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Kenya King
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Perimeter College
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DECATUR, Ga. - The Onyeokoro family of DeKalb County has been touched more than once by the State Farm Scholars Program at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College.
The scholarship program helped Paris Onyeokoro and her younger brother, Diamond, navigate through important milestones of their college education and provided them advice and experiences that continue to have value. Both Paris and Diamond are Perimeter College graduates and State Farm Scholars. Paris also has earned her bachelor’s degree from GSU.
This is the first time more than one student from the same family has been named a State Farm Scholar, explained Rashida LeBeaux, assistant director for Student Success, First-Year & Transition Programs. Paris and Diamond, both born in the United States to Nigerian parents who emigrated to the United States in early 2000, said they are grateful for all they received as part of the LIFT (Learning, Income and Family Transformation) program, backed by State Farm. The program provides need-based scholarships of up to $4,000 each year for books, fees and other college-related expenses. It also features leadership training and opportunities for professional development.
Paris learned about the State Farm Scholars program when she was an Arabia Mountain High School student and was accepted into the program in the summer of 2021. As Paris immersed herself in her studies, she discovered the scholars program provided more than classroom support.
“We even got to take field trips, such as one to State Farm Arena to see the Atlanta Hawks play,” she said, recounting the excitement when her State Farm Scholars group saw themselves on the giant video board during the game. “It was an experience I’ll long remember.”
When Paris graduated from Perimeter and transitioned to GSU’s Atlanta Campus for her next two years, State Farm extended its impact by providing her a State Farm Transition Scholarship. Paris graduated this month with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Paris’ brother, Diamond, earned his associate degree from Perimeter this month, one of five State Farm Scholars to graduate in Spring 2025. Like his sister, he wants to become a nurse and is transferring to Georgia State’s Atlanta Campus in the fall to complete his bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“My (State Farm) advisors worked with me to prioritize my time,” Diamond said, “and they gave me the best advice possible: enjoy college life, but pace yourself, and don’t get too carried away.”
State Farm launched the Scholars Program in 2017. Since then, the program has provided up to 40 State Farm scholarships annually to students, primarily from DeKalb County high schools. After scholars earn an associate degree, they are eligible to apply, as Paris and Diamond did, for a State Farm Transition Scholarship to support their continued studies at Georgia State.
“I’m so grateful for the help and support I’ve received from my State Farm advisors,” Paris said. “They helped me choose my classes and supported my efforts to get more involved in campus activities.”
Paris and Diamond supported each other on their journey to academic success, said LeBeaux.
“I remember the day Paris walked Diamond into my office to inquire about obtaining the State Farm scholarship as a soon-to-be high school graduate,” LeBeaux said. “Watching Paris earn her bachelor's degree at her graduation ceremony and Diamond transition from Perimeter campus with an associate degree was moving. Even during challenging times, they relied on each other and the First Year and transition team for support. It was exciting to see their academic efforts at GSU LIFT become a family tradition.”
The siblings give much of the credit to those who believed in and supported them.
“Our advisors have become like family to us,” Paris said. “Thanks to them, we’re both ready to tackle the next steps in our careers with the confidence and knowledge we’re well prepared.”
The State Farm Scholars program was introduced at Perimeter College in 2017. Each year, Georgia State University aims to award up to 40 State Farm scholarships, primarily targeting students from DeKalb County high schools.
State Farm Scholars receive a need-based scholarship package of up to $4,000 each year, which covers their tuition and fees as full-time students. Additionally, they receive leadership training throughout the year, including opportunities for professional development and workshops on money management, résumé writing, job interviews and more. They also get valuable job experience by mentoring local high school students or working to support student success at Perimeter College. State Farm Scholars benefit from personalized support, guidance and academic advisement.
Once students graduate from Perimeter College with their associate degree, they can apply for the State Farm Transition Scholarship for their two years at Georgia State University’s downtown Atlanta Campus, where they will earn their bachelor’s degree.
— Story by Barbara Obrentz