If you were anywhere near downtown Warrenton on Saturday, August 30, you probably heard the music, smelled the food, or saw South Bragg Street glowing with string lights and conversation. That’s because more than 80 guests gathered for the 4th annual Dinner Off Main hosted by BriCie Events owner, Patricia Jones Crosson.

But, this was no ordinary dinner.

Picture this: a perfect summer evening, round tables with exquisite placements stretching across the street, family and friends sharing stories and laughs. Guests even came in from as far as the DMV, Charlotte, and Raleigh to join in on the celebration.

DJ TKO from Wake County dropped a playlist that kept attendees pulling out their line dance moves all night. A new addition to the party was the Dinner Off Main Lounge, a chill spot for guests to enjoy cigars and hookah.

The event caterer, Pleasurable Plates served up a tantalizing menu featuring baked chicken, meatballs, spinach dip, and more, that left guests with the full package: good vibes, full plates, and even fuller hearts.

The real centerpiece of the evening, though, wasn’t the food or the music.

It was the moment three local students were awarded the Virginia Levister Educational Scholarship, honoring the late John Graham High employee’s commitment to education and opportunity.

Honorees Tranique Kearney has made her presence known at UNC-Charlotte and Raleigh Pierce has began his educational journey at Campbell University. Demontay Hawkins was unable to attend, but his proud parents accepted the award on behalf of the Keystone College freshman.

As their names were called, applause echoed through Bragg Street, proof that the community will lift each other higher, especially for our youth.

When the scholars initially applied for the scholarship, they were told the potential award would be $750. Because of the overwhelming generosity from those who understand the strain of college tuition and expenses, the amount was increased to $800 for each student.

The evening came to an end in its traditional form. The event volunteers handed out sparklers to light up the night sky. This year, they added white hankerchiefs, turning Bragg Street into New Orleans.

And none of this magic would’ve been possible without the sponsors who had the community’s back: BriCie Events, URBAN 360, Bythe & Company, WRTN, and Bragging Rooster, which kept the party festive with fruity cocktails as the drink sponsor.

Now in its fourth year, Dinner Off Main has grown into Warrenton’s can’t-miss summer experience, one overflowing with elegance, togetherness, and a reason to raise a glass to our community’s future.

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Two scholars are starting their next chapter with a little extra support, thanks to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Rho Tau Omega Chapter.

Tranique Kearney and Raleigh Pierce were named this year’s recipients of the chapter’s annual scholarship, which honors the legacy of the Honorable Eva M. Clayton, a beloved soror and the first African American woman to represent North Carolina in Congress.

Kearney will be majoring in pre-nursing at UNC-Charlotte, which Pierce has set his sights on Campbell University, where he will major in mechanical engineering.

Each student received $1,000 to help further their education.

The scholarship is one of several service projects made possible through the chapter’s foundation, Scholarships and Service Projects, led by president Margaret Bullock.

Clayton, Bullock, and Rho Tau Omega chapter president Magnolia Clanton were present to congratulate the recipients and offer words of encouragement.

Photo Credit: Crystal Myrick/Warrenist

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Tranique Kearney received some exciting news to kick off her next chapter: she’s the latest recipient of the Louise Spruill Scholarship.

The $500 award comes just in time as Kearney embarks on her freshman year at UNC-Charlotte, where she’ll study pre-nursing to become a nurse anesthesiologist.

The scholarship honors the late Louise Spruill, one of the founding members of the Heritage Quilters, and is made possible through donations and the organization’s fundraising efforts. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a student who shows promise, dedication, and drive—qualities Kearney embodies in full.

Scholarship committee chair Margaret Bullock and Earlean Henderson, treasurer of the Heritage Quilters Giving Circle, were on hand to present the Henderson Collegiate graduate with the check, a moment filled with smiles, pride, and plenty of encouragement.

For Kearney, the award is a stepping stone toward a future healthcare career. However, for the community, it is a reminder of the power of investing in young people and the dreams they carry forward.

We wish Tranique all the best!

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Tranique C. Kearney, Raleigh Pierce, and Demontay Hawkins have been named recipients of the Virginia Levister Educational Scholarship and will be honored during the 4th Annual Dinner Off Main this Saturday, August 30, on Bragg Street in Warrenton.

Hosted by BriCie Events, the celebration begins at 5 pm and promises an evening of food, fellowship, and recognition of young scholars making strides toward their future. Tickets are currently on sale at Bragging Rooster.

The Virginia Levister Educational Scholarship, created to support local students in their pursuit of higher education, continues to uplift young leaders from Warren County. This year’s honorees represent dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.

Patricia Jones Crosson, owner of BriCie Events, shared her excitement about celebrating the scholarship recipients:

“Your hard work and determination have earned you this well-deserved recognition. We are honored to support your journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of you!”

In recent years, Dinner Off Main has become a beloved community tradition, not only as a gathering of neighbors and supporters but also as a platform to spotlight the bright futures of local students. Attendees can look forward to enjoying a night of food, community spirit, and celebration of educational achievement.

For additional event information: 4th Annual Dinner Off Main.

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