Scholarship Recipent
A little over 2 years ago, I expressed the desire to regularly provide an academic scholarship to deserving family members. The national committee developed a plan to raise the funding for the scholarship fund and Vicki Baxter graciously volunteered to spearhead the implementation. Vicki has done an extraordinary job in identifying two exceptionable family members who are the inaugural recipients of The Gist National Family Reunion Scholarship.
This could not have happened without the generous donations of family members. Thank you for helping the next generation of Gists to reach their goals. You can contribute to scholarship fund via Cashapp ($Gistfamilyreunion) and indicate "scholarship" in the payment comment section. We are inspiring and supporting Gist greatness- one gift at a time! Thank you for investing in the future of our family and congratulations to our recipients.
Blessings and love,
Bryan
Linda Gist
Linda Gist is a sophomore in college pursuing a degree in Law, History, and Culture with a minor in Criminality and Forensics. Here a few of Linda’s many academic achievements and community involvement:
- Graduated from high school with a GPA of 4.43
- Accepted into the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars Aerospace Academy under NASA. She served as the Government Relations Specialist and assisted her team’s successful mock-training for a Mars transit. ·
- While attending high school, she took collegiate-level classes such as Computational Physics, Pre-Calculus, and Research Methodology and Ethics as a high school junior,
- Served as co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad
- Held both on and off-stage leadership positions in her High School’s Drama Club and Thespian Society.
- Chose to study French for all four years of high school because of her passion for unfamiliar cultures and visited France with her school as a sophomore.
- Was extremely active in the school, where she served as a Panther Achievement Leader (PALS) and mentor to first-year students,
- Served on her local NAACP Youth Council in last 2 years of high school.
One of Linda’s former teachers wrote, “Linda’s enthusiasm for change knows no boundaries: she sees where there is a need, and where she can lead, and simply goes for it. Making the world a better place is not just a cliché for Linda; it is truly a goal.”
Alexia Guice
Alexia Guice is a first-year student in college pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Here a few of her many academic achievements and community involvement:
- Graduated from high school with a GPA of 3.55.
- Was a member of the JROTC program and was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Alexia was appointed Chief of Staff to the commanding officer and received twenty-six ribbons (which was more than any other cadet) for academic achievement, leadership, and service.
- Honored to be the only African American female cadet to receive individual and team award at the Citadel in Charleston SC
- Accomplished violinist and pianist.
- Served on a foreign Christian mission trip.
- Volunteers regularly in the community by feeding the homeless population.
- Alexia speaks Spanish fluently and she loves to travel. She has traveled to forty-five states, Canada, Mexico, Honduras, and other parts of Central America.
- Academic awards included: Earned National Beta Club membership, Lamp of Knowledge, College Board AP Scholarship Award, and College Board African American National Recognition
The Outreach Director at her church wrote that Alexia has a servant’s heart, is multi-talented, and works hard to show the love of Christ. She is highly active in the youth ministry and been a wonderful influence on the young people at the church.
