J.D. Currin Memorial Scholarship

Funded by

James Routh

Eligibility Requirements

Education Level:

High school student

State:

North Carolina

School Name:

Eastern Randolph High School or Providence Grove High School

Education Level:

State:

School Name:

High school student

North Carolina

Eastern Randolph High School or Providence Grove High School

J.D. Currin was a beloved friend and student at Eastern Randolph High School in Ramseur, North Carolina.

J.D. was an overcomer who encouraged and inspired everyone he met. This scholarship seeks to aid students like him whose enthusiasm, character and attitude shine just as brightly as academic achievements, and who have a desire to attend community college or trade school.

Any high school student at Eastern Randolph High School or Providence Grove High School in North Carolina may apply for this scholarship opportunity, but applicants who plan to attend trade school or community college are preferred.

To apply, submit an essay or video telling us about the adversity you have faced and how overcoming these challenges has made you stronger.

Selection Criteria:

Ambition, Drive, Impact

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Published October 15, 2025

Essay Topic

Please share about any adversity you've overcome and how it has made you stronger.

0–600 words

Apply Now

Winners and Finalists

April 2025

Winners

Omarrius Little

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Asheboro, NC

Reanna Brower

Eastern Randolph High School

Ramseur, NC

Winning Application

Omarrius Little

University of North Carolina at GreensboroAsheboro, NC

Learning from our small failures is crucial for personal growth. Life throws a lot of challenges our way, and it’s up to us to turn those moments into something positive. One small failure I faced was when I took the test for my driver's permit. When I found out I didn’t pass, I was totally crushed—especially since I missed it by just one question. At first, it felt like a huge setback, but I realized it was just a minor bump on the road to getting my permit. After I calmed down, I took a step back and decided to hit the books even harder. I learned that what I get out of anything—whether it’s sports, friendships, or school—depends on how much I’m willing to put in. You can’t expect great results if you’re not ready to invest your time and effort. I had a week before I could retake the test, so I dedicated that time to studying, and when the day of the retest came, I was ready. I finally passed and got my driver's permit! This small failure taught me several important lessons. First, I learned that perseverance is key—setbacks are just chances to bounce back. I also realized that having a growth mindset is huge; it’s all about looking at challenges as learning experiences instead of failures. Lastly, I realized how important it is to stay focused and keep a positive energy, even when things do not go as planned. Every experience shapes who I am striving to become.

Reanna Brower

Eastern Randolph High SchoolRamseur, NC

Growing up, I was the type of kid that would do anything to stay out of the spotlight. The slightest bit of attention would draw me back into the shadows. One of my biggest forms of escaping the light was with a single piece of paper. Blank sheets were my favourite things, they gave me full control to dive deep into my imagination. My mom was often asleep during the day from her third shifts, so it gave me company. I was under the impression that as long as I had my drawings, I would never be alone, and that's how I planned to be for the rest of my life. I was good on my own now, so why would I need anyone else? The plan was sailing smoothly until l received a compliment from a classmate. It was something simple as "You draw so well!", but it meant the world to me. It meant so much that I drew them something immediately as a thank you. Seeing the way their eyes lit up to my gesture sparked a tiny. yet important, flame in me. I wanted to be able to make others smile like this, and who knew it could be achieved with just a piece of paper? I had wasted so much time avoiding others that I never realized the impact I could make. That interaction has stuck with me to this day, and since then, I have joined all sorts of volunteering organizations, as well as thrown my artwork out there for everyone to see. I want to make everyone around me feel the way my class mate did eleven years ago, and I will continue to find ways to do so. This scholarship will be a brick to the home I am trying to build for others to feel comfortable in, to help others come into the light the way I did.