The Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has announced that Christian Crumpton, a 2011 graduate of The O’Neal School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Campbell University, where she will study elementary education.

The National MS Society scholarship program provides financial assistance to students who have multiple sclerosis or who have a parent living with MS, while pursuing a college or technical school education. “There just aren’t a lot of scholarships out there for people whose lives are touched by MS,” says Jeff Furst, president of the Eastern N.C. Chapter. “This is a way for us to keep MS from standing in the way of an education.” Crumpton, whose mother is living with MS, is an active Girl Scout in her community, member of FCA, and played on the junior varsity tennis team.

“My mom has had MS as long as I can remember. This has taught me to accept the illness as one of life’s challenges which we all must face,” says the 18-year-old.

For Crumpler, this scholarship means that some of the financial burdens imposed by financial strains will be lightened.

She dreams of becoming a pharmacist, to use her talents to help others, and has high hopes for the future.

“When I am faced with adversity it makes me a stronger person to conquer and work my way through difficulties. I have unwavering faith and never give up hope in life,” she says.

For people who want to learn more about MS, Crumpler wants to tell them that, “MS affects all people differently. People with MS may not always be able to participate and do the same things as others. However, their hearts and spirits are a blessing to everyone that crosses their path.”

Crumpler is also the recipient of a Scholar Vision scholarship from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.

The Scholar Vision Funds are a collection of funds and resources established to help credit union members in North and South Carolina achieve a higher level of education.

She was also awarded the annual Mozell Howie Peacemaking Essay Scholarship by the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina, PCUSA.

The scholarship is valued at $1,000, and the essay requires the youth to reflect on how he or she has been a peacemaker.

In June, Crumpler accepted the award and read her essay at the Presbytery meeting held at Highland Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville.

Receives Honors

Sarah Carson Cox, daughter of Drs. Carson and Valerie Cox, of Southern Pine, recently represented North Carolina at the National Youth Education Summit in Washington, D.C.

This program, sponsored by the National Rifle Association, is an all-expenses-paid week for rising high school juniors and seniors and provides an opportunity for students across the country to understand the inner-workings of government.

The 2011 class of 45 accepted participants had the opportunity to meet and converse with Congressman Duncan Hunter, tour the Capitol and visit the Supreme Court. They experienced demonstrations at Quantico Marine Base, shot various firearms at the NRA range and explored many of Washington’s historical sites. Uniquely, the Supreme Court was in session, and they also laid the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery.

Throughout the week, the NRA staff evaluated the students on their speaking ability, their debating skills, their interaction with peers and their participation in the events and sessions. Various debate topics as well as speech prompts concerning current events were assigned. The week was not only a learning experience but also a competition for college scholarships.

The National Rifle Association awarded a total of $10,000 in college scholarships. Cox was awarded a top scholarship of $1,000. All 45 students are now eligible to apply for the grand scholarship, which awards a total of $20,000 toward college.

“I strongly encourage youth from all across America to participate in the Youth Education Summit,” says Cox. “Programs like YES are so important because they teach the youth of America how vital the Constitution and the Second Amendment are to preserving freedom in our country. The youth of America have the responsibility to keep freedom alive in our great country, and it is imperative that they are educated in her founding principles, values, and beliefs.”

Sarah Cox, along with her sisters, was a member of the national championship air rifle club team coached by David Prest, of Pinehurst, and sponsored by the Moore County Wildlife and Conservation Club.

Since the program’s inception in 1993, Friends of NRA has funded local projects that have included Camp Millstone, Calvary Christian School and Moore County Wildlife and Conservation Club. The local Friends of NRA buffet dinner and auction is held in October of each year at the Days Inn in Southern Pines.

Masonic Scholarships

Southern Pines Masonic Lodge No. 484 this year awarded scholarships to two local students.

The scholarships were presented at a luncheon at Pinewild Country Club.

Recipients were Jessica Lynn Crandall, from Pinecrest High School, and Tomas Lea Stevens, of Union Pines High School.

Bill Anderson, Mark Miller and Felice Shilaci interviewed students from both high schools before choosing the two recipients.

Scholar

The United States Achievement Academy announced that Brandon Dinges, of Robbins, has been named All-American Scholar.

The USAA has established the All-American Scholar Award Program to offer deserved recognition to superior students who excel in the academic disciplines. The All-American Scholars must earn a 3.3 or higher grade point average. Only scholars selected by a school instructor, counselor, or other qualified sponsor are accepted.

Dinges, who will attend North Moore High school, was nominated for this honor by a person unknown to his family.

He will appear in the All-American Scholar Yearbook, which is published nationally.

“Recognizing and supporting our youth is more important than ever before in America’s history,” says Dr. George Stevens, founder of the USAA. “Certainly, students recognized as All-American Scholars should be congratulated and appreciated for their dedication to excellence and achievement.”

Brandon Dinges is the son of Ksee Dinges, of Robbins. He is the grandson of Edith Varner, of Phoenix.

Graduates

Chantay Bernice McCoy graduated from Pinckney Academy on Aug. 8.

She is the daughter of Dachel Alexander (Maike), of Southern Pines, and Franklin McCoy (Fay), and the granddaughter of Bernice McLeod, of Wilmington, Del., Minnie McCoy, of Fayetteville, and Ruth McNeil, of Southern Pines.