The Willie Bradshaw Memorial Endowed Scholarship is in honor of Durham-native Willie Bradshaw, an NCHSAA Hall of Fame inductee in 1995 and National High School Hall of Fame inductee in 2010. Bradshaw was an outstanding athlete at Hillside High School, playing on the undefeated 1943 football team that went untied and unscored upon. He went on to North Carolina College (now NC Central University) and then on to pitch professionally for several Negro League teams. He became the first African-American city or county athletic director when he took over for the Durham City School system until his retirement in 1992.
These awards are presented to student-athletes who meet the academic criteria as well as athletic involvement and sound character. The funds for the scholarships come from donations designated to the NCHSAA Foundation for this purpose as well as a corporate gift. Regional winners each receive a $750 scholarship and then two of those will be the overall state winners and will receive an additional $1000.
Tyler Davis is a senior at Albemarle High School, where he participated as a dual varsity athlete all four years. His astonishing accomplishments include breaking records for the 4 x 400 relay as a freshman in track, achieving the most receptions, receiving yards, and rushing yards in a season in football, and recording the most goals, ground balls, and face-off win percentage in a season for lacrosse. He has also been named 1st Team All-Conference in four sports. Tyler has given back to his community by volunteering with the GCHS ABC booster club and mentoring young children. Tyler’s goal is to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, study business, and play football.
Josiah Johnson is a senior at West Brunswick High School, where he participated in track & field and basketball all four years. He is an active member of the Willing Workers Club, Towncreek Vision, and the South Brunswick Islands Rotary Club. Josiah’s goal is to attend a four-year university and obtain a master’s degree in computer science.
Charles Matheka is a senior at East Carteret High School, where he played basketball all four years. In addition to basketball, he participated in soccer, track, and football. He is a member of the East Carteret Beta Club, Eastern Carolina Phenomz, and FCA. Charles has contributed to his community by volunteering with his church and the Dexter Williams Basketball Camp. In the fall, Charles will attend Wake Tech Community College, where he will join the men’s basketball team and pursue a degree in Physical Education to become a teacher.
Jayden Olden is a senior at Monroe High School, where he participated in football, baseball, and wrestling. He has given back to his community by volunteering with Hoops for Hope Christmas, Elevation Love Week, and serving as an Elementary School Student Mentor. In the fall, Jayden will attend East Carolina University to pursue a degree in Fine Arts with a focus on Graphic Design, and he will be a member of the football team.
Cameron Stinson is a senior at Mallard Creek High School, where he became a four-time state wrestling champion. He has also participated in Cross Country. Cameron has given back to his community by volunteering at Samaritan’s Feet and mentoring youth. Cameron’s goal is to attend the University of North Carolina and major in Exercise Science and Business.
Jack Thompson is a senior at William A Hough High School, where he participated in basketball and lacrosse all four years. Not only is he a member of the National Honor Society, the National Athletic Honor Society, and the National English Honor Society, but he is also a leader by being a Hough Ambassador, Junior and Senior Class President, and the liaison to new students. Jack has given back to his community by volunteering with his church, volunteering at Levine’s Children’s Hospital, and volunteering for the Hough Beautification Team. Jack has been accepted into many highly esteemed universities. His goal is to major in nursing with a focus on anesthesia and have a career in the medical field as a CRNA.
Anthony Rodriguez is a senior at West Forsyth High School, where he participated in baseball. He has given back to his community by volunteering with SECU House. In the fall, Anthony will be attending Bluefield State University, where he plans to study imaging science and play baseball. His goal is to contribute to research and development in the imaging science field that lead to breakthroughs in medical imaging technology.
Jordan Dixon is a senior at East Rutherford High School, where he participated in baseball and football all four years. He is a member of the Beta Club and the National Technical Honor Society. Jordan has given back to his community by volunteering with the local YMCA and helping at events for middle and high schools tailored to the youth. Jordan’s goal is to continue his academic and athletic careers by attending college.
Jessica Beasley is a senior at West Stokes High School, where she participated in volleyball, basketball, and soccer. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Students, YoungLife, the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and Youth and Government, while being a Junior Marshal and NC Academic Scholar. She has given back to her community by volunteering at soccer and basketball camps and volunteering with the Special Olympics. This fall, Jessica will be attending the University of North Carolina pursuing a pre-med track in hopes of becoming a pediatrician.
Aaliyah Graham is a senior at Millbrook High School, where she participated in basketball all four years. She has earned the Rookie of the Year award, MVP award, and Offensive Player of the Year. She has given back to her community by volunteering at the YMCA, Salvation Army, Helping Hand Mission, the Women’s Center, and the homeless shelter. Aaliyah’s future plans are to major in sports medicine.
Kyonna Kelly is a senior at Kinston High School, where she participated in basketball and track & field. She is a member of the Prom Committee, National Honor Society, Rotary Club, Americorp, Anchor Club, and Spanish Club while also being a Junior Marshal and CTE advocate. She has given back to her community by volunteering at elementary schools and nursing homes, hosting an all-girls basketball camp, and being a tutor. Kyonna has been accepted into many highly esteemed colleges and universities. Her aspiration is to become a behavioral analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Madden McMahan-Waters is a senior at William A. Hough High School, where she participated in softball and basketball. She is a member of the flag football team and has successfully begun painting for a profit. Madden has given back to her community by volunteering with Feed the Hunger, the Special Olympics, volunteering during Love Week, and coaching. In the fall, Madden plans to attend Gardner Webb University where she plans to study Criminal Justice.
Judy Salgado is a senior at Midway High School, where she participated in cross country, track and field, and soccer. She is a member of the marching and concert bands, Beta Club, Arts Honor Society, Key Club, and Save Club. Judy became a Certified Nursing Assistant during her Junior year. She has given back to her community by volunteering with her church, volunteering with the Special Olympics, and helping Hispanic children read in English. Judy will continue her journey to achieve her goals of receiving her associate degree in nursing, transferring to receive her bachelor’s degree. While obtaining her bachelor’s, she would like to work at a hospital with her ADN, all in hopes that one day she will be a travel nurse.
Mya Sanders a senior at South Garner High School, where she participated in Cheerleading. She was the Greater Neisse River Conference Cheerleader of the Year and RDC Friday Night Light Athlete of the Week. She has given back to her community by volunteering at the Raleigh Rescue Mission, donating bikes to elementary students, participating in Titan Community 5K, and assisting with the Garner shopping spree booth. In the fall, Mya plans to attend Spelman College where she plans to study Psychology and pursue a nursing program in order to become an oncologist.
Honestee Williams is a senior at Lakewood High School, where she participated in basketball. She is a member of Future Business Leaders of America and was crowned homecoming queen during her junior year. Honestee’s goal is to major in social work.
Kleiauna Riddick is a senior at Mount Tabor High School, where she participated in basketball. She is a member of Get in the Game and Theatre clubs, and she serves as the videographer and photographer for the Mount Tabor High School football team. Kleiauna’s goal is to attend college and major in cybersecurity with a minor in film.
The two recipients of the State-wide Awards are Charles Matheka from East Carteret and Jessica Beasley from West Stokes.
