Paulding County senior earns rare $400,000 Davidson scholarship, driven by service and community impact

A Hiram High School senior is headed to one of the most selective honors programs in the country after being named a recipient of the John M. Belk Scholarship to Davidson College.

Only eight students worldwide are selected each year for the scholarship, which covers full tuition, housing, meals, and fees, plus a $10,000 stipend. The total value exceeds $400,000.

For Oluwadamilare Ezra Lawal, the recognition reflects years of academic discipline and a deep commitment to serving others.

“It came at a time in school where the work was really stressful, so it felt great to know that the work I’ve been putting in has been worth it,” Lawal said.

Lawal, who plans to study pre-med and pursue a career in medicine, said he ultimately chose Davidson because it felt like the right fit, even before learning he had earned the scholarship.

“I could envision myself there,” he said after attending Belk Weekend, a three-day finalist experience with students from around the world.

He added that graduating without debt will be especially meaningful as he prepares for medical school.

“Knowing that I can go into medical school without any debt is just very meaningful to me,” Lawal said.

Lawal’s focus on service began early. When he was younger, a nonprofit donated a car to his family, an experience he says shaped his understanding of giving and community.

His mother, Terracia Lawal, said that commitment has been part of who he is from the beginning.

“He has always been deeply passionate about serving and helping people in need,” she said. “From an early age, I instilled in him the importance of giving back and serving his community.”

She said Ezra’s name means “God’s helper,” and that idea has guided how he approaches his life and work.

“Being helpful, trustworthy, respectful, and willing to serve are foundational qualities that yield meaningful rewards,” she said. “Because of these values, I am not surprised by his success.”

That mindset led Lawal to found ShockResQ, a nonprofit focused on disaster relief and community aid. Through the organization, he has raised money for emergency kits, organized sneaker drives, and helped send recycled shoes to developing countries. His efforts have raised about $4,000 so far.

“My mom always instilled in me the value of giving back to those in need, even when we didn’t have that much to give,” Lawal said. “It was always important to do that.”

His mother said the work has been supported by the broader community, including neighbors, school leaders, Wellstar Paulding Hospital, and the Hiram City Council.

“As the founder of his nonprofit, Ezra has made a significant and lasting impact in our community,” she said. “We are deeply grateful for the encouragement and partnership.”

Lawal said his goal is to continue that work on a larger scale.

“I do want to go into a field of service and being able to help those in need and give back on a larger scale,” he said.

He has also been accepted to several top universities, including Northwestern University, Rice University, Emory University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Virginia.

For Lawal, those opportunities reinforce a message he hopes other students take to heart.

“There are many different paths to success,” he said.

His mother agrees, adding that her son’s journey reflects a broader lesson.

“Ezra is a testament to the idea that service is truly the key to success,” she said. “I am incredibly thankful to be his mother, and I am confident that he will continue to do wonderful things in the future.”

As he prepares for college, Lawal said he remains focused on the same values that guided him from the beginning: service, empathy, and a commitment to helping others.