Mehki Jackson (Senior, Susan E. Wagner High School) Awarded NYC Elite 32 Scholarship

Ballin' 4 Peace would like to congratulate and recognize Mehki Jackson, a Senior and student-athlete at Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island, for being awarded the 2023 NYC Elite 32 Scholarship.

Jackson was presented with the scholarship news at the recent NYC Elite 32 Holiday Classic held on December 27 and Sunday, December 28 at Springfield High School in Queens, New York. Presented by Ballin' 4 Peace, the two day basketball tournament highlighted some of the top Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball teams and players from across New York City, where the power forward Jackson shined on the court.

Thanks to OWYN, SLAM Magazine, and Ballin' 4 Peace Founder, Haron Hargrave, Jackson was awarded a $2,500 scholarship award to be used for future college endeavors and expenses. 

An alum of Campus Magnet High School (Queens) and a former college basketball basketball player himself at Chaffey College and Sacramento State, Haron Hargrave knows the long road to and through college can be costly, even for student-athletes. That's why he created the Ballin' 4 Peace Scholarship -- to give students a way to start planning and preparing for what their future holds in college. 

"I want to give these guys the opportunity I did not have," said Haron Hargrave.

"I have been a college athlete and student and I know how hard it can be just to make ends meet. That's why a holiday tournament like this and chance to reward a student and help further their education is so important to communities."

For Jackson, receiving the NYC Elite 32 Scholarship and standing out at the tournament was part of an unforgettable holiday season filled with game winners and big shots. Prior to playing at the NYC Elite 32 Classic, Jackson sunk a buzzer-beater to give Wagner the 72-70 win against Forest Hills in their season opening game at the Hersh Tip-Off Classic in Brooklyn. Jackson followed-up the performance with another impressive game, this time finishing with a game-high 21 points in a 63-55 upset victory over defending NYC PSAL champs, Eagle Academy II.

With such memorable moments closing out 2023 on the court, it's only fitting that Jackson would become the first recipient of the NYC Elite 32 Scholarship. 

"Where I come from, there's not always the funds so this will help a lot," said Mehki Jackson after receiving the scholarship on day two of the holiday tournament. 

Big shots. Big games. And another big reason why Ballin' 4 Peace is proud to applaud Mekhi Jackson for his accomplishments.