Mother Daughter Duo Rule their Schools with Support from the Hampton Roads Community Foundation

Stephanie Davis and McKaya Robinson call each other a lot about school.

They both got lost on campus on their first day of college. They compare notes on classes and discuss professors’ teaching styles.

Davis is a student at Old Dominion University; Robinson attends James Madison University. Both women have received scholarships through the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. But that’s not where their relationship ends.

Davis and Robinson are mother and daughter.

“It’s funny,” Davis said, “I used to give myself a hard time about it. I waited too long. I’m too old. It wasn’t in the books for me to go to school when she was younger.”

Now, she said, that delay has allowed her to share a unique and incredible experience with her daughter.

“All those jitters and questions and concerns – I can relate to her so much better, because I am going through the same thing.”

Robinson said during her senior year at Manor High School in Portsmouth, her mother nagged her every day about applying for scholarships.

“I knew she was stressed about putting us both through school,” Robinson said.

“I was scared to death,” Davis said. “How am I going to afford to put myself and her through college?”

Robinson’s school counselor recommended that she apply for the Foundation’s scholarships. And her mom asked: “Can I apply for any of these?”

As it turned out, Davis could. Robinson’s school counselor encouraged Davis to apply for a scholarship with no age limit. She became a recipient of the Joseph E. and Bertha White Harry Scholarship, for students attending Old Dominion University or Virginia Wesleyan University, “who would not otherwise be able to afford the cost thereof.”

Robinson received the Jesse T. Bonney Scholarship, for scholarships for “needy girls and young women” from ages 5 to 25. The funding for the scholarship came from the assets of the Bonney Home for Girls.

At ODU, Davis is pursuing a degree in human services and plans to continue her studies toward a master’s degree in counseling. Robinson is studying for a degree in social work.

“I know that’s something I can make an impact with,” Robinson said.

Now, both mother and daughter have completed their first respective semesters with straight As.

“We high-fived. Look at us go!” Davis said.