GK Scholarships: LaMarr A. Smith

Golden Key is delighted to introduce LaMarr A. Smith, one of Golden Key’s 2020 Outstanding Member Award winners. LaMarr attends Thomas Edison State University and is majoring in Business Administration and earning an undergraduate certificate in Organizational Leadership.

“I am proud to be a member of the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society, and I am honored to be chosen to receive the coveted 2020 Outstanding Member Award!” LaMarr says. “I am living proof that a dream deferred is not a dream denied.”

LaMarr has been dreaming of being a part of Golden Key since he was 19 years old when he first started college 20 years ago.

“Life being what it is, I left college early and began my journey into adulthood,” LaMarr shares. “I recently decided to come back to college to finish what I started. That included working toward and being accepted into the prestigious international honour society that is Golden Key. I was truly honored to be accepted into Golden Key. It is quite an honor to be selected by my honour society with a scholarship. I shed tears of joy. Life truly does come full circle.”

LaMarr is exceptionally dedicated to his studies and has received numerous accolades throughout his educational endeavors.

“In 2018, I received a $1,000 scholarship award from the American Council on Education and was recognized as Student of the Year,” LaMarr explains. “I am also a recipient of the Sister’s Making a Difference: 71st Anniversary and Scholarship Ball scholarship, which was awarded to me by the Paramount Chapter No. 57 Order of the Eastern Star.”

Not only is LaMarr dedicated to his studies, but also an active member of his community.

“In 2018, I was recognized for my extensive community service by the Utopian Euphoria organization, where I was an honoree at the 8th Annual Men of Integrity of Awards,” LaMarr states. “I am a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and I am a member of BN360, which is Buffalo, New York’s premier young professionals’ networking group, sponsored by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, which is my region’s largest and most influential chamber of commerce.”

LaMarr cares deeply about others and strives to always do his best for them.

“I recently donated 1,000 face masks to the We Are Women Warrior’s organization that was distributed to residents throughout the city of Buffalo,” LaMarr expresses. “I wanted to do my part to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

LaMarr appreciates the opportunities he has had and gives thanks to Golden Key for its support.

“Thank you for acknowledging my community service and academic achievements,” LaMarr mentions. “I am a living testimony that as a nontraditional student and adult learner that hard work pays off, and perseverance and resilience are the keys to success. I will cherish this scholarship, and it will motivate me to continue to reach even higher academic achievements!”

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, LaMarr; we wish you the best of luck with your Bachelor’s!