Alana Mangwenya
2026 Scholarship Awardee

The Eta Mu Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Black Jack, Missouri, proudly announces Alana Zori Mangwenya as the 2026 recipient of its $2,000 academic scholarship.

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Alana is a 2026 graduate of Affton High School in St. Louis County, Missouri. This fall, she will begin her studies at North Carolina A&T State University, pursuing a major in Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics.

Alana was chosen for the award based on her academic excellence, demonstrated financial need, resilience, and commitment to community service. During high school, she maintained an outstanding academic record while completing numerous Advanced Placement courses and more than 110 hours of community service, including volunteering with senior citizens and tutoring elementary school students.

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Her letter of recommendation, written by Dan Ludwig, Social and Emotional Interventionist with the Affton School District, described Alana as a driven, intelligent, passionate, and curious student. Having served as her teacher, counselor, and mentor for four years, Ludwig praised her determination and potential, stating, “Alana has maturity, grit, intelligence, and personality, and she uses her strengths to achieve success. I have no doubt that, if given the opportunity, she will excel in whatever STEM field she chooses to pursue.”

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Alana’s passion for mathematics stems from her love of solving problems and understanding how things work. She plans to pursue a career in data analysis, statistics, or actuarial science, with the long-term goal of earning a doctorate. Through her education and future career, she hopes to make a meaningful impact while inspiring more young people, especially young Black girls, to pursue opportunities in STEM.

The Eta Mu Sigma Alumnae Chapter recognizes Alana’s achievements as a strong foundation for her future. With her perseverance, commitment to service, and passion for mathematics, she is expected to excel in her studies and continue making a meaningful difference in her community and beyond.

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Congratulations, Alana!