Dr. Patricia Payne Achievement Award

Dr. Payne demonstrated resilience throughout her entire life; she grew up in an adoptive home that quickly became a single parent home. With minimal resources and an optimist attitude, Dr. Payne worked hard in school, and achieved excellence in every phase of her educational career. She was able to speak over her own life and declare: through hard work and persistence, she would rise above adversity and ridicule; disparaging remarks and negative energy would not gain power over her. Psalm 121 serves as her inspiration and constant reminder that the Lord is a keeper and a preserver. The Dr. Patricia Payne Achievement Award is for students who are seeking to cultivate sustainable change, while simultaneously working tirelessly to defy the odds and achieve success.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Record of community volunteerism (not school related)
• High school graduate (2020)
• Raised in single parent household
• Full need student
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

HERBERT AND ANTOINETTE NEWSOME FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARSHIP

The late Mr. Herbert Lee Newsome, Jr. and Mrs. Antoinette Newsome were both raised in very large families. Mr. Newsome was the oldest of eight and Mrs. Newsome is one of eleven. Throughout their adolescent years, Mr. and Mrs. Newsome acquired a multitude of familial responsibilities and battled environmental factors that impacted their educational pursuits. Mr. Newsome did not receive education beyond the sixth grade, and Mrs. Newsome did not complete high school. Despite their educational status, the Newsomes always emphasized the value and importance of education in their household. Mr. and Mrs. Newsome set high expectations and provided support to assist their children in achieving educational success. Before passing in 2010, Mr. Newsome was sure to instill a strong work ethic in each of his children; of twelve children: eight earned a bachelor's degree, three earned a master's degree, and others remain steadfast in their pursuit of higher learning. Serving as a true source of inspiration, and an exemplar of hard work and dedication, Mrs. Newsome is currently in the process of earning a General Education Diploma. Once obtained, education is one thing that cannot be taken away. The Herbert and Antoinette Newsome First Generation Scholarship will provide support for first-generation college students seeking to cultivate sustainable change in our society.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Record of community volunteerism (not school related)
• High school graduate (2020)
• First generation college student
• Minimum 3.3 GPA

LTC HAROLD R. PAYNE CHANGE MAKER AWARD

LTC Payne’s uncompromising pursuit of excellence and desire to help others has been a hallmark throughout his entire life. As a teen, he was no stranger to hard work; listing fruit picker, lawn and maintenance worker, septic tank cleaner, garbage truck jockey, and crawl space inspector as a part of his work experience. Taking pride in being the son of New Jersey’s first African American chief of police, LTC Payne soon began his own string of firsts. He was the first in his family to attend college and he made the most of it; graduating from Hampton University, earning a commission in the United States Army as a Distinguished Military Graduate, graduating from the Army’s prestigious Command and Staff College, and serving in many key positions. LTC Payne’s used his leadership skills to make a difference in the policies and procedures of the Army, and in the lives of the people he met along the way. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, after serving over 28 years in the military.

Additionally, LTC Payne answered God's call and was ordained to minister the gospel in 1990. Matthew 19:26 serves as his assurance and motivation. The LTC Harold R. Payne Change Maker Award is for students who are seeking to use their leadership skills to cultivate sustainable change and make a difference in the lives of others.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Record of community volunteerism (not school related)
• High school graduate (2020)
• Pursue public service degree
• Attend Historically Black College or University
• Minimum 2.3 GPA

THE TONYA AND CURTIS CARROL SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP

The late Mrs. Tonya Carroll and Dr. Curtis Carroll were both first generation college graduates and leaders within their community. Mrs. Carroll and Dr. Carroll moved to Charlotte, North Carolina from Flint, Michigan in 1993. Mrs. Carroll worked as a pharmacist for several pharmacies throughout North Carolina and owned The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy for 5 years where she provided care for medically underserved patients. Dr. Carroll worked for 27 years as a principal and superintendent for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System where he helped thousands of minority students. Dr. Carroll held several of the district’s highest-profile jobs while servicing populations impacted by high poverty and low test scores. The Carroll’s instilled the values of hard work and service into their two children Dr. Brittany Carroll and Brent Carroll. The Carroll's children are continuing the Carroll legacy in many ways, including supporting students with similar values. The Tonya and Curtis Carroll Service Scholarship will provide support to students seeking to cultivate sustainable change.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Record of community volunteerism (not school related)
• High school graduate (2020)
• North Carolina Resident
• Minimum 3.0 GPA