28 CCS Graduates Join Legacy of I Know I Can Founders Scholars

July 23, 2026—Emmanuel Towns grew up watching three of his siblings receive the I Know I Can Founders Scholarship. This year, he joined them. 

The Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School graduate will attend Central State University this fall. There, he will study computer science and programming, continuing a family tradition of using the funds to attend a historically Black university. 

"I love following in my brothers’ footsteps," Emmanuel said. "We all showed that we made it. We're still going to finish it."

His family's journey echoed the purpose of the 2026 I Know I Can Founders Scholarship celebration, where 28 Columbus City Schools (CCS) graduates received scholarships to help pay for college and join a growing network of successful alumni.

Among those celebrating Emmanuel's achievement was his older brother, LB Towns Jr., a 2022 I Know I Can Founders Scholar who earned a bachelor's degree in business from Howard University. Watching Emmanuel receive the scholarship reminded him how one opportunity can change the trajectory of an entire family.

"It's definitely been a blessing," LB Towns Jr., who graduated from Columbus Alternative High School, said. "It’s great to know there are organizations and people that are looking to help people succeed, achieve their goals, and further their education."

Now in its 16th year, the I Know I Can Founders Scholarship recognizes CCS students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to their communities. The scholarships are made possible through partnerships with colleges and universities, businesses, foundations and individual donors who invest in students long before they step onto a college campus.

Since the program began, 310 Columbus City Schools graduates have received Founders Scholarships totaling more than $10 million. Last year alone, more than $450,000 in tuition support helped CCS scholars continue their education.

CCS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman said the evening recognized students’ hard work, not just the scholarship.

"Tonight is a celebration because it represents what happens when hard work meets opportunity and when a community comes together in support of our young people," Dr. Chapman said.

Dr. Chapman also highlighted the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. This year's applicants earned the highest average GPA in the history of the Founders Scholarship with a 3.88 average. She noted that Founders Scholars graduate from college at an 89% rate, well above the national six-year average.

"You belong in every room that you enter," Dr. Chapman told the students. "Congratulations to the 2026 Founders Scholars. You all have earned this moment."

As each recipient crossed the stage, organizers shared excerpts from scholarship applications that revealed future doctors, nurses, engineers, journalists, educators, artists, entrepreneurs and public servants. With career goals varying from nursing to journalism to education, each recipient aimed to make a difference in the lives of others.

I Know I Can Chief Executive Officer Katina Fullen said those aspirations reflect the vision that led community leaders to found the organization in 1988. Nearly four decades later, that same vision continues to guide I Know I Can's work and inspired the creation of the Founders Scholarship.

"Tonight we welcome another 28 students into the legacy of I Know I Can Founders," Fullen said. "As you begin your next chapter, you need to know that you've got a community of support behind you."

For students like Mariam Tumkara, the community's investment means one less barrier standing between her and her future.

This fall, she will attend Otterbein University to study nursing after discovering her passion for health care through the health sciences program at Fort Hayes Career Center.

Mariam said the experience confirmed she wanted to build a career caring for others, and the scholarship will help her continue preparing for that calling.

"Honestly, honored," Mariam said when asked how it felt to receive the scholarship.

Like the 27 other members of the Class of 2026, Mariam left the celebration the confidence to take the next step toward her future, backed by a community that believes in what she and every Founders Scholar can accomplish.

 

The following CCS graduates were honored in the 2026 class: 

•   Akawung (Promise) Achankeng (Northland and Columbus Downtown High School) attending Howard University
•   Donavan Allen (Columbus Africentric Early College) attending Ohio Dominican University
•   Adonia Balqis (Whetstone High School) attending Northwestern University
•   Robin Baradarvar (Centennial High School) attending Roger Williams University
•   Auynsh Biswa (Columbus Alternative High School) attending University of Michigan
•   Benjamin Blitzer (Whetstone High School) attending Miami University
•   Ka’Vona Brogdon (Beechcroft High School) attending North Carolina A&T University
•   Leanella Cook (Walnut Ridge High School) attending Wittenberg University
•   Olivia Cox (Whetstone High School) attending Kenyon College
•   Daymya Cumberlander (Columbus Africentric Early College) attending Kent State University
•   Thnaa Hassan (Columbus Alternative High School) attending The Ohio State University
•   Jaylen Johnson (West High School) attending Capital University
•   Brooklyn Jones (Columbus Alternative High School) attending Kent State University
•   Celia Kundishora (Centennial High School) attending DePaul University
•   Aidden Lambert (South High School) attending The Ohio State University
•   William Mann (Centennial High School) attending University of Virginia
•   Vanessa Morales (South High School) attending Capital University
•   Jade Peronne (Briggs High School) attending Allegheny College
•   Miriam Rule (Columbus Alternative High School) attending Johns Hopkins University
•   Camryn Russell (Marion-Franklin High School) attending The Ohio State University
•   Amarian Thomas (Columbus Africentric Early College) attending Ohio Wesleyan University
•   Emmanuel Towns (Fort Hayes Arts & Academic High School) attending Central State University
•   Mariam Tunkara (Northland High School) attending Otterbein University
•   Kaleese Vickers Ghee (Marion-Franklin High School) attending Ohio University
•   Ryan Vorvornator (Columbus Alternative High School) attending Capital University
•   Serenity Waller (Eastmoor Academy) attending Capital University
•   Taliyah Wilson (Columbus Online Academy) attending University of Akron
•   Saniya Word (Columbus Africentric Early College) attending Howard University