Roanoke Rapids High School held its annual Senior Awards Assembly on Friday, May 30th. This ceremony is held each year in honor and recognition of the achievements that the Senior Class has made. The future plans of each graduating senior are read aloud, followed by the presentation of several scholarships from local community organizations. This year, the RRHS Class of 2025 was offered $8,247,814 in scholarships!
The following Community and Local Scholarships were presented during the assembly:
SECU People Helping People Scholarship – Jillian Ott
This $10,000 scholarship, funded by the State Employees' Credit Union Foundation, supports North Carolina public high school seniors attending UNC System universities. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, character, and community involvement.
Lucy Pierce-Spruill Scholarship – Natalie Baker
Named in memory of Lucy Pierce-Spruill, a 1988 RRHS graduate and NC State alumna who was active in agriculture and community service. The scholarship was created by the Class of 1988 to honor her legacy of academic excellence and civic engagement.
Annie Shell Faison Nursing Scholarship – Casey Neal
Established by Cecil and Becky Faison in honor of Annie Shell Faison, a registered nurse and health occupations educator. The scholarship supports students pursuing nursing careers, reflecting her dedication to healthcare and education.
Margo Allen Next Step Scholarship – Katie May
Created in memory of former teacher Margo Allen, this scholarship assists students in taking the next step toward higher education, honoring her commitment to student development.
Ryan Barrett Memorial Scholarship – Connor Williams
Established in memory of 2014 RRHS graduate Ryan Barrett, this $5,000 scholarship is awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate a desire to help others and pursue further education or a trade in the service field .
First Presbyterian Church Scholarship – CharlesAnna Jenkins and Courtney King
Awarded by First Presbyterian Church of Roanoke Rapids, this scholarship supports graduating seniors who are active in assisting the church and planning to pursue higher education.
Carleen Goodwin Scholarship – Maecy Garriss
Named after longtime RRHS teacher and softball coach Carleen Goodwin, this scholarship is awarded to a senior Lady Jackets softball player, recognizing athletic and academic excellence.
CL Kelly Scholarship – Presented to Jeremy Dimaangay, Jacob Lyles, Briana Mabrey, Mario Moody, Logan Neathery, Jillian Ott, Ki’Asia Rawls, Blaine Warren, Connor Williams, and Ryland Yeatts.
The C.L. Kelly Scholarship, named in honor of a beloved champion for youth and education, is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to success.
Joyce Lewis Crane Scholarship – Emma Snead
The Joyce Lewis Crane Scholarship was set up to provide money to a high school student who would attend college. The ideal winner is a student who demonstrated school spirit and is a Yellow Jacket for life.
Seniors received honor cords for the following clubs, organizations, and achievements: 4-H, Eagle Scout, Governor’s School, Hunter Safety Skills Team, Margo Allen, Red Cross, Skills USA, Microsoft Office Word and Powerpoint, DECA, Emergency Medical Technician, National Honors Society, Key Club, Student Council, Spanish National Honor Society, National Art Honors Society, Yearbook, Dramatic Arts, Tri-M
Military Officers Association of America JROTC Award - Dakota Stansbury
This award is given to the cadet for demonstrating outstanding citizenship, personal responsibility and service to the community and country as a member of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Superior Cadet of the Year - Cadet Command Sergeant Major Yaqub Tawfiq
The department of the Army Citation for the Superior Cadet of the year. This award is given by the direction of the Secretary of the Army to the most outstanding cadet in the class for the academic year 2024-2025.
Marine Corps Awards were given out in the following categories:
Semper Fi Musician Award- Sage Klotz and Jordan McCain
Marine Corps Outstanding Athlete Award - Jackson Midgette and Shandi Byrum
Woodman of the World American History Award
Sponsored by the Woodmen of the World, this award is given to the senior who maintained high academic excellence, displayed a positive attitude, and contributed regularly to a positive learning atmosphere in the classroom in the Social Studies area during the four years at RRHS. This year's recipient is Reagan Taylor.
Philip Farrell Memorial Award
The Philip Farrell Memorial Award is given by the Art Department in memory of Phillip Farrell to the senior who exhibits outstanding promise in the field of art. This year’s recipient is Marissa Swindells.
Arion Music Award - Leland Benjamin
National Choral Award - Lydia Carrol & Courtney King
Senior Drama Award - Lydia Carrol
Fred Waring Choral Award- CharlesAnna Jenkins
English Achievement Award
The Expository Writing Award is given annually to the student who in the estimation of the English Department exhibits the ability to write in a variety of analytical forms. The winner this year is Rosa Carreno Ortuno.
William P. Branch Academic Athletic Award
The William P. Branch Academic Athletic Award is given by the school in memory of the late principal of RRHS. It is awarded to senior athletes who participated in 3 or more sports during their senior year and maintained a 3.75 (88) GPA or better average for their 4 years of high school. The recipients this year are Kara Baird, Landen Briggs, Molly Coggins, Collin Elias, Savannah Medlin, Casey Neal, Jillian Ott, Avery Qualls, and JC Skinner.
Math Achievement Award
The Rotary Math Achievement Award is given to the senior with the highest average in four years of math. The recipient is Casey Neal.
Science Achievement Award
The Science Award is given by the Science Department each year in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and superior intellectual promise in the field of science. This year’s recipients are Logan Neathery and Maecy Garriss.
Rightmyer Award
The Rightmyer Award is given by the family of Frank M. Rightmyer III, Class of 1966 to the senior male with the highest scholastic average in grades 9-12. This year’s recipient is Landen Briggs.
Class of 2025 Salutatorian Award
The Salutatorian Award is given to the member of the senior class that has the second highest GPA for grades 9-12. This year, the Class of 2025 has two Salutatorians. The recipients of the Salutatorian Award are Casey Neal and Avery Qualls.
Class of 1929 Academic Award and Valedictorian
This award is given by the Class of 1929 to the senior female who has achieved the highest scholastic average in grades 9-12. This year's recipient is also the Class of 2025 Valedictorian. This year’s recipient of the Class of 1929 Academic Award and the Valedictorian Award is Jillian Ott.
Roanoke Rapids High School Service Award
The Roanoke Rapids High School Service Award is given to the senior who has rendered outstanding service during high school. It is given in recognition of exceptional ability, interest, dependability, and initiative toward serving the entire school program in various capacities. This year, the faculty has chosen to give the Service Award to Emma Snead.
Roanoke Rapids High School Citizenship Award
The Roanoke Rapids High School Citizenship Award is given to the senior who in the judgment of the faculty has shown the most outstanding qualities of citizenship during high school. It is given in recognition of character, dependability, potential leadership, and commendable attitude towards school. This year, the faculty has chosen to give the Citizenship Award to Jillian Ott.
Roanoke Rapids High School Best All-Around Award
The Roanoke Rapids High School Best All-Around Award is given to the senior judged by the faculty as having been the most outstanding all-around student in not just one area, but in several areas. This student must have shown admirable qualities in the following areas: Scholarship, citizenship, versatility, leadership, and participation in school activities. This year, the faculty has chosen to give the Best All-Around Award to Lydia Carroll.