SCHOLARSHIPS

The Robert M. Holmes Memorial Scholarship awarded by the Crescent Educational Foundation of Detroit was established in 2020 to honor the life of Robert M. Holmes and continue his legacy of excellence, generosity, and service.

Robert Marcellus Holmes was born April 5, 1997 in Detroit, Michigan. He accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Central C.M.E. Church in Detroit, joining both the youth choir and usher board. During his younger years, he was also involved in Boy Scouts and participated in local sports such as baseball and soccer.

As he grew older, his love and passion for people, organizations, and leadership grew as well. At his high school, he was the President of the Class of 2015, the Archive Secretary for National Honor Society, President of Student Congress, and Lead of the Audio-Visual Production Crew. Additionally, he was an active member of Scholars Plus, Symphonic Band, and his beloved wheelchair basketball teams, the Thunderbirds and Challengers.

After graduating from Southfield-Lathrup High School and stunning the world by walking across the stage to receive his diploma without his cane, he continued his educational journey at Eastern Michigan University, with a major in Social Work and a minor in Non-Profit Administration. While at Eastern, he was involved in the Students for Disability Rights as President, Housing and Resident Life as a Resident Advisor, the NAACP as Vice President 1, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. as Chapter President. As a result of his extensive involvement, he was nicknamed “President Rob” by his peers.

Robert was a positive soul who knew how to brighten up a room and leave a lasting impression. Every person he met was a new friend in the making. He was always willing to help others in any way he could, whether it was a ride home, a supportive hug, or a 4-hour phone conversation. Although he had many setbacks in his life, he made them his own, not letting the world define him. His smile, his laugh, and his spirit will forever be remembered by the many lives he touched.

Robert loved God, his family, and especially his friends. This scholarship was created to enable students like Robert, who are positive forces in their communities, to continue their education beyond high school.