COLD SPRING, Ky. — Makiyah S. Cheeks, who has spent a total of 1,064 hours spanning a four-year period volunteering at the local Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Alabama, has been awarded $7,500 by DAV (Disabled American Veterans) to pursue her goal of obtaining a degree in early childhood education.

The 19-year-old is the recipient of DAV’s Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship, which is awarded annually to the top youth volunteers in DAV’s Voluntary Services program. The scholarship is open to volunteers age 21 and younger who have contributed a minimum of 100 hours credited through DAV or DAV Auxiliary.

The scholarship will be recognized at DAV’s 96th National Convention on July 29 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel.

“Makiyah’s compassion and commitment to care for veterans is truly an inspiration,” said DAV National Voluntary Services Director John Kleindienst “Makiyah went above and beyond in her time as a volunteer, and even maintained her hours while working a part-time job.”

“Makiyah is an exceptional young person with a bright future ahead of her,” said DAV National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “Makiyah’s service to veterans and her community are proof of her selflessness and generosity. Her dedication and leadership skills are traits I personally admire, and that I believe will make her a great professional in the field of education someday.”

 

About DAV:
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; providing employment resources to veterans and their families and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a non-profit organization with 1.3 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at www.dav.org.