The Dunbar Alumni Association recently announced its 2026 scholarship recipients, all of whom are graduates of Livingston High School.
The Dunbar Alumni Association is a 501(c)3 organization whose purpose is to uphold and preserve the spirit and tradition of the Dunbar School, and to give scholarships each year to deserving graduates of the Dunbar School Community, including the Goodrich, Leggett and Onalaska Independent School Districts. Each year, four $1,000 scholarships are available, as well as two $500 trade school scholarships. This year, there were 16 scholarship applications submitted for consideration. The following students are the four applicants who were selected for the $1,000 scholarships: Ziekus Garner, MacKenzie Gardner, Zy’Mariyah Harrell and Rhianna Harrell.
Ziekus Garner is the son of Roy Garner and Tashara Bogany. He is graduating ranked 81 of a class of 223 students with a 3.78 GPA. Ziekus plans to attend Prairie View A&M University. His future plan is to become a cybersecurity analyst, specializing in threat intelligence. Ziekus said a post-graduate education is essential to him because it provides the research-based expertise needed to stay ahead of global adversaries. In the future, Ziekus plans to involve himself in the field by contributing to open-source security framework and mentoring undergraduate students in ethical hacking. He said this degree will serve as the catalyst for his career, ensuring he can effectively safeguard the data privacy rights of citizens in an interconnected world. Ziekus’ family member who attended Dunbar was Myra Green, his grandmother.
MacKenzie Gardner is the daughter of Lenneth and Vanisha Gardner. She is graduating ranked 101 of a class of 223 with a GPA of 3.47. MacKenzie plans to attend either Texas State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, or Tarleton State University. MacKenzie plans to further her education to become a doctor of veterinary medicine. Currently, MacKenzie goes to the vet clinic to get hours and study under the doctors in Livingston. MacKenzie’s family member who attended Dunbar is her grandmother, Lois Lyons Morris.
Zy’Mariyah Harrell is the daughter of Andrey Harrell. She is graduating ranked 51 in a class of 223 students. Zy’Mariyah plans to attend the University of Texas at Tyler to pursue a degree in the field of nursing. She said continuing her education is important to her because it will help her gain skills and knowledge needed to provide quality care to patients in today’s healthcare system. She said earning this degree will also give her the financial stability to help support her mother and siblings. In the future, Zy’Mariyah hopes to work in underprivileged communities and learn how other people work in different work environments so she can make a positive impact and contribute to the growth of healthcare. Zy’Mariyah’s family member who attended Dunbar is James Washington, her grandfather.
Rhianna Hope is the daughter of Pamela Bogany. Rhianna is graduating ranked 139 in a class of 223. Rhianna plans to attend Lamar University to pursue a degree in nursing. Rhianna said she has always been a curious and eager learner and thrives on pursuing a higher education. She said she sees college as a place where she can continue to grow intellectually, expand her horizons, and explore new ideas and perspectives. Her family members who attended Dunbar are Joyce Mildred Parker and Bonnie Jean Parker.
