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.

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A blood drive in memory of Chaise Williams was held Thursday, July 31, at Boyd & Royster Funeral Services in Warrenton. The event, which ran from 10am and ended slightly after 3pm, brought out more than 20 participants who donated blood in honor of his life and legacy.

Known for his kind spirit and active involvement at New Bethel Baptist Church of Macon, Chaise was also a proud 2005 graduate of Warren County High School, where he marched with the Dynamic Marching Machine.

After graduating, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from East Carolina University in 2009.

Chaise Williams, the beloved son of Charles and Loria Williams, passed away in 2011 at the age of 23.

The blood drive served as a heartfelt reminder of the lasting impact Chaise made on those who knew and loved him, and as a means to save the lives of others.

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Shirlecia Hunt brought together families, friends, and community members eager to celebrate her first book signing on Saturday, July 26th, at the Warren County Memorial Library.

Attendees had the chance to purchase signed copies of her books, From A to Z: You’re Everything You Need to Be and Game On! A Sports Coloring Book for Children, take photos, and hear firsthand about her creative journey.

During her presentation, the Warren Early College High School and East Carolina University graduate noted that she used AI services, ChatGPT to motivate her moves to becoming an author and used Canva and DALL-E for her designs and illustrations. Hunt also shared that she is deeply inspired by her three children, who motivate her to create work that uplifts and empowers young readers. “Every child deserves to feel seen, empowered, and worthy,” she said during her talk.

Through the rebranding of her company, The Lecia Lane, a creative hub, the Henderson Collegiate second-grade teacher is eager to continue publishing children’s books, designing educational coloring and activity books, offering literary enrichment and tutoring, and creating handmade jewelry.

Both books are now available for purchase online.

From A to Z: You’re Everything You Need to Be
This inspirational alphabet picture book from A to Z encourages young readers to believe in themselves and to live a life full of positivity and self-confidence. Keep turning the pages to find out all the amazing things you can be! Available Now on Amazon

Game On! A Sports Coloring Book for Children
“Game On!” is a fun and empowering sports coloring book designed especially for African American children. This book celebrates representation in sports by showing kids confidently playing a wide range of sports. Kids are featured playing basketball, volleyball, golf, football, and more. Each page inspires kids to be creative and helps build self-confidence while encouraging children to imagine themselves as champions in every sport. Available Now on Amazon

For more information about Shirlecia Hunt and her next step, follow her at The Lecia Lane on Facebook.

Photos: Crystal Myrick/Warrenist

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Chandler Kearsey, a recent graduate of Warren Early College High School (WECHS), has been named the recipient of the first Quincy Markel Mills Scholarship, one that will help her pursue higher education at East Carolina University (ECU). Kearsey was awarded $750, which she will use to support her studies as she embarks on her journey toward a degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resources.

Following in the footsteps of her father, Kearsey has set her sights on a career in Human Resources and wants to work with a Fortune 500 company. She stated she chose ECU for its diverse campus and the range of opportunities that align with her career aspirations.

The Quincy Mills 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.” 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. The initial scholarship amount was set to be $500 until local Warren County group, The Brotherhood contributed an additional $250, making it a total of $750.

Copeland stated the scholarship was established to keep his memory alive and support students in their pursuit of higher education. The scholarship committee, composed of Larry Jones, Jr. and Shrounda Douglas-Riddick selected Kearsey based on being thorough in her application, and also her academic achievements, community involvement, and clear vision for her future.

WECHS principal, Shena Judkins described Kearsey as an “amazing student with a heart for people.”

Kearsey’s ambition, coupled with the support of the Quincy Mills Scholarship, places her on a promising path toward achieving her dreams. As she prepares to start her freshman year at ECU, Kearsey is eager to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.

To read more about Quincy Mills, read this RRDailyHerald.com article.

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