The North Regional Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) held its annual banquet recently in Shreveport. This year the Association distributed various awards including Social Worker of the Year, three Humanitarian Awards and three Social Work student scholarship awards. The Scholarships were awarded to students form both the bachelors and graduate level from schools of the northern region of Louisiana. Out of the three social work scholarships awarded, Grambling State University student, Fiona Francis, a junior from Dominica was the recipient.
She was nominated and selected on the basis of her academic success, personal characteristics and the contributions she has made to her field in volunteering at various non-profit organizations.
“I have always been passionate about my profession and to receive this recognition and scholarship gives me much more motivation to continue being passionate. The award will allow me to strive to be a better influential social worker, one who can assist individuals and make the lives of the less fortunate better,” said Francis.
She was also noted for demonstrating active participation and contribution to communities in and around the state of Louisiana. Francis is the third student from GSU who has been granted this coveted award in a 12 year period.
“Grambling State University as well as the School of Social Work was well represented,” said Dr. Grace Tatum, GSU NABSW advisor.
The NABSW seeks to provide and structure a forum through which African Americans, social workers, related fields of social service and others can exchange ideas, offer services and develop programs in the interest of the Black community at large.