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Lynette Thomas Scholarship

Purpose and Availability

The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated-Tau Delta Zeta Chapter are women committed to excellence in all areas of life. We strive tirelessly to exemplify the ideals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood, as held by our illustrious Sorority. 

 

The Distinguished Pearls Foundation, created in partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated - Tau Delta Zeta Chapter, is a charitable foundation dedicated to strengthening communities through outreach, service and promoting educational advancement in Prince George's County and surrounding communities.  In addition, it supports national and local programmatic initiatives sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated-Tau Delta Zeta Chapter. 

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The Lynette Thomas Scholarship was created by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated-Tau Delta Zeta Chapter to encourage high scholarly achievement through writing and creative expression among college-bound young men.

Triumphant Soror Lynette Thomas

In memoriam of Tau Delta Zeta's first Triumphant Soror, Lynette Thomas, this scholarship will continue her legacy of scholarship and education in the community.  Triumphant Soror Thomas was an English teacher in Prince George’s County, MD’s public high schools for more than a decade.  As an educator, Soror Thomas taught and inspired hundreds of young minds at Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School, Frederick Douglass High School as well as Laurel High School.  She loved teaching and valued the relationships with her students.  Her family has allowed Tau Delta Zeta Chapter to name this scholarship in her honor.  We thank her husband and son for their support and the opportunity to continue Triumphant Soror Lynette Thomas’ legacy in education and in support of young males within Prince George’s County, MD.

Eligibility

An eligible applicant is considered someone who meets the following requirements:

  • A male high school senior

  • A resident of Prince George's County, MD or is the son of a financial Tau Delta Zeta chapter member

  • Pursuing acceptance into an accredited four-year college or university

  • Has an overall grade point average of 2.5 (C+) or greater

  • Has not received any other scholarship from Tau Delta Zeta Chapter or The Distinguished Pearls Foundation

Notice of Nondiscrimination

The Lynette Thomas Scholarship does not discriminate in its selection policy based on race, color, creed, disability, national/ethic origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

Application Process

All information contained in this application will be considered confidential. 

  1. Submit an online application by clicking the button below.

  2. Essays should be between 300-600 words in length.

  3. Official high school transcripts must be submitted to tdzscholarship@zphibtdz.org.

  4. Obtain one letter of recommendation (from a high school faculty/administrator and/or from a community organization).

  5. Proof of community service.

  6. Upload a high school resume.

  7. Submit a completed scholarship application and supporting documents by Friday, January 24, 2025.

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Official high school transcripts must be provided directly to our email address, tdzscholarship@zphibtdz.org. All applicants must submit their COMPLETE application packet, by the deadline date of Friday, January 24, 2025. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.  Should there be any questions about completing the application, please contact tdzscholarship@zphibtdz.org. 

Checklist

Include in the submission:

  • Complete Online Application

  • Essay

  • Official high school transcripts must be submitted to tdzscholarship@zphibtdz.org by the due date

  • One (1) letter of recommendation (from a high school faculty/administrator and/or from a community organization).

  • A high school resume

  • Proof of community service

Submission Deadline

The completed scholarship application and all supporting documents must be received by Friday, January 24, 2025. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Should there be any questions about completing the application, please contact tdzscholarship@zphibtdz.org.

Judging & Criteria

The Lynette Thomas Scholarship Review Committee will evaluate essay submissions based on creativity, clarity, grammar, and format. In addition, the composition must appropriately execute the topic as mentioned above and adhere to the requested word length.

Notification

The scholarship winner will be notified in writing of the Scholarship Review Committee's decision by March 2025.

Additional Information

The scholarship(s) will be awarded in the amounts of $1,000.00.

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Funds will be released upon receipt of proof of registration into a four-year college or university. Proof of registration must be on official college or university letterhead. Scholarship checks will be forwarded directly to the college/university and made payable in the name of the scholarship recipient. This information should be sent to treasurer@distinguishedpearls.org.

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