2024 Scholarship Recipient

Jade Ayanna-Nicole Payton is a senior at Southeast Area Technical High School (SEA-TECH). With a 4.0 GPA, Jade is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa, the official honor society for two-year colleges since 1929. 

In the fall, Jade plans to major in Biology with a minor in Mathematics at one of the following universities:  Howard University, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, or High Point University. She also serves her local community by volunteering at Eden Village, a tiny home community designed to provide permanent homes for chronically homeless individuals, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Meals on Wheels, and Cape Fear Community College Ambassador Program.

Ashley Wall, math teacher at SEA-TECH, describes Jade as a remarkable student:  "Jade is a self-driven student with incredible passion and enthusiasm. Everything she does, she does with precision and poise. She is incredibly dependable, and works very hard to achieve perfection in everything that she does."

Mekhi Lavarr Evans is a senior at Wilmington Early College High School (WECHS). As a member of the National Honor Society with a 4.3 GPA, Mekhi is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America, the largest business Career and Technical student organization in the world!

In the fall, Mekhi plans to major in Biology with a minor in African American and African Diaspora Studies at one of the following universities: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Howard University, or North Carolina A&T State University.  He also serves the local community with his time and talents by volunteering at the Salvation Army, First Fruit Ministries, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and Snipes Academy as a tutor.

WECHS Principal, Regina Wooten, applauds Mekhi’s drive and determination: “While a percentage of students attending early college know what they want to do and begin building their leadership skills and resumes, Mekhi had to find his purpose. Once he knew what he wanted to do, he began building and initiating the skills that he did not realize he possessed." 

  Maylani Nicole Carr is a senior at Emsley A. Laney High School.  In addition to her academic prowess, Maylani is a member of the Beta Club, an AP Scholar, and serves as president of the National Honor Society. She also volunteers at Nourish NC, and Dorothy B. Johnson Pre-K Center.

Maylani is an excellent softball player, and captain of her softball team.  In the fall, she will attend Vanderbilt University, and major in Medicine, Health and Society. 

Drew Peterson, Peterson Softball LLC, admires Maylani's character and strong work ethic. "Maylani consistently demonstrates leadership by example, a teachable spirit, humbleness, respectfulness toward people in leadership positions, and genuine kindness toward her peers."

 Carissa Jade Spicer is a senior at Liberty University Online Academy.  She is also enrolled in the Fashion Industry Essentials Program at Parson The New School for Design in New York. Carissa is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, and volunteers as a Pre-K Assistant Teacher at the Port City Community Church.

In the fall, she plans to major in Apparel Design and Merchandising at  Appalachian State University. 

Kayla Daughtride, Grow Zone Volunteer Coordinator (PCCC) applauds Carissa's dedication and perseverance. "Carissa is committed to learning and growing as a leader, and has demonstrated a maturity well beyond her age in responsibility, leadership, and compassion for others."