Four students — Markell A. Sams, David Chambers, Tamesha D. Braithwaite and Bria Dewberry — are recipients of the 2011-12 Donald R. Hopkins/William A. Cooper Scholarship. Each student will receive $1,500 toward his or her college education.
The City of Coral Gables awards this scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 annually based on financial need, academic performance, career goals, and residency. Priority consideration is given to Coral Gables students living in the Golden Gate/McFarlane Homestead subdivision.
Established in 1990, the scholarship is co-named in honor of Dr. Donald R. Hopkins, born in Coral Gables and current vice president of Health Programs for Atlanta-based Carter Center, an organization that helps eradicate and control infectious diseases, and the late long-time Coral Gables resident William Cooper.
Mr. Cooper was a founder and former president of the Lola B. Walker Homeowners Association of Coral Gables, which represents the historically black neighborhoods in Coral Gables. He was very active in his church and was an advocate for community safety and improvements.
