MCTS announces winners of 1st Rosa Parks Tribute Scholarship

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) on Thursday, Feb. 4 announced the winners of its first-ever Rosa Parks Tribute Scholarship essay contest.

Thursday is the civil rights pioneer's birthday and National Transit Equity Day.

High school seniors in Milwaukee County who will attend a trade school, college or university were invited to submit a short essay, inspired by Parks' famous quote: "Each person must live their life as a model for others."

More than 50 essays were submitted and reviewed by a diverse panel of staff from MCTS, the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation, and the Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs. 

The following three students were chosen to each receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their higher education:

• Kayla Jimenez: Ronald Reagan High School, Milwaukee
• Anya Ramos: Audubon Technology and Communication High School, Milwaukee
• Iman Snobar: Ronald Reagan High School, Milwaukee

"Reading each entry was an inspiring experience," said Donna Brown-Martin, director of the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation. "This essay contest was a small way to honor the giants who came before us – like Rosa Parks – and invest in the next generation of leaders who will guide our community as we move forward on the path to achieve racial equity."

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Parks was arrested on Dec. 1, 1955, after refusing to give up her seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama. Her small act of civil disobedience led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling that outlawed segregation on public transportation.

Every year, on Dec. 1 -- recognized nationally as Rosa Parks Day -- MCTS honors Parks by reserving a seat on board all buses in its fleet.