Kiauna Benniefield - 2022
Is attending UNC Charlotte.
Cayden Coggins - 2022
Transferring to UNC Charlotte.
Gracie Milner - 2021
Gracie Milner is attending NC Chapel Hill.
David Oriheula-Rio - 2021
Transferring to East Tennessee State University.
Jack Carr - 2020
Jack Carr is attending The University of Vermont in Burlington, VT.
Angel Castillo - 2020
Angel Castillo is attending Blue Ridge Community College.
Sidney Brown - 2019
Graduated with Honors from Bethune Cookman University.
Nick Hart - 2018
Nick Hart is currently attending the University of Arizona in Tucson, majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Emily Johnson - 2017
Emily Johnson graduated from North Carolina State University majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She is currently working in marketing SAS, Analytic Software & Solutions, a tech company based in Cary, NC.
Tameron Hill - 2016
Is a Honor Graduate Of UNC Chapel Hill where she received a B.A. in Exercise and Sports Science. Currently attending Winston-Salem State University to become a Doctor Of Physical Therapy.
Hunter Warwick- 2015
“One of the proudest moments of my life was when I heard my name called to be the 2015 recipient of the Connie and Ricky Sparks Memorial Scholarship. This award not only gives me a boost in confidence in myself as I move forward into college, but is also a huge financial help help as I further my education. It is inspiring to me that out of such tragedy can come a blessing to many people before me, and many people after. I am honored to be a member of the Sparks scholarship family, and hope that one day I'll have the opportunity to pay it forward and make the same type of difference in someone else's life”.
Hunter is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a degree in Hospitality & Tourism management. She is currently traveling the US and is taking online courses to enable her to teach English as a Second Language to students while exploring the states.
Cavon Scott- 2014
"The Sparks scholarship has helped me tremendously! In more ways than one can possibly think of. Not only am I the second recipient in my family, but I am also a proud graduate striving likewise to further my education. Financially this scholarship has worked wonders in paying off a third of my tuition. It is an honor, more than a privilege, and that of a blessing to be the 2014 Sparks scholarship recipient. Truly a life changing event, as well as a moment in history I will cherish forever and always."
Cavon has transitioned in course studies and is currently enrolled at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College with a focus on education and coaching.
Keren Fernandez - 2013
Keren Fernandez-Gonzalez is a graduate of Western Carolina University where she was in the RIBN joint program with BRCC and WCU. She is currently working in healthcare services. Keren is a proud mama of a beautiful baby boy.
Shayna Scott- 2012
"The scholarship has truly been a blessing in my life. It has helped provide money for my collegiate education that my parents did not have and I would not have received from elsewhere. Most important it has provided a life long relationship with the Sparks family. Their support and words of encouragement are always available and much appreciated."
Brayan Aguirre- 2011
“It has been a long road of ups and downs to be where I am today. I thank God I have been blessed with people that have been put in my path to help me with studies and other needs. Thank you for all your support.”
Brayan Aguirre graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College with an Associate’s degree. He has worked his way up to be a personal banker at First Citizens Bank. He coached Highland Football Club (HFC) U16 and U18 boys since 2018. He was an assistant football coach for HHS in the fall of 2019.
Kat Chisholm - 2010
Kat (Kilpatrick) Chisholm is a 2014 graduate of Wofford College with a Bachelor of Arts in French and a minor in Finance. After teaching Special Ed at HHS, she is now the Assistant Principle at Hendersonville Middle School. She and husband Sam have 2 little boys.
Christi (DeRidder) Jones - 2009
2009 Christi (DeRidder) Jones is a 2013 graduate of Gardner Webb University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has been a R.N. in the health field since graduation.
Jon Wilkins - 2008
Jon Wilkins is a 2012 graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Horticulture Science. He and his wife, Lucy, now have a toddler son. He currently resides in WNC where he operates his own landscape management company, POA Mountain, LLC.