DUNBAR SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INCORPORATION
Criteria for Eligibility
Criteria for Eligibility to Receive a Scholarship Include:
Collegiate Honors
7 students, descendants of former students, faculty and administrators of Dunbar High school were awarded with a $800 Heritage Scholarship:
Towens, a sophomore at North Carolina A and T State University, is studying information technology and cyber security. He plans to use this knowledge to protect the lives of individuals. Towens is the grandson of alumni member Sampson Towens and the son of Tasha Locus and Ahmad Towens, Sr.
Richmond, who attends Gardner Webb University as a sophomore, is majoring in English and plans to write a book in the future. He says he does not want to become rich or famous but wants someone to feel inspired after reading his work. Brandon is the grandson of alumni members William and Hazel Kennedy and the son of Walillian and Taverest White and Larry Richmond.
Ruffin, a junior at North Carolina A and T State university, is majoring in computer information technology. She plans to help her community by teaching younger children the fundamentals of computers. She is the granddaughter of alumna Essie Graham Ruffin and the daughter of Felicia Ruffin Butler.
A freshman, Maultsby is in the exploratory program at the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University, plans to focus on the healthcare industry. She is the granddaughter of alumni member Sandra Corpening and the daughter of Brian and Tenja Maultsby.
Holmes, a freshman at North Carolina A and T State University. She plans to become a pediatrician. She is passionate about “giving back to the community” through volunteering and offering help to those in need of assistance. Holmes is the granddaughter of alumni members Ethel and Willie Evans and the daughter of David and Carla Holmes.
Hackett is a senior at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in media journalism and double minoring in African American studies and studio art. She plans to study abroad next spring semester. Hackett is the granddaughter of association member Olean Hall and the daughter of Jimmie and Monica Hackett.
Tillman, a senior at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is majoring in theatre. He says his diverse opportunities over the past four years have helped him become a respected leader and a well-rounded individual. He is the nephew of alumni member Gretta Saunders and the son of Patrick and Stacie Tillman.
Five students, descendants of former students, faculty and administrators of Dunbar High school were awarded were awarded with a $800 Heritage Scholarship:
Towens, a sophomore at North Carolina A and T State University, is studying information technology and cyber security. He plans to use this knowledge to protect the lives of individuals. Towens is the grandson of alumni member Sampson Towens and the son of Tasha Locus and Ahmad Towens, Sr.
Richmond, who attends Gardner Webb University as a sophomore, is majoring in English and plans to write a book in the future. He says he does not want to become rich or famous but wants someone to feel inspired after reading his work. Brandon is the grandson of alumni members William and Hazel Kennedy and the son of Walillian and Taverest White and Larry Richmond.
Ruffin, a junior at North Carolina A and T State university, is majoring in computer information technology. She plans to help her community by teaching younger children the fundamentals of computers. She is the granddaughter of alumna Essie Graham Ruffin and the daughter of Felicia Ruffin Butler.
Tillman, a senior at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is majoring in theatre. He says his diverse opportunities over the past four years have helped him become a respected leader and a well-rounded individual. He is the nephew of alumni member Gretta Saunders and the son of Patrick and Stacie Tillman.
Holland is a student at the University of Nevada Las Vegas studying biological science. Holland plans to pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy. “With the knowledge I will amass in biology, anatomy, kinesiology and psychology in my undergraduate studies coupled with my master’s program, I will be equipped to serve my community by providing exceptional service to those who require help getting back to living their lives normally again,” Holland said. Holland is the son of Alonzo and Chalese Holland and the grandson of alumni member Carolyn Long Napoleon.
Nine students, descendants of former students, faculty and administrators of Dunbar High school were awarded with a $500 Heritage Scholarship:
Blair will pursue a bachelor’s in visual and digital arts at Fayetteville State University. He hopes to eventually obtain a master’s degree. He is the son of Mark Blair and Libby Toppings and the grandson of Dunbar School association member Ola Mae Blair Robbins.
Hacket is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill pursuing a bachelor’s in Media Journalism and Studio Art with a minor in African American studies. Her grandmother is Olean Hall and her great uncle is Reginald Massey
Holland is a senior at Winston-Salem State University pursuing a bachelor’s in computer science and completing an internship on campus. Holland’s parents are Edgrick and Pamula Holland. Dunbar alumnus Carolyn Long Napoleon is his grandmother.
Tillman, a senior at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is majoring in theatre. He says his diverse opportunities over the past four years have helped him become a respected leader and a well-rounded individual. He is the nephew of alumni member Gretta Saunders and the son of Patrick and Stacie Tillman.
McDuffee is a junior at American International College pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration. McDuffie is the daughter of Pamela and Ivan McDuffie and the niece of Elaine Patterson Tate.
Maultsby is employed full-time while completing coursework for a degree in business management from Savannah State College. Maultsby is the grandson of Sandra Corpening.
Ruffin is a freshman at N.C. A&T State University and plans to major in information technology. Ruffin is the daughter of Felicia Ruffin and the granddaughter of Essie Graham Ruffin.
Venning is completing her final term at East Carolina University enrolled in the College of Allied Health as an aspiring physician assistant. Her grandparents and guardians are Nathanial Venning and Brenda Stout Venning.
Holland is a student at the University of Nevada Las Vegas studying biological science. Holland plans to pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy. “With the knowledge I will amass in biology, anatomy, kinesiology and psychology in my undergraduate studies coupled with my master’s program, I will be equipped to serve my community by providing exceptional service to those who require help getting back to living their lives normally again,” Holland said. Holland is the son of Alonzo and Chalese Holland and the grandson of alumni member Carolyn Long Napoleon.
Seven students, descendants of former students, faculty and administrators of Dunbar High school were awarded were awarded with a $500 Heritage Scholarship:
Hackett is pursuing a double major in media and journalism and studio art. She said money from the scholarship will help her study abroad in the fall. She is the daughter of Jimmie and Monica Hackett and the granddaughter of alumni member Olean Hall.
Through a dual enrollment cohort with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Tillman plans to major in theater. In his statement of future plans, Patrick said, “My dream is to act, write and direct performances on Broadway or any other major city with a theater district.” Patrick is the son of Patrick and Stacy Tillman and the nephew of alumni member Gretta Heath Saunders.
McDuffee is a junior at American International College pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration. McDuffie is the daughter of Pamela and Ivan McDuffie and the niece of Elaine Patterson Tate.
Pursuing a degree in business management, Maultsby received a letter of recommendation that called him “one of the young men that I look forward to having in my establishment.” “He’s dedicated to meeting challenges head on and shaping a positive outcome for his own future and in turn become a productive member of society,” the letter read. Maultsby is the son of Brian and Tonja Maultsby and the grandson of alumni member Sandra Witherspoon Corpening.
Venning, a physician assistant student, has excelled in academics and been devoted to her community. She is working through college programs to improve quality within the hospital setting as well as to distribute health nutritional information within the rural community. Venning is the daughter of Audrey Venning and the granddaughter of alumni member Brenda Stout Venning.
Holland is completing his second year in college. ”Being able to help people is something I have always had a passion for,” he said. “This passion to help drives me to pursue a career in occupational therapy.” Myles is the grandson of alumni member Carolyn Long Napoleon.
Five students, descendants of former students, faculty and administrators of Dunbar High school were awarded were awarded with a $800 Heritage Scholarship:
Holland, grandson of Carolyn Long Napoleon, who said, “My natural knack for helping people has led me to pursue a career in medicine, specifically for the skin. Since junior high school, I have wanted to become a dermatologist. My interest in dermatology was piqued when I learned that my grandfather had skin cancer. I immediately went to the internet and researched the topic. It would be great if I could discover a less painful way to get rid of skin cancer.” Myles is enrolled at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.
After graduation, Miles P. Hackett plans to use his biomedical engineering knowledge and skills to continue exposing at-risk elementary children to STEM education. His involvement with similar students created a desire to provide fellow engineers as mentors for struggling students. Miles is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the grandson of Jimmie L. Hackett Sr., a 1957 graduate of Dunbar High School.
Maultsby is the grandson of Dunbar alumnus Sandra Witherspoon Corpening. A student at Savannah State University in Georgia, Maultsby wrote that he plans to use his college education to volunteer in the Big Brother program. “Sometimes people need to see someone who has accomplished something before they are inspired to push themselves,”
Maultsby says. “The local community would benefit from my mentoring program.”
Venning is the granddaughter of alumni member Brenda Stout Venning. In her essay, Venning shared that the adage, “It is better to give than to receive” has been ingrained in her since infancy. Being raised by her grandparents led her to often see what giving and service to others looked like. “When I first encountered the real world, I chose jobs that reflected my urge to help others,” she says. “As I have grown, I fully understand the importance of giving to others, and I now want to take the adage to the next level by becoming a partner in health and an agent of change for my underserved communities, one person at a time.” Venning is pursuing a degree in physician assistant studies at East Carolina University.
Corpening, who received his fourth scholarship, is the grandson of alumni member Kathleen Corpening. He is a senior biology major at UNC-Pembroke. In his essay, Corpening said, “I realize how important it is to help those that are less fortunate than others. Currently, I’m giving back by volunteering at the local middle school and helping with special projects. I enjoy doing volunteer work, and I would like to work with a nonprofit organization in the future. I feel that I can help our youth to see that they are capable of great things.”
Devan Corpening, a senior biology major at Winston Salem State University. Corpening is the granddaughter of association member Kathleen Corpening.
Maultsby is the grandson of Dunbar alumnus Sandra Witherspoon Corpening. A student at Savannah State University in Georgia, Maultsby
Kristen Suzette Johnson, a junior political science major at University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Johnson is the granddaughter of association president Benjamin Davis.
Sydney A. Tillman, a sophomore communications and public relations major at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Tillman is the niece of association member Gretta Heath Saunders.
The Dunbar School Alumni Association recently awarded its Heritage Scholarships for the year 2014 to seven students that are currently enrolled in institutions of higher education. Each recipient received $__________ Seven recipients were first-time applicants: Amber Carter, Salim Collins, Deanna Corpening, Kelli Johnson, Jontez Land, Sydney Tillman and Marcus Wilkie.
Amber Carter is the daughter of Crystal M. Carter. A freshman at Allen University, she plans to major in animal science to pursue a career as a veterinary technician. Carter is the niece of alumni member Patricia Mallett.
Salim Collins is pursuing a business management degree at Winston-Salem State University. He would like to eventually open a literacy training center to address the needs of children and adults. He is the son of Patrina and Dwayne Collins and the nephew of alumna Ethel K. Evans.
Deanna Corpening is the daughter of Patricia Mallett. She is seeking a degree in business administration at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Her future plans include opening a community center in the former Dunbar School building in East Spencer.
Kelli Johnson, a freshman at North Carolina Central University, plans to major in business marketing. She looks forward to creating a nonprofit art company that will provide services to youth across the United States. She is the daughter of Earl and Ophelia Davis Johnson and the granddaughter of alumni president Benjamin Davis.
Sydney Tillman is the daughter of Patrick and Stacey Tillman and the niece of alumni member Gretta H. Saunders. A freshman at the University of North Carolina, Tillman plans to major in an area that will facilitate her work with physically and/or mentally challenged individuals. Her future educational plans include furthering her education with degrees at the master and doctoral levels.
The Dunbar School Alumni Association recently awarded its Heritage Scholarships for the year 2013 to nine students that are currently enrolled in Each recipient received ____ Four recipients received at least one previous award: Lathan Charleston, Devan Corpening, Kristen Johnson and Kara Walker.
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.”
Devan 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.
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 excelled 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.
Omari 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 active in 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.
The Dunbar School Alumni Association recently awarded its Heritage Scholarships for the year 2010 to eight students that are currently enrolled in Each recipient received $363. We take pride in presenting the following recipients who have expressed a strong desire to give back to their communities and wish them much success in the future.
Adrianne S. Charleston is a student in good standing at East Carolina University in Greenville. She majors in recreational therapy. She is a niece of Kathleen Corpening of Granite Quarry.
Malcolm J. McMillion is currently a senior at St. Augustineís College in Raleigh and is pursuing a degree in human performance and wellness concept of physical education. He is a native of East Spencer and the nephew of Catherine Kiser Bradley of Salisbury.
Audwin T. Clemmons, Jr. is in good standing at Winston Salem State University and majors in biology. He is a native of Kannapolis and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Free Lee Young Sr. of East Spencer.
Kara Walker attends Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown. She focuses on writing and literature and hopes to become a write some day. She is a native of Greensboro and is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lee Young Sr. of East Spencer.
Tony Hillian attends the Shaw University Kannapolis Campus and majors in CAPE business administration management. He is a native of East Spencer and the nephew of Catherine Kiser Bradley of Salisbury.
Tiffany Kennedy attends Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury. The Salisbury native majors in chemical engineering with plans to attend North Carolina A&T State University in the fall of 2010. She is the niece of William Kennedy.
Sharron Foxx has been pursuing an associate degree in medical billing and coding from Everest University online in Tampa, Fla. since spring of 2009. She resides in East Spencer and is the niece of Catherine Kiser Bradley of Salisbury.
The Dunbar School Alumni Association recently awarded its Heritage Scholarships for the year 2006 OR 2006 three students that are currently enrolled in institutions of higher education. Each recipient received $500.00 The Dunbar School Alumni Association Inc. recently awarded its first Heritage Scholarships to three students. Each received $500. They are Ashlyne Reid, Christopher Sifford and Fatima M. Smith. Selection was based on financial need, academic achievement and involvement, community service and relationship to a former student, teacher or administrator of Dunbar School.
Reid is a sophomore accounting major at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she is a chancellor’s list student. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Black Business Students Association and the Neo-Black Society Gospel Choir and a peer mentor. She is the granddaughter of two alumni, Mamie Byers Hairston and Maggie Scotton Reid.
Sifford is a senior studying political science at Winston-Salem State University where he is attorney general and chairman of the Judicial Council and chief justice of the Student Government Association. He plans to eventually attend law school. He is the grandson of alumni Lorene Anderson Massey.
Smith is a sophomore at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., where she is a dean’s list student pursuing a degree in administration of justice. She plans to attend law school. Her community and volunteer services include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Program. She is also a member of the Circle K International and Lambda Alpha Epsilon Administration of Justice Club. She is the granddaughter of alumni Ada Anderson Smith.
The Dunbar School Alumni Association recently awarded its Heritage Scholarships for the year 2008 to seven students that are currently enrolled in institutions of higher education. Each recipient received $570.
Adrianne S. Charleston is a freshman at East Carolina University majoring in recreational therapy administration with the goal of becoming a nurse. She has been active on campus with the marching band, Black Student Union, cultural committee and as an on-campus referee. Her GPA is 2.0. The niece of Kathleen Corpening, Charleston is described as being determined, dedicated, compassionate and well-disciplined. Her lifestyle has been balanced with education, work, extracurricular activities and church
Latisha L. Gaither is a senior at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She is majoring in biology with a minor in business and psychology and has a GPA of 3.34. The granddaughter of Clara Addison Gaither, she believes hard work pays off, and she enjoys being involved in her university and community. On campus, she is a Presidential Ambassador, resident advisor, a tutor in math and English and an honor student who has served on the Honor Student Association executive board.
Daniel K. Griffith is a freshman at Catawba College with a GPA of 2.33. He is seeking a degree in therapeutic recreation with plans to become a physical therapist. Upon graduating from North Rowan High School, Griffith was awarded a football scholarship to attend college. He says playing football motivates him to be a good role model to little kids. Grandson of Lorene Anderson Massey, Griffith believes that anything is possible if an individual works hard in school as well as the other areas of life that contain the desires of his heart.
Joy L. Kennedy is a speech and language pathologist in the Cabarrus County Schools. She is enrolled in a doctoral degree program in education with a concentration in curriculum-cultural studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has a cumulative GPA of 3.96. The daughter of Jean and Royal Kennedy, she wants to become an advocate for social justice within the public schools and her church. Her professional goal is to continue to educate administrators, teachers, parents and parishioners on cultural language differences among multicultural disorders. Kennedy is active in the AME Zion church on the local, district, conference and connectional levels. She is licensed by the N.C. Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists, is affiliated with professional groups and is a member of Delta Xi Omega Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Three of the seven students received scholarships for the second consecutive year.
Ashlyne Reid is pursuing a BS degree in business and economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. A junior, her accomplishments include the Chancellor’s List for the spring of 2007; the Dean’s List for the fall of 2006 and and the spring of 2007; treasurer of the Black Student Association from August 2007 to present; a peer mentor; and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Reid is the granddaughter of two alumni, Mamie Byers Hairston and Maggie Scotton Reid.
Christopher L. Sifford graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a BS in political science in the spring of 2008. He is pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit management at High Point University and hopes to become a leader in the nonprofit sector and offer legal aid to help others in his community, especially the homeless, to have job opportunities and become self-sufficient. Sifford is the grandson of Lorene Anderson Massey.
Fatima M. Smith is a junior at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., where she is seeking a BS in administration of justice. Smith plans to attend law school and specialize in family law. She says the family plays a significant role in her life and that it is a pleasure to participate in community service programs and help others in need. Smith is the granddaughter of Ada Anderson Smith and has served as president and historian of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., treasurer of Circle K International and sponsorship chair of George Mason University’s Relay for Life.
