Thursday, March 22, 2012 12:00 AM | Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend | Comments

The Dunbar School Alumni Association Inc. recently awarded $4,000 in Heritage Scholarships to nine descendants of former students, teachers or administrators of Dunbar School.

Selection criteria include academic performance, school and community involvement, volunteer service and financial need. Approval requires proof that a relative is a current financial member of the association.

First time recipients are Devan Corpening, Gioia Hackett, Kristen Johnson and Vanessa Smith.

Devan Corpening is the daughter of Dock and Martina Corpening and the granddaughter of Dunbar School graduate Kathleen Corpening. An honor graduate of East Rowan High School, Devan Corpening is a freshman at Winston-Salem State University where she is pursuing a degree in biology. Her future plans include seeking a medical degree focusing on pediatric care.

Gioia Hackett is the granddaughter of Dunbar School graduate Olean Massey Hall and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Hackett Jr. The Charlotte native is a junior at East Carolina University where she is studying graphic design and photography. Gioia Hackett said that her participation in ECUs competitive School of Art and Design has taught her the importance of time management. Her future plans include working on a national campaign to promote wellness.

Kristen Johnson has a history of service and participation in her school, church and community. An honor graduate of Panther Creek High School in Cary, Johnson is a freshman at N.C. A&T State University where she plans to major in political science and biology. Her future plans include becoming an attorney who specializes in green energy or green tech. Johnson is the daughter of Dr. Earl and Ophelia Johnson and the granddaughter of alumni president Benjamin Davis and Suzette Davis.

Vanessa Smith is a student at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Conn., where she is pursuing a degree in psychology. Smith feels that a degree in psychology will enable her to effectively serve as a therapist to children and single mothers struggling with raising their children and building a stable foundation in which to live along with others and feel complete. She is the daughter of Dunbar School graduate and alumni member Jackie White Smith.

Four recipients received the scholarship for the second time: Lathan Charleston, Tony Hillian, Allison Parker and Kara Walker.

Lathan Charleston is a junior criminal justice major at North Carolina Central University. His future plans include pursuing a career in law enforcement at the local, state and possibly national levels. He hopes his professional skills and training will enable him to build programs designed to engage youth in wholesome activities that will keep them off the streets. Charleston is the son of Angy and Josiah Charleston Jr. and the grandson of alumni members Ford and Patricia Sifford.

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Dunbar Alumni Scholarships awarded