Special to Iredell Free News

Three local students were awarded $1,500 college scholarships by the Statesville Branch NAACP during the 90th Anniversary Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet at the Statesville Civic Center.

The scholarships were presented to Tayshon Harris, Me’Cala Holland and Davin Clarke.

Scholarship Recipients

Tayshon Harris graduated from South Iredell High School on May 25. His parents are Crystal Harris and the late Stacey Harris. He graudated with a 4.16 gpa and plans to attend N.C. State University. Activities and honors include: Honor Roll, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Crosby Scholar, Track and Football, National Technical Honor Society, and ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Gold-Level Certificate. He is a member of First Greater Living Missionary Baptist Church, works with young kids to build Lego inventions and has a popular Lego Channel on Youtube. His plans to become an architect and open his own architecture firm.

Me’Cala Holland graduated from Statesville High School on May 25. Her parents are Leonard and Tiffany Holland. She graduated with 3.8 gpa and planned to attend Appalachian State University, but on the night of the Statesville Branch NAACP banquet, she accepted the president of Livingstone College’s offer of a full scholarship to Livingstone. Activities and honors include: Ranks #12 in her Graduating Class, Beta Club, Softball, Gear Up, Truth Girlz, National Technical Honor Society. She plans to pursue a degree in music therapy with a minor in education. Her goal is to help improve young people cope with trauma, anxiety, and stress, and build communication and social skills. She wants to give back to the community and help people with autism, dementia, veterans, and help others heal through music.

Davin Clarke graduated from Statesville High School on May 25. He is the son of Tenika Watts. He graduated with 3.74 gpa and will attend NC A&T State University. Activities and honors include: Beta Club, Crosby Scholars, Track, Football, Honors Society Top 10%, Honor Roll, Top 10% of the class, Honor Society, and Crosby Scholars. He has his on clothing brand “Humble hope,” which he started to bring a positive message to his city where sometimes bad things happen. He hopes to pursue a career in marketing and working to improve the community, local businesses, and nonprofits. After college, he plans to return to Statesville to impact the community where he grew up.

Their parents of the scholarship recipients all expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the generous scholarship offer made by Livingstone College President Dr. Anthony Davis.