The Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarships are awarded to master’s degree candidates in social work who demonstrate an interest in or have experience with health/mental health practice and have a commitment to working in African American communities. The 2025-2026 recipients are:
Deyhana Greene, Case Western Reserve University
Greene is from Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from John Carroll University with a BS in psychology, where she began her journey in health care. Having personally experienced mental health challenges, Greene developed a deep-rooted passion for mental health early on. Working in health care helped her discover a drive for advocacy, and she found the perfect intersection of both passions as a mental health case manager. This role introduced her to social work and all of the possibilities it holds, leading her to pursue an MSW at Case Western Reserve University. Greene currently is specializing in mental health with adults and earning a trauma-informed practice certificate. As a first-generation student from a low-income background, Greene understands the importance of equity, access and systemic representation within the African American community.
Malik Henry, Touro University
Henry is a first-year MSW student with a deep commitment to advocating for youth impacted by trauma, mental health challenges, and systemic inequality. A first-generation graduate student and lifelong New Yorker, Henry has nearly a decade of experience as a paraprofessional in the NYC Department of Education, where he supported students with disabilities and emotional needs. Henry’s work is grounded in a passion for social justice, equity in education, and holistic mental health care. He aims to become an LCSW and work at the intersection of education and the justice system to ensure marginalized youth and families receive the support they deserve. Henry is interested in trauma-informed practices, culturally responsive care, and community-based intervention. Outside the classroom, he remains actively involved in initiatives supporting children’s mental health, re-entry support, and school-based social services.
Kathryn McGrady, University of South Carolina
McGrady was born and raised in South Carolina. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, cum laude, from Clemson University and her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. She worked as a public defender for 6 and a half years across multiple counties, representing both adults and youth. Now pursuing an MSW at USC, McGrady has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is completing a certificate in drug and addiction studies. She works on campus supporting graduate students through the Student Success Center and holds a position at the South Carolina Attorney General’s office in the Internet Crimes Against Children division. After graduation, McGrady plans to work with justice-involved youth, ensuring access to trauma-informed mental health care. Deeply aware of the disproportionate impact of the juvenile justice system on Black and Brown youth, she is committed to providing culturally competent care and confronting systemic bias in all forms.
Ebony Washington, Columbia University
Washington is a third-year MSW student at Columbia University School of Social Work, concentrating in clinical practice. She has more than a decade of experience in program management, strategic partnerships, and workforce development, with a focus on empowering justice-involved and underserved youth. A Bronx native, she is committed to advancing social justice and mental health support within African American communities through innovative workforce solutions and community engagement. She was a workforce development coordinator at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services Division of Youth and Family Justice, and has led the creation of innovative vocational training programs tailored to detained youth. Washington has an MPA from CUNY Baruch College and a BA in communications from Hofstra University. She is a two-time recipient of the NYC Administration for Children's Services Distinguished Service Award (2022, 2024).