The "sariyah Watson" leadership award

The Sariyah Watson Award 

In Loving Memory of Sariyah Watson (2004–2026)

The Sariyah Watson Award was established in loving memory of Sariyah Watson, a brilliant, driven, and deeply dedicated youth leader in The R.O.Y.A.L. Project.

Sariyah was 21 years old, a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), and a track athlete who balanced her academics with her passion for running. She was a natural leader among her peers; dedicated, driven, smart, and full of purpose. She was destined for greatness.

On Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, Sariyah was tragically killed in a terrible head-on car crash caused by a driver going the wrong way. Her life was cut short far too soon.

At only 21 years of age, she accomplished so much in her short time on earth. She will be forever 21.

This award honors her legacy and embodies who she was. It recognizes a young woman in The R.O.Y.A.L. Project who, like Sariyah, shows:

· Dedication to her growth, her community, and her responsibilities

· Drive to overcome challenges and pursue goals with persistence

· Intelligence and curiosity in learning and leadership

· Leadership among peers lifting others up, modeling integrity, and showing courage

· A commitment to the empowerment of Black girls and girls of color. 

I am dedicated to keeping Sariyah’s legacy alive through this award and through The R.O.Y.A.L. Project. Her light continues to guide, inspire, and raise up the next generation of leaders.

The Sariyah Watson Award is awarded annually to a young woman in The R.O.Y.A.L. Project who:

· Maintains at least a 3.0 GPA

· Attends program weekly with consistent participation

· Represents The R.O.Y.A.L. Project with pride and integrity inside and outside the program

· Demonstrates leadership, dedication, drive, intelligence, and a commitment to uplifting Black girls and girls of color

· Embodies the spirit of Sariyah Watson: dedicated, driven, smart, and a leader among her peers

· Is destined for greatness, just as Sariyah was.