Saquon Barkley surprises Lehigh Valley students with $20,000 in scholarships

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — NFL star and Whitehall High School alumnus Saquon Barkley made surprise visits to two Lehigh Valley high schools Tuesday, awarding $20,000 in scholarships to student-athletes through the Michael Ann and Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation.

At William Allen High School, Barkley and his family presented a $10,000 scholarship to senior Mikayla Makowka, a member of the girls volleyball team and the Allen A’s Student-Athlete Leadership Club. The crowd erupted in cheers as Barkley stopped by the school’s gym and also visited with the boys basketball team.

Later, Barkley visited Liberty High School, where he surprised girls basketball player Anijah Davis, Class of 2025, with another $10,000 scholarship.

Both visits were part of the Barkley family’s ongoing efforts to support youth and education in the Lehigh Valley. The foundation, named after Barkley and his mother, focuses on empowering students through scholarships, community programs and charitable giving.

“Thank you to the Michael Ann and Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation for supporting our student-athletes and giving back to our community,” Liberty High School said in a statement.

The two scholarships highlight Barkley’s continued connection to his hometown region and his commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders both on and off the court.