Cynthia’s story
February 3, 2026 marks five years since Cynthia Bah-Traore was last seen, and her case remains unresolved. The Find Cynthia Coalition announces the launch of the Cynthia Alvoid Legacy Scholarship, an educational initiative honoring Cynthia’s generosity and supporting students who have overcome significant hardship. The Coalition refuses to allow Cynthia to be remembered for the worst thing that ever happened to her - her disappearance and the abysmal search efforts that followed her disappearance.
Cynthia was a bright, warm, and generous soul whose laughter could light up any room. She embraced differences with kindness and inclusivity. As a teacher in the Fort Worth, Texas school system, she nurtured children with patience and care. Cynthia had a special gift for making everyone feel seen and valued — whether through her humor, her compassion, or her generosity. She was a friend, a mentor, and deeply committed for her Christian faith.
In honor of Cynthia’s memory and her appreciation for education, The Find Cynthia Coalition will award five $1,000 scholarships to students nationwide pursuing college, junior college, vocational, or trade school. The scholarship supports students impacted by foster care, the loss or disappearance of a parent, or other substantial barriers to education.
Applications open February 3, 2026, with recipients announced on July 4, 2026, which would have been Cynthia’s 45th birthday.
Key Dates:
Applications Open: February 3, 2026
Deadline: May 4, 2026
Recipients Announced: July 4, 2026
The Cynthia Alvoid Legacy Scholarship Application
Purpose: To honor the giving spirit of Cynthia and support those who have faced significant hardship.
I. Applicant Information
Full Name:
Phone/Email:
Current School/Status: (HS Senior, College, or Trade School)
Intended School for Fall 2026:
II. Eligibility Checklist (Check all that apply)
[ ] Foster Care: I am currently in or was previously in the Foster Care system.
[ ] Missing Parent: I have a parent or legal guardian who is currently missing.
[ ] Disability: I am a student with a physical, mental, or learning disability.
[ ] Other Hardship: I have experienced significant personal hardship (e.g., homelessness, caregiving responsibilities, severe economic hardship, displacement due to crisis).
III. Documentation Requirements
If applying under the Disability category, please attach a copy of your IEP (Individualized Education Program), 504 Plan, or a brief verification letter from a healthcare provider. Documentation will be used solely to verify eligibility and will not be shared outside the Selection Committee.
IV. Short Essay Prompts (Choose one, 500 words max)
The Spirit of Giving: Cynthia was known for her immense generosity. Describe a time you helped someone else even when you were struggling yourself.
Becoming a Force for Good: What’s one way you hope to make a difference in the lives of others, whether big or small? How did this goal or vision arise, and how do you plan to work toward it? How would this scholarship help you achieve your goal?
Resilience and Dreams: Dreaming takes courage, especially in the face of setbacks. Share one of your dreams for the future and how you’ve worked—or plan to work—toward making it a reality, no matter what challenges stand in your way.
Connecting Through Compassion: Describe a moment when you were able to connect with someone (a family member, friend, or stranger) through an act of kindness. How did it impact you, and what did it teach you about your own ability to make a difference?
V. Submission Instructions
Due Date: Monday, May 4, 2026.
Email to: findcynthianow@gmail.com
Winners Announced: July 4, 2026 (Cynthia’s 45th Birthday)
Final award approval rests with the Board of Directors of the Find Cynthia Coalition. Scholarship funds may be paid directly to the educational institution or, where necessary, to the student upon proof of enrollment.
“What is grief, if not love persevering?”
—Laura Donney