Meet our Recipients
Deahn Holmes
Deahn Holmes is a 2024 graduate of Spelman College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in economics. Originally from Hilton Head Island, she graduated from Hilton Head Island High School in 2020. She credits the Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship as a vital part of her academic success, as it eased the financial pressures of tuition and allowed her to focus entirely on her studies. The scholarship not only provided financial relief but also boosted her confidence, affirming her potential to succeed and inspiring her to make the most of her time at Spelman.
Now working as a Financial Product Analyst at Bloomberg, Deahn is committed to giving back by supporting the Bloomberg HBCU Committee, which organizes the annual HBCU conference. She views this initiative as essential in recruiting Black entry-level employees, and she is enthusiastic about contributing to Bloomberg's efforts to foster diversity.
Deahn’s greatest inspiration is her grandfather, David Campbell, whose resilience and wisdom have been a guiding force throughout her life, teaching her how to navigate challenges and stay grounded.
Her advice to high school students and recent graduates is simple yet powerful: “Knowledge is power. Stay engaged and explore your passions. Discovering subjects and activities that inspire you is essential, and sharing these passions can enrich others’ learning and create lasting connections.”
Christopher Crosby
My name is Christopher Crosby, and I graduated from Hilton Head Island High School in 2022. I am currently a student at the University of South Carolina, pursuing a major in Sport and Entertainment Management. My career goal is to enter the sports industry through an entry-level position and work my way up to becoming a marketing executive within a sports organization. Alternatively, I may continue my education to become qualified as a sports agent and work within an agency.
Receiving the Ella C. White Scholarship has provided me with a tremendous sense of security regarding my tuition, allowing me to devote my full attention to my studies. Thanks to this support, I have consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List each semester at USC.
One book that has profoundly influenced my career aspirations is Agent You by Nicole Lynn, a sports agent whose insights have helped me clarify my "why" and recognize how each day can contribute to future success if used wisely.
To current high school students, my advice would be to actively connect with people from different backgrounds and industries. In business, I've learned that success often hinges not only on what you know but also on who you know. Building a strong network can open doors, sometimes even leading to opportunities in rooms you haven’t yet stepped into, potentially with top-tier companies.
Class of 2024
Valeria Fajardo Cervantes
Christopher Crosby
Kaylin Cunningham
Kristina Cunningham*
Alanna Douglas
Caleb Hutchinson
Leo-Theodor Lasso-Nedkov
Karen McDonnell
Jennifer Richardson
Tyler Thompson
Madison Washington
Class of 2022
Ayana Benskin
Christopher Crosby
Garvin Douglas
Jaala Grant
Deahn Holmes
Caleb Hutchison*
Jennifer Richardson
Rachael Richardson
Allison Woods
Class of 2020
Donovan Campbell
Jaala Grant
Kaitlyn Holland
Deahn Holmes
I’Kerah Jefferson
Lydia John
Shav’ae Johnson
Caitlyn Owens
Rachael Richardson
Chynna Sneed
Trinity Williams
Kennedy Smalls
Rachel Woods
Class of 2023
Ayana Benskin
Christopher Crosby
Garvin Douglas
Valeria Farjardo
Jaala Grant
Deahn Holmes
Caleb Hutchinson
Alandria Kennedy
Jennifer Richardson
Rachael Richardson
Skylar Richardson
Aniya Stokes
Tyler Thompson
Allison Woods
Class of 2021
Ayana Benskin
Nicholas Cunningham
Kayleigh Washington
Donovan Campbell
Jaala Grant
Deahn Holmes
*The Legacy Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to their community through volunteerism and extracurricular activities. This prestigious honor serves as a tribute to the past and present board members of the Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund, recognizing their unwavering dedication to community service, leadership, and compassion.