MCTS Awards Three High School Seniors With 2026 Rosa Parks Tribute Scholarships
Milwaukee (February 4, 2026) – Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is proud to announce the winners of its sixth annual Rosa Parks Tribute Scholarship essay contest. High school seniors across Milwaukee County were invited to submit essays inspired by Rosa Parks’ words, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.”
This year’s contest once again highlighted the powerful voices, perspectives, and leadership of Milwaukee County students. Following a review by a panel of judges, three students were selected to each receive a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their thoughtful reflections on leadership, courage, and community impact.
The 2026 Rosa Parks Tribute Scholarship recipients are listed below:
- Geordynn Nappier – Brown Deer High School
- Ariel Minakawa (Quinn) – Ronald Reagan College Preparatory School
- Jacqueline Juarez-Lucas – Riverside University High School
The recipients’ essays can be read here.
“Rosa Parks’ legacy continues to remind us that leadership begins with everyday actions and moral courage,” said MCTS President and CEO Steve Fuentes. “These students exemplify those values, and we are proud to support them as they continue their educational journeys.”
The scholarship recipients are being recognized on Wednesday, February 4, in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday and Transit Equity Day. This date celebrates the essential role public transportation plays in advancing civil rights and ensuring equitable access to opportunity for all. The date commemorates Rosa Parks’ courageous stand against racial segregation on public buses, which helped spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott and lasting change in transportation policy.
MCTS also honors Rosa Parks annually on December 1, the anniversary of her arrest, by reserving a seat on every bus in its fleet. Each reserved seat features a red rose and commemorative placard recognizing her lasting impact on civil rights and public transit equity.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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