The Power of Perseverance: MJ McColl Receives the Traeshawn Weaver Scholarship

Many in our community remember Traeshawn Weaver, the remarkable young man from the UP™ Program who lived with Jeff and Chris Newton before his passing. Traeshawn was facing a terminal illness, but he never let that define him. One of the most powerful questions he asked was:

“Is there a way for me to live on after I’m gone?”

That question sparked deep conversations and led to the creation of the Traeshawn Weaver Memorial Scholarship, an award given to students in the UP™ Program who graduate high school and pursue further education. It was Traeshawn’s dream to graduate — to show that even while battling a terminal illness, he could reach the finish line. His message was clear: If I can do it, so can you.

Yesterday, MJ McColl received this scholarship — carrying forward Traeshawn’s legacy of resilience and determination.

In MJ’s own words:

“Kokomo Urban Outreach is more than just a program, it’s a lifeline. It’s about love in action. It sees potential in everyone — and tells us, ‘You matter. You can dream big.’”

MJ represents everything Traeshawn hoped this scholarship would stand for — perseverance, purpose, and the belief that community can help young people rise.

This moment is a powerful reminder of why Kokomo Urban Outreach exists: to create opportunity, affirm worth, and build brighter futures — one student at a time.

This is Traeshawn’s legacy. This is MJ’s future. This is what your support makes possible.

With gratitude,

All of us at Kokomo Urban Outreach

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Jeff Newton and Kareen Dunn hit the road to speak at Miami Correctional Facility