The four scholarship recipients were recognized at an October gala for their academic achievement and distinguished record of leadership in law school.
Four accomplished Elon Law students who hold various leadership roles at the school were honored this fall with scholarships from the Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers
Kia Barrett, Ciara Moore, Jaz Sarriera and Chris Tarpley were recognized in October at the association’s fourth annual Scholarship and Recognition Gala attended by some of the region’s top African-American judges and attorneys, as well as Elon Law faculty and staff. Each student received a $1,000 scholarship.
“I want to extend my congratulations to each of the 2019 Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers scholarship recipients,” said the Hon. Marcus Shields, a North Carolina District Court judge and president of the association. “I am pleased to know that the future of our noble profession is bright. Each of the students exemplify excellence and are well on their way to greatness.”
Kia Barrett L’20
Incoming President of the Student Bar Association | Academic Fellow | Moot Court Board | Black Law Students Association Academic Chair
Undergraduate Alma Mater: The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Major: Psychology
On the award: “I am honored to have received a scholarship from the Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers. As a first-generation law student, I have relied on organizations like the GCABL to connect with the legal community. This scholarship award is in addition to the mentorship and support I have received from the leaders in the organization who have been dedicated to my development as a legal professional. I am thankful to be acknowledged for my accomplishments as a student, and I look forward to continuing the impact of the GCABL in the future.”
Ciara Moore L’19
Vice President of the Elon Law Intellectual Property Society | Elon Law/North Carolina A&T Mentoring Program | Black Law Students Association
Undergraduate Alma Mater: North Carolina A&T State University
Major: Political Science
On the award: “I am blessed and grateful to be a recipient of the scholarship award from the Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers. This recognition is significant to me because it comes from a group of prominent legal professionals who are making a tremendous impact in the community. I thank the GCABL for selecting me and I look forward to furthering their mission when I become a lawyer.”
Jaz Sarriera L’20
Honor Council Solicitor | Co-Leader of the Tax Clinic | Women’s Law Association | Military Law Society | Hispanic and Latinx Student Association
Undergraduate Alma Mater: Fort Hays State University
Major: Sociology
On the award: “It is an honor and a true privilege to have been selected as one of this year’s scholarship recipients. It was an amazing experience getting to receive our awards in front of a room of so many distinguished individuals. Thank you to the Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers for their continued support of Elon Law and minority students in this profession.”
Chris Tarpley ’17 L’19
NC Bar Association Student Representative | Business Fellow | Moot Court Board | Black Law Student Association
Undergraduate Alma Mater: Elon University
Major: Music Production & Recording Arts
On the award: “I am genuinely thankful for the altruistic nature of the Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers. GCABL and its members have continuously poured into me through their mentorship, their wisdom, and their guidance through the legal profession. I am grateful to have received this great honor and hope to be able to continue to give back to this great organization as I begin my legal career.”
The Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers was formed to educate its membership regarding issues in the legal profession; promote fellowship and cooperation among its members; provide a forum for the discussion and advancement of ideas through which the organization may promote the general welfare of the black community; uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession; and promote and defend the general welfare of black lawyers in Greensboro and surrounding communities.
Elon Law was a co-sponsor of the organization’s 2019 gala.