Iredell Free News
Circle of Giving awards scholarships to recent high school graduates
Special to IFN
Eight recent high school graduates were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship during the May meeting of the Circle of Giving organization (COG).
During the meeting at First Baptist Church of Statesville, graduates were highlighted for their academic achievements, recommendations, and noteworthy writing skills.
♦ Kinley Pennell, North Iredell High School, accepted to Liberty University;
♦ Trinity Webb, Mallard Creek High School, accepted to N.C. A&T State University;
♦ Sydney Gentry, Mooresville High School, accepted to UNC Charlotte;
♦ Mackenzie Knowles, Mooresville High School, accepted to Western Carolina University;
♦ Sadie Intihar, Mooresville High School, accepted to UNC Chapel Hill;
♦ Shania Adams, Mooresville High School, accepted to UNC Greensboro;
♦ Kennedy Hoskins, Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies, accepted to East Carolina University; and
♦ Anceli Luzan Torres, Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies, accepted to UNC Chapel Hill.
In its 10th year of awarding scholarships, the Circle of Giving Scholarship Foundation has conferred $75,000 to graduates. Initially, the Foundation awarded to high school seniors during the spring. Due to generous donations and community support of COG fundraisers, $500 stipends have been granted to qualifying, previous COG scholarship recipients each fall in their second through fourth years of undergraduate studies.
The Circle of Giving is a social network of women in Statesville and surrounding areas. The nonprofit organization began with 10 ladies and has now grown to 100 members. The nonprofit was started exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purpose.
The organization strives to make a difference in the community and the lives of families and individuals that are experiencing a hardship. Members are not limited to Statesville as some members reside in different states and cities.
The Circle of Giving was founded in 2010 by Synetta Raye. A Statesville native, she started the organization with her vision catching on and growing rapidly. As a mother, grandmother, business woman, and entrepreneur, she sees the need in the community first hand.
“The idea just came to me with the spirit of giving,” said Raye.
The mission of the Circle of Giving is to bring value and restoration to families and individuals suffering from any hardship through the gift of giving.
“Our spring goal is to help equip graduates during the costly preparatory phase of their upcoming first semesters. Therefore, scholarship gifts are awarded to the graduates as opposed to the institution,” said long-time COG member Debra Turner Bailey.
COG supports its mission via two major fundraisers.
A biannual Gala held in December is a highly anticipated evening of glamour and glitz. This year 100 percent of Gala proceeds will benefit the scholarship foundation.
The annual COG Gospel’s Finest Singing Competition fundraiser also supports the foundation.
“Like prior years, the 2025 competition was nothing short of spectacular. This all-star event had the crowd on their feet and the judges in awe,” organizer Felina Harris said. “Each of the six talented singers delivered outstanding performances, leaving no one disappointed. The energy was high, and the audience of over three hundred attendees brought great enthusiasm and support. Vendors appreciated the remarkable turnout and the generosity of the crowd, who eagerly supported their booths. Most importantly, The Circle of Giving organization is thrilled with the proceeds from the event, which will go toward assisting several high school seniors on their journeys to college.”
COG scholarship applicants possess a 3.0 or greater GPA. All submit proof of acceptance to a community college or university and have the backing of an adult who provided glowing recommendations. Two essays were required.
“As we are an organization focused on giving, applicants wrote about a time during high school where they identified a need and gave or sacrificed of themselves to intervene,” Wanda Rushton, scholarship committee lead, explained. “The essays were powerful and enlightening. Their situations involved helping family or friends and others new acquaintances. An important aspect of the essay is what the graduates learned about themselves during the process. Our hope is that all applicants profited from their gifts of giving and maintain a spirit of giving in their future endeavors.”
LEARN MORE
Anyone interested in joining COG is asked to call 704-500-3013 or write Circle of Giving Inc., 1927 Huskins Street, Statesville, NC 28625. Email circleofgiving10@yahoo.com. COG’s website is www.circleofgiving10.com.
© Iredell Free News
