Dunbar grad wins prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship
Paul Laurence Dunbar graduate Simeon Akins is the 20th to get the scholarship in the district's history.
After years of excellent grades, playing the clarinet in the band, pioneering in the National Honor Society, and what he says were four intricate essays, Simeon is going to Belmont University for free, thanks to the Bill Gates and Melinda Gates Foundation.
'It's supposed to cover everything, including the books, my freaking room and board, the actual pay of the school, even the food,' said Simeon. 'I already say that? Yeah.'
The Gates Millennium Scholarship is a highly selective and prestigious scholarship that is need-, merit- and academic-based.
It's familiar in the Dayton Public Schools district.
'The fact that we have 20 of them, you can start to call DPS 'the home of the Gates scholars,'' said DPS Superintendent Dr. David Lawrence.
Lawrence said Simeon adds to the district's legacy of excellence.
'We again produce scholars, they win lots of scholarships and lots of awards,' said Lawrence. 'And I think: Don't always believe what you hear, but believe what you see.
'And I'm so proud of Simeon.'
Simeon said one of his favorite counselors at Dunbar told him about the scholarship, and one of his teachers took him on the college tour in Nashville.
He said he is grateful for the support from his family and the district, and now he is pushing that message forward.
'It shows that they actually believe you're well capable of learning things,' he said. 'I guess like challenging yourself is the only way to iron things into yourself.'
Simeon said he plans to study Audio Engineering and possibly minor in Art at Belmont. With the hopes to repair a local DJ's equipment who he says really enjoy his music.
'They were impressed with my music,' said Simeon. 'And they were like, Ooh, the kid has got the beats.'
After graduating from Dunbar as valedictorian last week, Simeon plans to travel the country this summer with his mom before heading to Nashville in the fall.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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