The mere imparting of information is not education. Above all things, the effort must result in making a man think and do for himself.
- Carter G. Woodson (Grand 1917)
Available Scholarships
John O. Belle Memorial Scholarship
The John O. Bell Memorial Scholarship is open to high school graduates of high schools in TRAVIS COUNTY, who intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university.
The due date is June 30, 2025, and the application must be mailed to the Epsilon Iota post office box. Please note that a sealed official transcript is required.
John Belle had a very distinguished and rewarding career as an educator. He served as principal of Sims Elementary School, Area I Director of Elementary Schools, and Director of Student Teacher placements. After working for 34 wonderful years, he retired from the Austin Independent School District in 1983.
It was always important to John to be able to have a positive impact on the lives of his many friends and the citizens of Austin. He contributed time and service to various organizations through active membership and involvement. He was a member Emeritus of Phi Delta Kappa, University of Texas Chapter; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, where he held many offices and was honored as "Citizen of the Year" by the local chapter and the district, which includes Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. He was a lifetime member of the Urban League and a member of the NAACP. He served in a distinguished manner on many boards and commissions including, The American Heart Association, the Austin Symphony Society, Austin and Texas Retired Teachers' Associations, AARP Chapter 108, the National PTA Committee working with violence on television and its effects on children, and the Committee of the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Health Partnership 2000 and the Board of Services for the Elderly.
Epsilon Iota Foundation Scholarship Recipients
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![Kyeri Hickman]()
2025 Talent Hunt Winner
Congratulations to 9th grader Kyeri Hickman of McCallum High School for securing the coveted first place with her outstanding dance performance! The winner received a $1,000 scholarship. We commend her for her remarkable talent and dedication to the arts.
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![Soliel Patterson]()
2024 Talent Hunt Winner
Congratulations to senior Soliel Patterson of Weis High School for securing the coveted first place with her gracious solo performance! As the winner, Soliel received a $500 scholarship towards her schooling at the University of Texas at Austin! We commend her for her remarkable talent and dedication to the arts.
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![Elijah Jones]()
2023 Talent Hunt Winner
Congratulations to senior Elijah Jones of Texas Empowerment Academy for securing the coveted first place with his lead guitar performance! As the winner, Elijah received a $1,000 scholarship! We commend him for his impeccable talent and dedication to the arts.
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![A young man wearing a black suit and light blue shirt standing outdoors with a blurred background of a building and trees, smiling at the camera.]()
2024 International Essay Contest Winner
Congratulations to Ian Rowan, winner of the 2024 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, International High School Essay Contest! We are thrilled to honor his exceptional essay, “Under the Influence,” selected by the Epsilon Iota Chapter of Austin, Texas. His thoughtful exploration of social media’s impact on mental health reveals remarkable insight and maturity.
As Ian prepares to begin his studies at the University of Oklahoma this fall, we know he will carry forward the Cardinal Principles of our fraternity. His capacity to spark important conversations shows that he is already making an impact.
Join us in celebrating Ian’s accomplishment—and in wishing him continued growth and success in college and beyond. Bravo, Ian, and welcome to the legacy of excellence you so clearly embody!
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![A female volleyball player wearing a blue jersey with the number 12, holding a volleyball on her shoulder, smiling at the camera.]()
2023 International Essay Contest
We are proud to honor Morgan Warren, winner of the 2023 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity International High School Essay Contest, sponsored by the Epsilon Iota Chapter in Austin, Texas. Her powerful essay, “The Power of One Vote,” stood out for its clarity, conviction, and inspiring call to civic action.
Morgan, a standout from Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville, Texas, passionately argued that every vote matters—and that young Americans, especially Generation Z, hold the key to shaping our collective future.
Now, as Morgan embarks on her studies at Hampton University this fall, we anticipate her promising academic and civic journey ahead.
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![2025 Sports Sponsorship - Barcelona, Spain]()
2025 Sports Travel Sponsorship
The Epsilon Iota Foundation proudly supported 12-year-old Jeremiah Anglin of Lonestar Soccer Club, recently promoted to the ECNL, in his journey to the International Carnaval Cup 2025 in Barcelona. Jeremiah competed against top youth teams like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Arsenal’s elite academies.
Off the field, Jeremiah holds a 90‑average, leads his school’s honor society, volunteers with Epsilon Iota and the 100 Black Men of America in Austin. We’re honored to have contributed to his travel and competition expenses. He proudly represented our chapter and embodied our Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.
