A son of Warren County is receiving national recognition for a lifetime of excellence, leadership, and service.

Marcus Kearsey, a native of Hollister in the Warren-Halifax area, was recently honored with the Bolden Icon Award, the highest distinction presented during the Bolden Awards 2.0: Home Away From Home in Atlanta, Georgia on May 23rd.

The award recognizes individuals whose impact extends beyond professional accomplishments to include meaningful contributions in service, faith, leadership, and purpose. For Kearsey, the honor reflects a remarkable career spanning more than three decades.

During the ceremony, Kearsey not only accepted the prestigious award but also delivered a performance that highlighted the talent and artistry that have defined his career. Throughout the years, he has built an impressive reputation as a dancer, choreographer, model, and actor, earning respect both within the entertainment industry and among the communities he serves.

The Bolden Icon Award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence while inspiring others through their work and personal commitment to uplifting those around them. For Kearsey, the recognition serves as a testament to years of dedication, perseverance, and passion.

A proud graduate of Warren County High School’s Class of 2001, Kearsey remains deeply connected to his roots. He is the son of Cecelia Kearsey and the late Charles Kearsey of Hollister.

His journey from rural northeastern North Carolina to national stages and recognition is a reminder that talent, hard work, and purpose can open doors far beyond county lines while still keeping home close to heart.

As Warren County continues to celebrate the accomplishments of its native sons and daughters, Marcus Kearsey’s latest honor stands as another example of the excellence emerging from our communities.

Congratulations to Marcus Kearsey on this well-deserved recognition and for representing Warren County with distinction wherever his journey takes him!

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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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