This award provides scholarship support to outstanding student-athletes participating on sanctioned varsity teams in North Carolina High School Athletic Association member schools who have displayed exceptional leadership, among other qualities, with financial need a consideration. Recipients each receive a one-time $2,500 scholarship.
REQUIREMENTS
- Active Senior Student-Athlete at NCHSAA Member School
- Must Meet Graduation Requirements for Spring 2024
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Member of any Varsity, NCHSAA Sanctioned Sport Team for 2 Years
The 2023-24 Winners of the NCHSAA Scholar Award are Natalia Melbard from Croatan, Will Sullivan from Middle Creek, Kelsey Hussey from Chatham Central and Nash Lister from T.C. Robeson.
Natalia Melbard is a senior at Croatan High School, where she has excelled in golf and was Awarded Varsity Service Bar all four years. Her athletic achievements include being named golf team MVP and all-conference for her contribution to her team. Beyond sports, Natalia is an active member of multiple clubs, including Yoga Club (president) and Ultimate Frisbee Club. She was a member of the Wilmington Youth Symphony and played the cello. She has obtained her Yoga Alliance Certification, was a guest speaker at Carteret Community College Quarterly Faculty/Staff Meeting, former Chief Marshal, and is the class of 2024 Valedictorian. Natalia is committed to serving her community as she has spent a significant amount of time volunteering with Hospice Helpers, Teen Court, beach cleanups, food drives, and making cards for the veteran’s hospital. Natalia will continue her journey studying Biomedical Engineering and has been accepted into Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, North Carolina State University College of Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and University of Virginia at Charlottesville.
Will Sullivan is a senior at Middle Creek High School, where he participated in diving all four years. He has received accolades such as SWAC conference champion three years in a row, MCHS Swim and Dive Rookie of the Year, NCHSAA 4A state champion his junior year, and holds the Middle Creek High School record of 516.85 points. In addition to sports, Will has displayed tremendous leadership abilities by being named the class president as a freshman and being re-elected two additional terms. Additionally, he is on the MCHS Principal’s Advisory Committee, a published author, and the student body secretary. Will is committed to serving his community as he has spent a significant amount of time spearheading several service projects such as raising money for new playground equipment at the Middle Creek Park, converting an empty classroom into a teacher’s lounge, and raising money and collecting toy donations for a children’s shelter. Will has committed to Harvard University where he will be a member of the dive team and plans to study Applied Mathematics.
Kelsey Hussey is a senior at Chatham Central High School, where she participated in basketball, softball, volleyball, and basketball. Her athletic achievements include being all-conference in softball and two-time all-conference in volleyball. Kelsey currently holds the school record for career assists in volleyball. Beyond sports, Kelsey is an active member of multiple clubs, including Student Government (freshman, sophomore, and junior class president, Executive Board President), Beta Club (junior representative), Prom Committee, Acts of Random Kindness Club (president and homecoming representative), Monogram Club, Bible Club, LINK Crew, Future Business Leaders of America (social media representative), Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the school yearbook editor. Additionally, she was the student representative for the My Future NC 2024 video campaign and for the State of our Schools address given by the local superintendent. Kelsey is committed to serving her community as she has spent a significant amount of time volunteering with her church, volunteering at multiple camps, spearheading neighborhood outreach by making baked goods for the community, organizing a drive to collect food and pet supplies. Kelsey will continue her journey studying Psychology and has been accepted into every school she applied to.
Nash Lister is a senior at TC Roberson High School, where he participated in soccer all four years. His athletic achievements include helping lead his team multiple times in being Conference Champions. Beyond sports, Nash is an active member of multiple clubs including the National Honor Society, Interact Service Club, Snowboarding club, and is on the Buncombe County Schools Student Advisory Team. Nash is committed to serving his community as he founded several organizations including the Asheville Future Leaders, Care Package Pals, the NC Homeless Food Program, and Find Ease with T1D. Nash will continue his journey studying either Sports/Exercise Science, Physical Therapy, or Engineering and has been accepted into Clemson University, Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
