2025 JMBFL Scholars
Elizabeth Blackmon
Elizabeth is a senior of Alton High School, part of both the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society). She mentored freshman as part of a Link Crew, was voted Vice President of Minority Excellence, participates in her school’s Math Team and Physics Club, tutors students in their SAT math skills as a Khan Academy Schoolhouse Tutor, and learned about quantum physics, astrophysics, and programming in Stanford’s SPINWIP virtual outreach program. She has placed 2nd in the St. Louis Excellence in Math competition twice and has received multiple reading challenge awards. She was selected as a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, a Junior Marshal for Alton High School Graduation, and an Illinois State Scholar and will be graduating as a Platinum-Alpha Scholar.
She is an excellent young scientist with plans to work in tech or engineering to develop innovative products to improve everyday life. She is pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering, fields often underrepresented by women. She hopes her dedication to her personal commitment to never back down against those discriminating against her gender will become an inspiration for younger girls.
Cameron B. Conwell
Cameron B. Conwell is a senior at Alton High School. She is on high honor roll and joined the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), all while taking Advanced Placement and Dual-Credit courses at Lewis & Clark Community College and St. Louis University. She keeps busy with band, including the pit orchestra where she is a co-section leader, is a part of Minority Excellence, participates in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) as the vice president, and is a student leader in her Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She’s achieved many awards, including the 2023-2024 Principles of Biomedical Science Student of the Year Award, the Art Fahrner/Edward Jones “Remarkable Redbird of the Month” Award, the College Board’s National African American Recognition Award, and the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Student of the Month Award. She was also the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) 2024 “Miss Jewel of Distinction” Cotillion 1st runner up and is an NCNW Alton Youth Section Senior Leader. Her plan is to become a forensic pathologist.
Cameron also makes time for volunteering within her community, including nearly two dozen events during her time in high school. She has her heart set on creating a space of “love, advice, and self-assurance” for young women just like herself. She wants to become someone people feel they can talk to about their struggles and feelings. Her goal is to find a way to encourage women to lift each other up within a supportive community.
Jada Bruce - Renewal
Jada Bruce is a senior at Alton High School. Jada is a hard-working student holding a 3.9 GPA. She has studied in many advanced placement classes and is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council Class President, AACE Leadership, Biology Club, Physics Club, Drafting Club, Spanish Club, Link Crew, and Trio/Upward Bound. She has been a dedicated volunteer and pushes others to have a sense of service. Her long list of volunteering includes serving with the Alton Section NCNW, YWCA Child Enrichment Program, and Saturday Café lunch program feeding the needy. Jada’s exceptional leadership landed her over 15 awards such as Third Team All-conference, Cheering Academic All-Conference, National Cheerleading Association All-American Cheerleader, and Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association Senior Scholar. Jada had been described as “unflappable.” She wants to “mentor the next generation to spread awareness on how to deal with being different in a group of people.” Jada plans on continuing her education in Architecture.
Samantha Kulish - Renewal
Samantha Kulish is a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School. Samantha holds a 4.3 GPA while being busy as a member the National Honor Society, Saturday Scholars, Big Sisters, Spirit Club, Senior Olympiad, and Dream Home Charities. She is also the captain of her Varsity Volleyball team. Samantha’s volunteer list includes Bake Sales, mentoring and teaching at Volleyball Camps, and ushering at the Alton Little Theater. Samantha’s awards include Regional President’s list for Lewis & Clark Community College, MidWest Members Credit Union Athlete of the Month, Local Gold-Level Renaissance, and awards with Local and National Honor Society.
Samantha wants to develop programs for young children to promote equality and erase racism from a young age. She is a determined student who is not afraid to ask questions. Samantha plans on continuing her education in Human Development and Family Science.
Isabella Hall - Renewal
Isabella Hall is a senior at Alton High School. She is a part of multiple organizations, such as the National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honors Society, Pathway to Womanhood, and Art Club, as well as her local church. Isabella currently works at 1st MidAmerica Credit Union. She has maintained a GPA of 4.64 while taking a full roster of honors and advanced placement courses. Isabella was first encouraged to engage in community service by her grandmother, and volunteering has always been a part of Isabella's life, whether it be food drives, walks, fundraisers, or reading to children. Volunteering for food distributions exposed Isabella to the injustices that plague her community and motivated her to i to join the fight against them. In 2020, as the editor-in-chief of her school's yearbook, she created a section of the yearbook dedicated to the Black Lives Matter protests. Isabella plans to continue her fight against social and racial injustice through a career in data analytics. She hopes to aid small minorityowned businesses in communities across the country so that they can go on to make their impact in the world.
Emma Smith - Renewal
Emma Smith is a senior at Civic Memorial High School. She is a part of several organizations, such as the National Honors Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, and Illinois State Scholars. She has been a dedicated volunteer with Salvation Army, Special Olympics, and the Red Cross. Emma has balanced work, volunteering, and clubs while maintaining a GPA of 4.98. Throughout her high school career, Emma has held many leadership roles. She has been class president for all four years and was elected student council president for her senior year. During her time in these positions, Emma surpassed the Prom fundraiser goal of $4500, collected over 200 socks for Socktober, and brought back two student talent shows and graduation cords for student council members. She has been awarded the Principals' Award, Pillar Award for Leadership, and the Madison County Urban league's Empowered Youth Award for her performance in these roles. Emma plans to continue her education in nursing and eventually obtain a career in healthcare management.
Guadalupe Calixto - Renewal
Guadalupe is a 2nd-year JMBFL Scholar and a proud child of Mexican parents that have taught her how to embrace her culture to the world. She is currently attending Saint Louis University majoring in Biochemistry on the Bachelor of Science track to pursue scientific research. Guadalupe has been active in the Audre Lorde Scholars organization on campus. The Audre Lorde Scholars facilitate discussions ranging on a wide variety of topics including the misogyny that women face within their homes across racial and ethnic lines; bodily autonomy for women; trauma of racism on the bodies of Women of Color; navigating the workplace environment as Women of Color; and inequities in healthcare access for marginalized women among other topics. Guadalupe has also been active with the Holy Rosary Church in Fairmont City, assisting with the Spanish and Bilingual mass. In addition, she assists with food drives, church picnics, tutoring, and visiting the elderly in conjunction with the many groups she associates with. Guadalupe hopes that “the YWCA mission will help me and many students be prepared to be leaders and advocates for social justice in our communities.”