The Sr. Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation is proud to announce that Cadence Major, a graduate of Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, has been selected as a recipient of its prestigious scholarship. Major will attend DePaul University in Chicago this fall, where she will pursue a dual major in nursing and biology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a nurse practitioner or pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

Throughout her four years at Cristo Rey Atlanta, Major embraced opportunities to lead, serve, and grow. She was active in several clubs, service initiatives, internships, and work experiences. From the classroom to the community and even the hospital, Major exemplifies excellence, faith, and purpose.

“I am honored to receive this scholarship,” Major shared. “Sister Thea Bowman taught us that we don’t need America to define us as valid or worthy. Stump or disrespect us, they may, but we will still rise and succeed, breaking each and every barrier that comes our way. She reminds us to bring our whole selves, our culture, our faith, our experience, into the Church and into the world.”

“Cadence is an outstanding example of the type of student we seek to support through the Sr. Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation,” said Joe Barker II, executive director of the Foundation. “Her dedication to his education, community, and the values of Sister Thea Bowman will no doubt guide her as she pursues her career in healthcare. The Foundation is proud to support Cadence as she embarks on this next chapter of her educational journey. Her future is bright, and the Foundation is honored to be part, and support, her story.”

At Cristo Rey, Major was a student ambassador, Beta Club vice president, Anime Club president, and cross-country team manager, roles in which she led tours, organized events, and represented her school with grace and professionalism. Through the Beta Club, she helped lead efforts to assemble Thanksgiving baskets, support mothers in need, and organize Christmas drives for families. She also participated in HOPE (Hispanic Organization Promoting Education), the Finance Club, the Sewing Club, and the Medi Club, which sparked her interest in a future healthcare career. In athletics, Major competed on the cross-country team, competing in state meets and developing resilience, teamwork, and confidence.

Major’s service extends well beyond her school walls. She volunteered with the Atlanta Food Bank, Fulton County Library, Metro Atlanta Urban Farm, and Red Cross. At an urban farm, she cleaned chicken coops and learned about sustainable agriculture and beekeeping. At a library, she mentored homeschooled children and led educational events. Her compassion and commitment to the community reflect Sister Thea Bowman’s call to lift others and lead with love.

Through Cristo Rey’s unique work-study program, Major gained real-world experience at an animal hospital as a kennel technician, and through internships at Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital, Flock Safety, Healthcare IT Leaders, Northside Hospital, and Accenture. These roles provided her with hands-on experience in patient care, project management, corporate teamwork, and healthcare administration.

Major embodies that vision. Through her intellect, service, and leadership, she stands ready to carry Sister Thea Bowman’s legacy forward—bringing healing, justice, and joy to all she encounters.