Nationwide — The Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship continues to recognize young leaders whose perseverance and commitment to service create meaningful impact in their communities. One of its earliest recipients, Mikyah Tabb, is now giving back to the same Richmond school system that helped shape her journey.
Raised on the south side of Richmond, Virginia, Tabb attended Richmond Public Schools before earning admission to Spelman College, the nation’s leading historically Black college and university (HBCU) for women. Today, she serves as a fifth-grade exceptional education teacher within Richmond Public Schools, helping students overcome academic challenges while serving as a visible example of educational achievement and community leadership.
Tabb describes herself as a first-generation college graduate on her father’s side and a second-generation graduate on her mother’s side. Although education was deeply valued within her family, navigating the scholarship process and preparing financially for college was unfamiliar territory.
Recognizing early on that scholarships would be essential to attending college, Tabb applied for numerous opportunities despite facing repeated rejection. Her persistence paid off when she became one of the first recipients of the Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship.
“For me, the scholarship represented more than financial support,” said Tabb. “After so many unsuccessful applications, it was encouraging to know someone believed in my potential and recognized the effort I had been putting in.”
The scholarship helped cover textbook expenses during her freshman year at Spelman College, where she found both academic opportunity and cultural affirmation within the HBCU experience. The award also provided reassurance during a major transition period as she adjusted to college life and its financial demands.
While attending Spelman, Tabb expanded her passion for education, mentorship, and service. After graduating, she made the intentional decision to return home to Richmond rather than pursue opportunities elsewhere, choosing instead to invest directly in the same community that invested in her.
Working in exceptional education requires patience, adaptability, and individualized support for students with diverse learning needs. Tabb says her own journey allows her to connect with students and families in authentic ways, especially those who may not yet see college or professional success as attainable.
“Attending Spelman gave me a sense of pride and a vision that was bigger than myself,” Tabb shared. “The Grit Award didn’t just buy my books — it was a message that I belonged in those halls. Now, being back in the same Richmond classrooms where I once sat, I realize I’m not just a teacher; I’m a living reminder to my students that they don’t have to leave their community to find success — they can be the success their community needs.”
From scholarship applicant to Spelman graduate and educator, Tabb’s story reflects the transformative power of HBCUs, mentorship, and investing in local talent.
Applications for the Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship are now open. To learn more about the scholarship and apply, visit Luv’s Brownies Scholarship Blog.
About
Luv’s Brownies is the home of the Original Heart-Shaped Brownie® and an award-winning Bay Area favorite since 1996. Founded by entrepreneur, author, and dyslexia advocate Andrea Lacy, the company is known for its signature brownie desserts, food truck experiences, and nationwide shipping. After developing her award-winning brownie recipe by accident and later being diagnosed with dyslexia, Lacy created the Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship to help students overcome adversity and pursue higher education opportunities. Luv’s Brownies recently celebrated 30 years of creative sweetness in an interview with KRON4 Live in the Bay. Luv’s Brownies is also a two-time recipient of the “People’s Choice Best Sweet” award at the International Hospitality Convention and has been featured on Good Morning America, Essence, and the cover of Black Enterprise magazine.
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