Education
Quincy Markel Mills Scholarship Honors Local Students
Shamira Cherry and Raleigh Pierce are this year’s recipients of the Quincy Mills scholarship.
Two local students are starting their college journeys with an extra boost, thanks to the Quincy Markel Mills Scholarship. After reviewing applications from 14 eligible students, the scholarship committee selected Shamira Cherry and Raleigh Pierce as this year’s recipients.
Established to honor the life and legacy of Quincy Markel Mills, now in its second year, the scholarship has grown from offering a single award to two $750 scholarships.
2025 QUINCY MARKEL MILLS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Shamira Cherry, a graduate of Nash Central High School, built an impressive record of involvement during her time in school. She was an active member of the Student Government Association, the Communities in Schools program, the National Honor Society, and also cheered on the sidelines as a member of the cheerleading team.
This fall, Shamira will attend East Carolina University, where she plans to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatrician. She said she chose ECU after feeling an instant connection to the campus community during a campus tour. To rising seniors, she offers this advice: “Make sure you stay motivated. Invest in your future.”
Raleigh Pierce, a graduate of Warren Early College High School, has already spent years giving back to his community as a volunteer firefighter since the age of 16. This fall, he will head to Campbell University to major in Mechanical Engineering.
Raleigh said he was drawn to Campbell because of its architecture, atmosphere, and smaller class sizes, which made him feel at home right away. Looking ahead, he aspires to one day own his own business while continuing to serve his Warren County community. His advice for younger students is heartfelt and practical: “Don’t be afraid to branch out, be yourself, and put yourself out there,” and “If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask.”
Scholarship committee members noted that both students embodied “a strong commitment to their community and a desire to give back,” qualities that reflect Quincy Mills’ enduring legacy.
The scholarship is named in honor of Quincy Mills, a 19-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in 2023. His father, Walter Mills described his son as “a good kid with a big, bright smile and everybody loved him.” At this time, the case is still ongoing.
Eric Copeland, a friend of the family initiated the idea to start a scholarship in Mills’s name, and received the approval from Walter. With the help of Eric’s wife, Jackie, they were able to implement it.
Copeland stated the scholarship was established to keep his memory alive and support students in their pursuit of higher education.
The scholarship is open to all high school seniors in Warren, Nash, and Halifax counties.
This year’s committee consist of Larry Jones, Jr., Marcus Kearsey, and Shrounda Douglas-Riddick.
As the scholarship grows, the organizers hope to continue investing in our youth by helping them chase their dreams.
