USA Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center presents Watson Henderson Higher Achievement Awards
Since 2022, the Watson Henderson Higher Achievement Award has provided educational support to inspiring young adults who exemplify perseverance, academic excellence, and a commitment to self-advocacy in managing their health and education.
By Michelle Ryan-Day
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The Johnson Haynes, Jr., M.D., Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center (CSCC) recently honored the 2024 and 2025 recipients of the Watson Henderson Higher Achievement Award at a ceremony recognizing young individuals living with sickle cell disease who are pursuing higher education.
Mylaija Shavers, a member of the Class of 2024 at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, and two members of the Class of 2025 — Asia Toney from Blount High School, and Sonara Dubose from Choctaw County High School — were recognized for their academic accomplishments and active participation in the Pediatric to Adult Care Transition Program (PACT). Each recipient received a monetary award between $500 and $1,000 to support their next steps toward vocational training or college enrollment.
Now in its third year, the award was established in 2022 by Sylvester Mabien and Ardie Pack-Mabien, Ph.D., in honor of Pack-Mabien’s grandparents, Mattie Watson and Henry Henderson. The award is presented annually to adolescents and young adults who have graduated from high school, submitted proof of acceptance into a higher education program, and demonstrated consistent engagement in their healthcare transition journey.
Families, faculty and staff of the CSCC and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Sickle Cell Clinic, and members of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Mobile Chapter attended the ceremony.
Since its inception, the award has provided more than $4,000 in educational support to seven inspiring young adults who exemplify perseverance, academic excellence, and a commitment to self-advocacy in managing their health and education.
To learn more about the Watson Henderson Higher Achievement Award and how to apply, contact T’Shemika Perryman, RN, at (251) 470-5875 to schedule an in-person or virtual visit at the USA Johnson Haynes, Jr., M.D., CSCC Learning Resource and Development Center, located at 2451 University Hospital Drive, Moore Clinical Science Building, Suite 1530, Mobile, Alabama 36617.
