NHS Black Student Union wins $5K grant from education foundation

(From left) A'Nyah Hizer, NHS sophomore and BSU vice president; Akwete Purifoy, NHS social worker and BSU staff sponsor; Ellis Tarver, NHS junior and BSU president; and Aniya Stanley, NHS sophomore and BSU secretary. (Photo provided by Noblesville Schools)

Posted By: The Reporter April 28, 2021

Noblesville Schools announced on Tuesday that the Black Student Union (BSU) at Noblesville High School (NHS) has won a $5,000 grant from the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation (NSEF). The grant is the largest amount ever awarded by the Foundation.

With approximately 100 student members representing over 60 percent of the high school’s Black students, BSU’s aim is to promote unity, increase engagement, foster educational success and grow future Black leaders.

“This grant really caught the attention of our board,” said NSEF executive director Adriann Young. “Their strong proposal made it clear that the BSU is worth investing in with our largest award ever. We’re fully committed to supporting their success and excited to see how these funds will grow their vision into reality.”

Plans for the funds include:

  • Hosting a “family reunion” style social picnic for students, families and community members.
  • Launching a community film series to showcase Black storytelling.
  • Purchasing traditional African “Kente” cords for seniors who would like to wear them during graduation ceremonies.
  • Organizing roundtable discussions regarding diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Providing scholarships for select BSU seniors pursuing higher education.

The BSU hopes to grow into other development opportunities in the future, including organizing a student visit to historically Black colleges and universities.

“At the end of the day, this money is about bringing everyone together to grow and learn,” said Ellis Tarver, a junior at NHS and president of the BSU.

BSU vice president and NHS sophomore A’Nyah Hizer added, “I’m super excited to win this! Hopefully this gives people of color at Noblesville a chance to have a family here and feel like they belong.”

The NHS BSU was founded in 2019 and is modeled after national collegiate Black student unions and organizations at other Hamilton County high schools.

To learn more about NSEF and how you can help support teachers and students at Noblesville Schools, visit noblesvilleschools.org/foundation.

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