2010-2011 Scholarship Recipients
Rebecca Calhoun
Most seventh graders are going to school dances and cheerleading, but Rebecca found herself preparing full meals for the family, and helping with grocery shopping. Once she turned sixteen she had to get a job and a car to insure that her younger brothers got where they needed to be. “I strongly believe that if my mother hadn’t been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I would not have developed into the person I am today, she says. This disease has forced me to become a responsible and careful person. It has forced me to become a young adult and this has benefited me in many ways; especially since I began applying for college. Along with that, it has most definitely brought our family closer together than we ever were before. We love each other infinitely and rely on each other for everything. We do these things because we have found, throughout this process, that we can. That is what family is for. Although we had to give up a few things along the way, I believe it was more than worth it when I consider how strong it has made our family."
Rebecca plans to attend High Point University in the fall as a Journalism major.
Charles Clayton
Charles Clayton of Roanoke Rapids is a 2011 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School. He will be attending North Carolina State University where he plans to study Biomechanical Engineering. Charles, whose mother is living with MS, worked hard in school to achieve honors as one of the top ten of his senior class, while being active in sports as well. Throughout his high school career, he was a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a Roanoke Rapids Graded School Scholar, and a member of the Symphonic Band and Concert Band. He also played on his Varsity Soccer Team and Track & Field Team. Charles makes a difference in his community by being an active member of World Changers and attending his Youth Church Group.
Zachary Collins
Zachary Collins of Greenville is a 2011 graduate of Farmville Central High School in Farmville. He will be attending East Carolina University with plans of being a Pre-Dental student. Zachary, whose mother is living with MS, has been extremely active in sports and the arts throughout his high school career. Zachary played on the Varsity Baseball, Varsity Football, and Varsity Soccer teams. He placed 2nd in the 2009 Pitt County Fair Art Show and received numerous art awards in 2008. He is an asset to his community, having participated as a Special Olympics Coach and a Foster Broth to many special-needs children.
McKenzye Coyle
McKenzye found that MS impacts every area of life. Slowly, he watched the person who he had relied on to drive him to games, coach his team and provide financially for the family change. His father became a prisoner of a disease that brought the greatest challenges to date to his life. Everyone in the family was forced to take on new roles and responsibilities and through this experience McKenzie has become a determined, self- sufficient individual who embraces life and tries not to take anything for granted. He found solace in his music and volunteered his time playing piano for his churches Praise Band. Through it all McKenzye says, "My parents have always encouraged me that an education is something that you earn and something that no one can take away from you."
McKenzye plans to attend Montreat College in the fall as a Biology major, with plans to continue his education in medical school.
Christian Crumpton
Christian Crumpton of Aberdeen is a 2011 graduate of The O'Neal School in Southern Pines. She will be attending Campbell University where she plans to study elementary education. Christian, whose mother is living with MS, is very active in her community and participates in a variety of service projects. Christian has been a Girl Scout for over nine years and has worked with organizations such as Meals on Wheels and Family Promise. Throughout her high school career, Christian was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the O’Neal Volunteers, played on the Junior Varsity Tennis Team, and served as a North Carolina House Page for two years.
Melissa Day
Her father’s battle with MS, which started when Melissa was five years old, hasn’t changed the love Melissa’s family shares. “His steps sometimes falter and he has episodes of numbness. He must avoid heat and sometimes tires easily, but he is my Dad!” she says. Melissa was named a Top Scholar through the National Top Scholar Program of the National MS Society in addition to being chosen as a Top Scholar by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter for 2010. She attends Duke University with a double major in Biology and Psychology, and a minor in Spanish. She has just completed her first year on her educational path toward becoming a licensed pediatrician.
Breanna Johnson
Cary, NC
Breanna Johnson of Cary is a 2011 graduate of Panther Creek High School in Cary. She will be attending Harvard University where she will study Biology with a concentration in Human Development and Regenerative Biology. Breanna, whose mother is living with MS, has been very active in academics, club activities, and her community throughout her high school career. She was the President of Student Government and National Honor Society, Junior Class President, Sophomore Vice-President, Student Body Vice-President, a Committee Leader, a Freshman Mentor, a member of the Environmental Club and Key Club where she served as a staff writer, and a member of the Dance Company that performed at the Homecoming halftime of her school.
Sterling Simpson Johnson
Sterling Simpson Johnson of Holly Springs is a 2011 graduate of William G. Enloe Magnet High School in Raleigh. He will be attending the University of Richmond where he is entering a dual-degree program with plans to study German and Business Administration with a focus in Finance. Sterling, whose mother is living with MS, leads a very active life as a volunteer for his community and a sports enthusiast while receiving honor roll accomplishments in his academic life. He was awarded a letter for his accomplishments on the Men’s Varsity Soccer Team, attended a number of prominent camps, such as the Duke Soccer Camp and Wake Forest Elite Soccer Camp, as well as being a member of the Junior Varsity Basketball Team. Sterling has participated in events such as the Bike MS ride, served at the Raleigh Community for Hope Youth Center and the Broyhill Leadership Camp, served as an Environmental Recycling Volunteer, and was a Volunteer Assistant Soccer Coach.
Rachel Kadlec
Rachel Kadlec of Smithfield is a 2011 graduate of Smithfield Selma Senior High School. She will be attending North Carolina State University where she plans to study Radiology. Rachel, whose father is living with MS, was active in her high school by participating in Mu Alpha Theta and playing on the Junior Varsity Softball team. In her community, not only does Rachel participate in 4-H, but she has held titles of President and Vice President of the 4-Leaf Flyers Club, as well as President and Vice President of the County Council. Rachel has received Spirit awards, and Photograph awards.
Kristen Kligerman
Kristen Kligerman of Cary is a 2011 graduate of Green Hope High School in Cary. She will be attending Appalachian State University where she plans to study International Business with minors in German and English. Kristen, whose mother is living with MS, was active in her school’s academics and worked hard to achieve honor roll every semester. Throughout high school, Kristen was a member of the Latin club and an animated participant in the YMCA’s Leader’s club and Outreach Program, even receiving an award for over 500 hours of service.
Devynn Mager
Devynn Mager of Ocracoke is a 2011 graduate of Ocracoke High School. She will be attending a small private college in North Carolina where she plans to study animal behavior and science. Devynn, who was recently diagnosed with MS, is a very athletic person who enjoys playing a variety of sports, while at the same time maintaining an impressive GPA. Throughout high school Devynn was a member of the Basketball and Soccer teams and received a letter and pin for her achievements in Track & Field. In addition, Devynn was also active in the arts and her community by serving as a Stage Director and a member of the Beta Club at her school, a Camp Counselor and Mentor for her community, and participating in Turtle Rescue, Beach Sweep, and Beach Restoration Preservation Work for Carolina’s beaches.
Olivia Rich
Durham, NC
Olivia Rich of Durham is a 2011 graduate of Northern High School in Durham. She will be attending the University of North Carolina at Greensboro planning to major in psychiatry. Olivia, whose mother lived with MS, was a member of her high school's ROTC and Color Guard and was the President of the Military Ball Committee her senior year. She was also active in her community for two years participating in the Eno River Clean-Up Campaign.