Meet shainberg scholar: lakescia hicks

• Middle Tennessee State University

• Agricultural Science

• The Soulsville Charter School Alum

• Bachelor’s degree, (Graduating Summer 2026)

Lakescia Hicks is one of four 2025 Shainberg Scholars, awarded $4,000 to support her Agricultural Science studies at Middle Tennessee State University. A future pre-vet, Soulsville alum, and proud Memphian, Lakescia is chasing her dream of working with animals while finding new ways to give back to the city that raised her.

Background and College experience

“I grew up in Whitehaven but attended The Soulsville Charter School for higher education where I participated in choir and did field events in track.

I first attended Tennessee State University but because of certain circumstances I am now a transfer student. This coming fall I will be attending Middle Tennessee State University where I will be majoring in agricultural science as a junior. I will be entering into this fall 2025 as my junior year and attending to graduate summer 2026 as grad.

When it came to choosing my major I wanted something that would give me the option to explore and change because I’m a person that can do anything and loves to do new things. I’m going to school to be a pre-vet. This has always been a dream of mine to be around animals and support them.

College has shown me that it’s OK to be on your own path and this is truly a time to find yourself and make mistakes along the way. Also to know that college is not going to go perfectly how you want it to go in your mind and to always make things positive even when it seems like there isn’t any positivity left.”

winning the shainberg scholarship

“Winning this scholarship truly does mean a lot to me because it’s now part of my journey now to be the person I’ve been striving to be. This opportunity creates even more opportunities. The way that the scholarship impacts my life is that it builds on my character because of the meaning behind the scholarship. This impacts my life because it’s helping me pursue my dreams of being around animals.”

Giving back to memphis

“Giving back to Memphis means showing love where love was given all those times when I didn’t recognize at a young age and also showing love to people that are in the same spot you were in at one point of life. Like now being older, I recognize just how much help and care I did have around me to get to the place that I’ve gotten to now. Everything is a domino effect.

As of now, since I’ve been back in my city, I’ve started a new journey to learn more and be more involved in my city. I volunteered a couple of places. I’ve been social networking in my city and found plenty of opportunities and had great experiences to find my way back to where I want my next step to be in life, which is Middle Tennessee State University this coming fall which I’m so excited about.”

About the Shainberg Scholarship

The Shainberg Scholarship, made possible through the generosity of the Shainberg Family and Give901, supports students across Memphis who are facing financial barriers to higher education. Whether pursuing college, trade school, apprenticeships, or certificate programs, Shainberg Scholars receive the financial boost—and belief—they need to reach their next goal.

Inspired by Herbert Shainberg, a Memphis businessman known for his kindness, fairness, and dedication to justice, this scholarship carries forward a legacy of generosity and opportunity. Like climbing a beautiful mountain, every student’s path comes with challenges—and the Shainberg family is helping make those climbs possible.

Interested in learning more about Give901 managing your scholarship? Click here!