The Cleveland Browns Foundation invited 2024 Marion Motley Scholarship recipients to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 30 to watch the Browns OTA practice, interact with the players and coaches, and take a tour of the practice fields.
Somto Amujiogu and Zuriah Radeff-Koonce each received a surprise phone call from a representative of College Now Greater Cleveland – a partner of the Foundation – in late May. On the call, the representative shared with both Amujiogu and Radeff-Koonce they were chosen as the Marion Motley Scholarship winners and would be receiving a $10,000 scholarship to continue their education from the Cleveland Browns Foundation.
The Marion Motley Scholarship honors former Browns fullback and linebacker Marion Motley, who overcame many obstacles to break ground as one of the first African American players in the NFL and played with the Browns from 1946-53.
The Canton, Ohio, native became the second African American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. He was also a charter member of the Cleveland Browns Legends program in 2001 and was enshrined in the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor's inaugural class of 2010.
The Marion Motley Scholarship was established during the 2005-06 school year andhas provided more than $380,000 to 38 students from the Cleveland area since its inception, including this year's recipients, many of whom are first-generation college attendees.
Somto Amujiogu
Amujiogu is a 2024 graduate of Villa Angelo St. Joesph High School located in Cleveland, Ohio. She will be attending Ohio State University next fall and is planning on majoring in Biology. After she graduates with her bachelor's degree, she plans to go to medical school and is hoping to make a difference in her community while being an inspiration to others.
When asked what this scholarship means to her Amujiogu said, "It's just a blessing. I'm so happy to be able to accept this opportunity and to know that my achievements mean something and that I have the potential to do great things."
Zuriah Radeff-Koonce
Radeff-Koonce is a 2024 Brookside High School graduate in Sheffield Village, Ohio. She will be attending Cleveland State University next fall and is planning on majoring in Sports Entertainment with the goal of working with athletes in the NBA or professional track and field. While at Cleveland State, she will be a member of the women's track and field team and plans to compete in the heptathlon.
When asked what this scholarship means to her Radeff-Koonce said, "I am very appreciative, especially coming from a place where college was a question, like how am I going to pay for it? But very appreciative of the committee and everything that they have given to me."
