The Dunbar School Alumni Association Inc. has awarded nine Heritage Scholarships to people attending institutions of higher education who are descendants of former Dunbar students, teachers or administrators.
The scholarships are awarded annually after a committee screens applications using the following criteria: satisfactory academic performance, school and community involvement, volunteer service and financial need. Final approval is contingent upon the student providing proof that a relative attended Dunbar or provided service as a teacher or administrator and is a current financial member of the association.
Four recipients have received at least one previous award: Lathan Charleston, Devan Corpening, Kristen Johnson and Kara Walker.
Charleston is a senior criminal justice major at North Carolina Central University. His plans include pursuing a career in law enforcement with aspirations to eventually provide service at the federal level, possibly as a U.S. Marshal. A second goal involves helping individuals who are victimized by certain elements of society. He is the son of Angy and Josiah Charleston and the grandson of Dunbar graduates Ford and Patricia Sifford.
Corpening is completing her second year of studies at Winston-Salem State University. An avid tennis player, Corpening is a member of the university’s tennis team, a volunteer at community tennis events and a youth tennis instructor. She plans to pursue a career in pediatrics. She is the granddaughter of association member Kathleen Corpening and the daughter of Dock and Martina Corpening.
Johnson is the daughter of Dr. Earl and Ophelia Johnson and the granddaughter of Dunbar Alumni Association Inc. President Benjamin Davis and Suzette Davis. An honor student, she is continuing her education at North Carolina A&T University, where she plans to major in political science. She describes herself as a “dedicated, goal-oriented student who aspires to work in media, law and government.”
Walker’s concentration in textile fashion management has resulted in her selection to study abroad in China during the spring semester. A second-year student at North Carolina State University, Walker has aspirations of combining her skills in English and textile management to “make my mark on the world.” She is the daughter of the Rev. Kenneth and Natalie Walker and the granddaughter of alumni officer Mary A. Young.
First time recipients are Darrius Campbell, Akevia Charleston, Jamar Clemmons, Omari Collins and Shaderrickah Henderson.
Campbell is a student at N.C. A&T, majoring in public relations, journalism and mass communication. His future plans include working with at risk youths through community programs to develop strong leaders and well rounded individuals. While a student at Salisbury High he completed two internships, one at the Rowan County Youth Services Bureau and one in the Catawba College music education program. During the summer of 2012 he worked with Rowan Arc to assist in supporting and improving citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also volunteered with the 2012 Obama campaign. He is the son of Sandra Sims-Campbell and grandson of alumni Arthur Ray Sims.
Akevia Charleston is a student at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, majoring in criminal justice. As a law enforcement official, her plans are to protect and serve the citizens of her assigned area as well as to help them be active in deterring crime with programs such as a community watch. Her plans are to transfer to NCCU to pursue a bachelor degree in criminal justice and to become a member of a federal agency such as the FBI. She is the daughter of Josiah and Angy Charleston and the granddaughter of alumni Ford and Patricia Sifford.
Clemmons is a student at Johnson C. Smith University, majoring in sports medicine. Clemmons is a graduate of A.L. Brown High School where he exceled in academics, football and track. An honor roll student, he was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. In football he received many awards including the varsity football Most Outstanding Defensive Back Award. He works in his church with the children’s ministry and mentors young people at Camp Marantha Youth Camp in High Point. Clemmons is the son of Audwin and Grace Clemmons and the grandson of alumni Fred and Mary Young.
Collins is a student at NCCU, majoring in political science. He plans to become a lawyer and give back to his community by sharing the importance of professionalism through a mentoring program. He wishes to develop forums that will help students with public speaking, self motivational strategies and positive thinking. A graduate of Rocky River High School, he was active in the student government association, was a student orientation mentor, Red Cross Drive organizer and on the RRHS Homecoming Planning Committee. At NCCU he is active in the NAACP, student government association, NCCU “Mr. Freshman” Royal Court, Centennial Scholars Program and Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB). He is the son of Dwayne and Patrina Collins and the nephew of alumni Willie and Ethel Evans.
Henderson is a junior at WSSU, majoring in healthcare management. She is activein the Health Management Club, NAACP and Campus Activity Board. Her plans are to open a nationwide nursing facility that will cater to senior citizens in a warm, safe and loving environment where clients can be treated with dignity and respect. She is the daughter of Derrick and Sharon Henderson and the niece of alumni Willie and Ethel Evans.