Northeast Indiana Students Win Scholarship Award Honoring Local Leader Charles Redd and A. Philip Randolph.

Fort Wayne, Indiana- In keeping with its mission to support the scholastic endeavors of young people, the Fort Wayne Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) awarded scholarships to three high school graduates pursuing a university education this year.

Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded to:

1. Keith Suttle Jr. is a Northrop High School graduate. He will attend Ball State University in Muncie, IN., where he will study architecture. He graduated with a 3.4 GPA on a scale of 4.0

2. Josie Hipskind is a Leo Jr/Sr High School graduate. She will attend Indiana University Fort Wayne, where she will study nursing. She graduated with a 3.976 GPA on a scale of 4.0.

3. Ashley Ombati is a Northrop High School graduate. She will attend Indiana University Fort Wayne, where she will major in Health Science. She graduated with a 3.9 GPA on a scale of 4.0.

“For APRI, we see education as a means to strengthen our commitment and effectiveness in addressing issues of equity and civic engagement,” explains Leroy Jackson Jr., President of the Fort Wayne Chapter. “Our scholarship honors our namesake A. Philip Randolph and local community and civil rights leader Charles Redd who shared a common vision for equality, and political and community activism.

“In spite of the pandemic prompting us to cancel our Scholarship Recognition Banquet, we can still find joy in celebrating the achievements of our youth,” said LaDonna Sims, APRI Scholarship Committee Chairperson. “Through them, we can persevere. Through them, we find hope.”

To be eligible for the APRI Annual Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. High school seniors pursuing a college curriculum directed toward an associate or bachelor degree.

2. Parent, caregiver, or student must be a current APRI member.

3. Must be a resident of Northeast Indiana. (East of St Rd 15 and North of St Rd 18).

4. Complete the Scholarship application and corresponding essays.

About the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) Scholarship Namesakes: Former Fort Wayne City Council member Charles Redd worked tirelessly for the community for more than 40 years. A true civil rights champion, Redd was committed to ensuring that the people of Northeast Indiana had opportunities to become involved and informed. A. Philip Randolph was one of America’s foremost human and civil rights leaders. Freedom, Randolph believed, is only possible in an environment of political, social, and economic security. A. Philip Randolph Institute is a non-partisan, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. Our officers, board of directors, and members are committed to increasing civic participation.