Kinston's Kyonna Kelly Awarded Prestigious Willie Bradshaw Memorial Scholarship
KINSTON, N.C. — June 12, 2024 — Kinston High School senior Kyonna Kelly was honored yesterday with the Willie Bradshaw Memorial Scholarship, an accolade reserved for a senior who exemplifies leadership through community service, extracurricular participation, and other significant activities.
Reflecting on the recognition, Kelly shared, "It feels weird. When I was growing up playing basketball at Rochelle, I always looked up to the girls that played at Kinston High School. I used to think, 'I want to be like that when I get there.' Never in a million years did I think I would be that for younger kids now. But with the help from my coaches, family, and the very small friend group that I do have, I was able to be successful."
The scholarship honors Durham native Willie Bradshaw, a 1995 inductee into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame and a 2010 inductee into the National High School Hall of Fame. Bradshaw, an exceptional athlete at Hillside High School, played on the undefeated 1943 football team and later excelled at North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University). His career included pitching professionally for several Negro League teams. Notably, Bradshaw became the first African-American city or county athletic director in Durham City Schools, serving until his retirement in 1992.
The Willie Bradshaw Memorial Endowed Scholarship is presented to student-athletes who meet rigorous academic standards, exhibit athletic involvement, and demonstrate commendable character. Funds for the scholarship are provided through donations to the NCHSAA Foundation and a corporate gift. Regional winners each receive a $750 scholarship, with two overall state winners receiving an additional $1,000.
Kelly, a standout in both basketball and track & field at Kinston High School, is actively involved in numerous extracurricular activities. She serves on the Prom Committee, is a member of the National Honor Society, Rotary Club, AmeriCorps, Anchor Club, and Spanish Club, and has also been a Junior Marshal and CTE advocate. Her dedication to community service is evident through her volunteer work at elementary schools and nursing homes, hosting an all-girls basketball camp, and tutoring.
Accepted into several prestigious colleges and universities, Kelly aspires to become a behavioral analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Her journey from an aspiring athlete at Rochelle to a role model at Kinston High School underscores her determination and the invaluable support she has received along the way.
