graduate of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts. This fall, he will enroll at the University of Connecticut where he will pursue a degree in Psychology. Brandon plays the trumpet and is known as a tireless worker who handles responsibility well
Kacey Ivette Alvarenga
Kacey is a graduate of Mott Haven Village Preparatory High School. This fall she will enroll in the City College of New York where she will pursue a degree in Art. On her way to graduating high school in 3 years Kasey made the principal’s list and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She possesses great leadership qualities and is a wonderful team player.
Brandon Ramkissoon
Brandon is a graduate of John Jay High School and will enroll at Pace University in the fall where he will attend their Pforzheimer Honors College in the Lubin School of Business and pursue a major in Accounting and Finance. Brandon is a caring and competent person whose commitment to academic excellence allowed him to graduate with High Honors and earn an Honors Scholarship and a Sibling Scholarship at Pace. He volunteered his time serving local veterans, youth and the less fortunate while also excelling in E-Sports and as team Captain in Track and Field and Soccer.
Sarah Reyes
Sarah Reyes is a graduate of Benjamin Cardozo High School and will enroll in Queensborough Community College’s Dance Program this fall. Sarah is an inspiring, dedicated and passionate young lady who has been a responsible, intelligent and reliable student throughout her academic career. Her desire to learn and demand more of herself is displayed in her performance and attentiveness during her classes. Sarah sees herself as not just a dancer but an artist that wants to contribute to the community in a therapeutic and spiritual way while sharing the healing power of dance.
Gardiner Foundation Scholarship Highlights
Dr. Malik Campbell
"As a recipient of the Gardiner Foundation Scholarship in 2017, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible opportunity your scholarship
has provided me. Thanks to your support, I have successfully completed my academic journey, and I am now equipped to pursue my dreams in Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.
Your generosity has made a tremendous impact on my life, and I am forever
grateful."
- Dr. Malik Campbell, DPT
Dane Simpson
"I am Dane Simpson and I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you for choosing me as a recipient of the Gardiner Foundation Scholarship in 2018. Thank you for supporting me in my next adventure, having you in my corner was a blessing as I encountered new obstacles. I graduated from the University at Albany, Bachelors of Science in Business Economics Class of 2023."
Emily Smith
"I want to convey my profound appreciation for the wonderful chance that your scholarship has given me as a 2019 Gardiner Foundation Scholarship recipient. The support that I received through the foundation has been very beneficial to me throughout my time in college. I was able to complete my undergraduate bachelor's studies successfully and am now prepared to continue my study and follow my interests in criminology and forensic anthropology. Thank you for your true compassion toward the inner-city youth."
Corey Bryan
"My name is Corey Bryan I'm 22 years old and I grew up under the Gardiner Foundation. I'm a recent graduate from New England College with a Bachelor's Degree in Game Design and minor in Business Administration. I'm currently looking to begin my career full-time in the game design industry.
Very passionate about 3D modeling and gaming as I enjoy doing these activities in my downtime.
I also created my own esports organization called Lightning Kings Gaming to give gamers around the world an opportunity and platform to be recognized. I strive to continuously give gamers an experience that will benefit them and their careers long term."