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A ��«Ӱҵ student at the Utica Campus has been honored by the White House Initiative on Historically Black College and Universities.

Sydney Burks of Jackson is part of the eighth cohort of HBCU Scholars. This program recognizes 86 undergraduate, graduate and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, civic engagement and much more.

The sophomore was selected from a group of more than 200 students from across the country. Burks says she is happy her hard work paid off.

“Out of over 200 applicants, they chose me to participate in this program with 85 other students. I am honored that the White House Initiative saw something in me when reviewing my application,” she said. “Trying to be a well-rounded student is hard work. Sometimes, it feels pointless and endless, but to be recognized at such a level is an excellent reminder that your work does pay off in the long run.”

Over the course of the school year, Burks will serve as an ambassador of the Initiative for ��«Ӱҵ. The opportunity also gives her the chance to gain new connections that would be helpful in her college career.

“Being an HBCU Scholar will give me a chance to network and bond with my fellow Scholars. It will also allow me to network with some of the White House Initiative’s affiliates, such as NASA,” Burks said.

Not only is Burks a HBCU Scholar, but she is also a ��«Ӱҵ scholar as well. She is a member of the Alpha Beta Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. She says her Chapter Advisor Beverly Trimble is the one who pushed her to apply in the first place. Trimble says she is proud of Burks achievements.

“I think it is awesome that Sydney was selected as the HBCU Scholar for ��«Ӱҵ. She is a very smart and intelligent young woman who gives her best at whatever she does. I know she will represent ��«Ӱҵ well,” Trimble said.

Burks will also be invited to the 2021 HBCU Week National Annual Conference which takes place in September.