Oyler School Senior Receives YWCA Greater Cincinnati Scholarship

Oyler School Class of 2023 Valedictorian Mohagany Wooten was recently honored as this year’s YWCA Greater Cincinnati Mamie Earl Sells Scholarship recipient. 

Among the 10 finalists, Robert A. Taft Technology High School Senior Kyshai Calloway and Clark Montessori High School Senior Kimora McEntire received honorable mentions. 

Mamie Earl Sells served the Cincinnati community through her volunteer work in the arts, education, racial justice, social services  in developing the Career Women of Achievement event and serving as board member, vice president of membership and overall friend to the YWCA. Named in her honor, the scholarship was established in 1993 to provide financial assistance and support to an outstanding Black Greater Cincinnati high school senior woman entering a post-secondary institution. 

Through the scholarship, Wooten receives $3,000 toward her college expenses. 

“It feels great to know that somebody believes in me enough to help me with my next journey in life,” said Wooten. 

Wooten, who plans to study psychology at the University of Cincinnati (UC), learned about the scholarship through her school counselor. As part of the application process, Wooten wrote two brief essays, one describing her greatest challenge and how it has affected her, and one explaining what Mamie Earl Sells’ philosophy, “Lift as we climb,” means to her.

Wooten felt her essay set her apart from other applicants. “The scholarship is really about helping others as you succeed in life,” said Wooten. “I think I was chosen because I want to study mental health and psychology so that I can give back to teenagers; give them someone to talk to and let them know they’re not alone.”

In addition to the Mamie Earl Sells scholarship, Wooten received UC’s Darwin T. Turner and Gen-1 scholarships. She hopes her story inspires other students. 

“Whatever you have to say, whatever your message is or whatever your passion is – just stick to it! Just be yourself. No matter what, somebody is going to believe in you.”