Alex Highsmith Family Foundation Scholarship

$36,000 Awarded to the 2026 Scholarship Winners

Meet the exceptional students whose hard work, character, and determination earned them this year's Alex Highsmith Family Foundation Scholarships.

Check out the 2026 scholarship winners!

Check out the 2026 scholarship winners! -

SCHOOL
UNC at Chapel Hill
CAREER GOAL
Business Administration

CASSIDY FISHER

“It has always been my dream to attend college. I've wanted it since I was little, and I'm so proud to say that I've finally done it.”

“Dance has given me everything. Athletes and dancers are the same. We share the same struggles, the same drive to compete and do well."

Cassidy graduated from John T. Hoggard High School with a 4.0 GPA in the IB Diploma Programme. She served as President of the National Beta Club, captain of her varsity dance team, and founder of Bust A Groove, a dance class connecting seniors at a local assisted living community through movement and joy.

This year, Cassidy pushed through a concussion without losing her drive, leaning on faith and discipline to finish strong. A first-generation college student, she's headed to UNC Chapel Hill to study business with a minor in musical theater, carrying her passion for leadership and performance into a new chapter.

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SCHOOL
NC State University
CAREER GOAL
Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Elijah Ellis

“Football taught me what good character, compassion, and brotherhood really mean.”

"Track is a sport you play against yourself. It's a fight against your own mind. That's where persistence and hard work show through."

Elijah graduated from John T. Hoggard High School with a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning AP Scholar with Honor and ACT WorkKeys Platinum. He served as a two-year captain of track and field and played varsity football, while also leading his church's high school ministry and driving younger neighborhood kids to school.

A herniated disc and broken collarbone could have ended his senior season. Instead, Elijah kept showing up and returned to compete. That same grit carried him through applying to NC State's competitive Industrial Design program.

This fall, Elijah heads to NC State to study Industrial Design, carrying the faith that got him there.

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SCHOOL
UNC at Chapel Hill
CAREER GOAL
Business/Economics

Jake Barrow

“This scholarship would help me graduate debt-free and start building the future I've worked toward."

“Leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes, but about controlling response.”

Jake Barrow is a graduate of John T. Hoggard High School in Wilmington, North Carolina, and will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study Business and Economics. A 4.0 student and two-year captain of the varsity tennis team, Jake excelled both academically and athletically while serving in organizations including National Honor Society, Beta Club, Student Council, Eco Club, and the Youth Climate Action Coalition. Beyond the classroom, he founded Evergreen E-Cycling, coordinated food drives with Nourish NC, coached youth sports, and volunteered with several environmental organizations.

Jake's resilience was tested when he broke his dominant wrist just before tennis tryouts. Rather than giving up, he taught himself to play left-handed, ultimately earning a spot on the varsity team. That experience strengthened his perseverance, leadership, and determination to overcome challenges. Combined with the responsibility he has embraced growing up in a single-parent household, Jake has developed a strong work ethic and commitment to creating opportunities for himself and serving others.

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SCHOOL
UNC at Chapel Hill
CAREER GOAL
English on a Pre-Law Track

Mary Paige Mott

“No matter how far he's gone in his career, Alex Highsmith always comes back to serve—and I hope to do the same.”

“Service is the best way to be a leader. Understanding the needs of others before your own can be a transformative experience."

Mary graduated from Eugene Ashley High School with a 4.0 GPA, serving as Student Body President, Yearbook Editor-in-Chief, Cheerleading Captain, and Beta Club President. She learned to lead through uncertainty, navigating coaching transitions and advocating for classmates when student programs were at risk.

Her heart for service shows up off campus too, through Special Olympics, Vacation Bible School, and the Azalea Festival. She also represented her school at Girls State, deepening her understanding of civic leadership.

This fall, Mary heads to UNC Chapel Hill to study English on a pre-law track, ready to keep using her voice for others.

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SCHOOL
University of South Carolina
CAREER GOAL
Public Health/Pre-Med

Sarah Brannin

“I would not be the person I am today without the coaches, mentors, peers, and family who helped me grow in my relationship with Christ."

"The best gift you can give another is your time, your compassion, and your patience.”

Sarah Brannin graduated from Eugene Ashley High School with a 4.0 GPA as a three-sport varsity athlete in soccer, volleyball, and flag football, captaining all three. She earned All-Conference honors in each sport, plus All-Region and All-State in soccer, and helped bring home a Flag Football State Championship.

Off the field, Sarah served as Student Body Secretary, WINGS Club President, and a Special Olympics volunteer. Early mornings and long seasons taught her perseverance and teamwork, and her faith kept her grounded.

This fall, Sarah heads to the University of South Carolina to study Public Health on a pre-med track, working toward a future caring for others as a physician.

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SCHOOL
UNC at Chapel Hill
CAREER GOAL
Psychology/Pre-Dental Track

Valeria Colon

Valeria Colon graduated from John T. Hoggard High School with a 3.96 GPA, serving as Student Body President and earning recognition as a North Carolina Governor's School Alumna and Order of the Viking inductee. She was also crowned Homecoming Queen her senior year.

Valeria once hesitated to stand out because of how visible she felt as one of few Black students in her school. Leading the Surf Rider Club, Pickleball Club, and dancing on her school's team taught her that confidence means showing up anyway, and that everyone deserves to feel seen.

This fall, Valeria heads to UNC Chapel Hill to study Psychology on a pre-dental track, working toward becoming the first doctor in her family.

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“Everyone has a voice, and each one is worth listening to."

The Alex Highsmith Family Foundation is committed to creating opportunities for youth to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education — especially those who lead with integrity, character, and community impact.