Lolita Treadwell

Lolita Waters Treadwell and her family established this scholarship to honor the extraordinary life of their mother, Lillian E. Waters. Lillian E. Waters led an exemplary life as a strong advocate for the children of Atlantic City. Serving many years in the Atlantic City Public School System and the Juvenile Bureau of the Atlantic City Police Department, Mrs. Waters used her platform to increase awareness of issues affecting African American children and their ability to receive a quality education. Lillian’s voice was well respected among her peers, school administrators, political and government officials, earning her several awards for leadership, community activism, and of course education. As a former member of the Atlantic City Board of Education, she greatly contributed to establishing the current Atlantic City High School during her tenure. An education enthusiast, Mrs. Waters studied under her mentor, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of Bethune Cookman University (College); and often cited as her mantra “Enter to learn; depart to serve.” Mrs. Waters’ outspoken and supportive mannerism engaged parents and children alike, challenging them to always do their best in whatever they endeavored, and coined her own motto: “If you’re not here for business, then you have no business here.”