Media Fellowship House welcomed members, supporters, community partners, and friends to our Annual Meeting on May 15 to celebrate another year of service and impact. The meeting provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding community partners, honor exceptional student scholarship recipients, elect new officers to help guide the organization into the future, and hear inspiring stories from participants whose lives have been changed through MFH programs.
Members elected the following officers to the Media Fellowship House Board of Directors:
- Cynthia Ann Jetter, Vice President
- John Dutton, Treasurer
- Akilah Evans-Pigford, Secretary
Guests also heard firsthand from two recent participants in our First-Time Homebuyer Program, who shared their journeys to purchasing their first homes within the past year. Their stories highlighted the knowledge, confidence, and support they gained through the program as they achieved the dream of homeownership. Attendees also viewed a special video update from one of our IDA Savings Match for Education participants, who shared how the program is helping them pursue their educational goals and build a brighter future.
These personal stories served as a powerful reminder that the work of Media Fellowship House is measured not only in programs offered, but in lives changed. We congratulate our newly elected officers and thank all of our participants for sharing their experiences and inspiring us with what is possible.
Honoring Outstanding Community Partners
During the meeting, Media Fellowship House proudly recognized three exceptional organizations whose dedication to service, partnership, and community reflects the values that have guided our mission for more than 80 years.
The Dorothy James Community Service Award was presented to Delaware County Family Village in recognition of more than four decades of supporting children and families throughout Delaware County. Accepting the award were Joanne Craig, Chief Impact Officer, and Katie Kenyon, Vice President for Programs. Through home visiting, WIC-based services, parenting education, resource connections, and bilingual support, Family Village has helped thousands of families build healthy, strong futures while promoting dignity, opportunity, and equity for all.
The Marie Whitaker Humanitarian Award was presented to Campbell AME Church of Media in honor of its nearly 200 years of faithful service to the Media community. Founded in 1827 by formerly enslaved individuals, the church has long been a cornerstone of faith, civic leadership, and advocacy for justice and equality. Although representatives were unable to attend the meeting, we were honored to recognize their enduring legacy and commitment to serving our community.
The Spirit of Friendship Award was presented to the Media Historic Archives Commission for its invaluable partnership on the Media Fellowship House 80th Anniversary Archives Project. Over the past two years, the Commission has helped preserve and digitize decades of our organization’s history, ensuring these important records will be accessible for future generations. We extend our special appreciation to Commission member Jay Smith, whose leadership and mentorship of student volunteers has inspired a new generation of community historians. Jack Lemon accepted the award on behalf of the Commission.
Recognizing Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients
One of the highlights of the Annual Meeting was recognizing the remarkable students who received Media Fellowship House scholarships in support of their educational goals. Through our Annual Essay Scholarship Program, these awards celebrate academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities.
The Marie Whitaker Scholarships for Juniors, which provide $500 to support post-secondary application fees, were awarded to Tisya Desai of The Baldwin School, Marrah Lonnquist of Sun Valley High School, and Craig Vaughn of Cardinal O’Hara High School.
The Dorothy James Scholarships for Seniors, providing $1,000 toward post-secondary education, were presented to Camara Burgess of Archbishop John Carroll High School, who will attend Howard University; Cara Pan of Penncrest High School, who will attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); and Ja-Neen Slaughter of Chester Charter Scholars Academy, who will attend Cheyney University.
Special Recognition for Outstanding Leadership, accompanied by $1,000 scholarships, was awarded to Ted Dudley of Strath Haven High School, who will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Nate Langel of Garnet Valley High School, who will attend Pennsylvania State University.
The Claire McGeehan Leadership Award, a scholarship of $2,000 per year for up to four years recognizing exceptional leadership and resilience in overcoming adversity, was presented to Arianna McKenzie of Penncrest High School, who will attend Temple University.
We were also delighted to welcome back two previous Claire McGeehan Leadership Scholars who shared updates on their educational journeys. Jessica Dorsey, our 2025 recipient, is continuing her studies at Harcum College, while Francesca Clark, our 2024 recipient, is entering her third year at the University of South Carolina.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients, scholarship recipients, and newly elected Board officers. Together, they represent the leadership, service, and commitment to opportunity that have defined Media Fellowship House for more than 80 years. We wish our students every success as they continue their educational journeys and thank our community partners and volunteers for helping strengthen our mission every day.