Congratulations Scholars!

Damar Nesmith is an ambitious North Carolina A&T State University sophomore. He will be continuing his academic journey as a dedicated Biomedical Engineering major. His focus of studies is assisting and developing cutting-edge medical technologies. He is currently on the Chancellor’s List as well as a member of both the National Society of Leadership and Success and the National Society of Black Engineers. He also contributes to campus community through the involvement with the Men on the Move Club. 

Kristin Robbins is an upcoming junior majoring in Landscape Architecture at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She is passionate about designing sustainable and functional spaces that positively impact the communities they serve. Through her academic experiences, she has developed skills in landscape design, site analysis, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite while continuing to grow as a future professional. Receiving this scholarship helps her continue pursuing her educational and career goals by allowing her to focus on her studies and professional development. She is grateful to receive this scholarship, and the support it provides motivates her to continue working toward a successful career in landscape architecture. 

 Sa’Nai Lewis-DeWalt, is the Salutatorian and a graduate of Seventy-First High School for the class of 2026, where she also earned an associate in arts degree through dual enrollment while developing a passion for social work and juvenile advocacy. Throughout high school, she served as Student Body President, participated in Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Student-to-Student, Restorative Justice Circle, and community organizations including The Two Six Project, ROOTS Mentoring, and Delta Gems, where she mentored youth and advocated for positive change. As captain of her school's varsity Stomp and Shake cheer team, she strengthened her leadership, resilience, and teamwork while balancing rigorous academics with extracurricular involvement. These experiences solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in social work and juvenile defense, where she hopes to provide guidance, advocacy, and second chances to young people.

 Zaria Blue-Hardy is a senior at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, pursuing a B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Journalism and Mass Communication. She was recognized as the English Department's Undergraduate Student of the Year for 2024–2025 and currently works in the Office of Alumni Relations, where she supports communications and research for university events. A writer at heart, Zaria has built a portfolio of literary analysis, poetry, and creative work, and co-founded NC A&T's Creative Writers' Club to give other emerging student voices a platform. She is working toward a career in editorial and communications work, driven by a belief in the power of independent storytelling to inform and empower communities. Zaria is honored to receive the James Henry & Vernell Currie Thomas Scholarship and grateful for the support it provides as she pursues her calling to write and serve with integrity.