The Gardiner Foundation Scholarship

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things a young person can go through. For Dexter Gardiner, that loss was unimaginable — in 2006, he lost six family members in a single tragic car accident on the Bronx River Parkway.

But instead of letting that tragedy define him, Dexter chose to honor his family by creating something powerful: the Gardiner Foundation. Since then, the foundation has focused on helping youth and families facing hardship — especially those who have experienced the sudden loss of a loved one.

If you're a student who has faced adversity, whether through personal loss or other difficult circumstances, this scholarship is for you. In partnership with Mr. Nicholas Liakas, Esq. and the team at Liakas Law P.C., the Gardiner Foundation awards five scholarships of $1,500 each every year to students who show resilience, strength, and a drive to pursue higher education.

You don't have to have lost a loved one to apply — but if you've faced challenges and are working hard to move forward, we want to support you.

Gardiner Foundation Events

Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Annual Basketball Classic Tournament
Annual Basketball Clinic
Holiday Toy Drive
Events at the HeartShare Women's Shelter

Whether helping more than 1,000 families with a free Thanksgiving meal, enjoying free entertainment, food, and action on the basketball court, or working with the women and children at the HeartShare Women's Shelter, the Gardiner Foundation takes great pride in partnering with Liakas Law P.C. to help local families with financial and scholarship assistance, school supplies, spiritual mentoring, and burial assistance when needed.

Awarding Scholarships

Once we've looked over all the applications and determined those we feel are most deserving, the winning students and their families are contacted by phone. The ceremony is held at the Gardiner Foundation Basketball Classic at St. James Park in late August — always a rewarding and emotional event, and our way of recognizing each student's family and the courage they've shown.

2026 Scholarship Recipients

Thierno Bah

Thierno is a Bronx resident and a graduate of the Trevor Day School in Manhattan where he was a stellar student and member of the school community. This Fall he will enroll at the University of Rochester where he will pursue a degree in medicine. In High School Thierno led naturally, effortlessly, and fearlessly, inspiring real confidence in his classmates. In short, he made teaching and learning fun. Thierno thinks differently. He’s a brilliant brainstormer and expansive thinker who imagines possibility where others might see dead ends; he brings freshness to the routines of the classroom, asking the question we all needed but had yet to realize. Thierno is motivated, hardworking, and determined to make the most of every opportunity. He is committed to achieving academic excellence and using his education to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.

Khalil Danthioko

Khalil is a graduate of University Prep Charter High School where he graduated with a New York State Regents diploma with advanced distinction while earning credit for Advanced Placement courses in Language Composition and Pre-calculus and a GPA of 93.8%. He was also ranked 20th in his senior class. This Fall, he will enroll at Howard University where he will study computer science. His teachers consider Khalil an exceptional young man whose character, leadership, and commitment to serving others distinguish him from his peers. Khalil was an active member of his school’s student leadership program throughout his high school career, consistently demonstrating maturity, integrity while representing his school community in civic engagement and service projects across New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and Houston, where he worked alongside his peers to address community needs, participate in service learning, and develop a deeper understanding of servant leadership. In every setting, he represented himself, his family, school community with professionalism and pride. Khlalil values education, embraces diverse experiences, and understands the importance of using his talents to create opportunities for others.

Leah Floyd-Harmon

Leah is a Bronx resident and graduate of University Prep Charter School. She graduated with a New York State Regents diploma with advanced distinction and a GPA of 92.8%. She was also ranked 14th in her senior class. This Fall, she will enroll at Howard University where she will pursue a career in Law. Leah is an exceptional scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, a talented Theater Arts student, and a dedicated School Leadership Ambassador who has consistently demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Her teachers consider her a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, humility, creativity, and emotional maturity. Whether performing on stage, leading her peers, or engaging in the classroom Leah’s faith is foundational in her life and has given her the strength she needs to overcome obstacles and love others with purpose, preparation, and grace. She has earned the respect of her classmates and teachers alike because she leads through action, treats others with kindness, and consistently strives to leave every space better than she found it.