MLK Association Honors Student Achievers with Scholarship Awards

This year honorees included students from Asheville High School, Buncombe County Early College, Carolina Day School, Christ School, North Buncombe HS, and T.C. Roberson HS.

Lleyton Thomas-Johnson

Lleyton was the MLK Association’s Top Scholar & Youth Award Winner, and is completing their senior year at Christ School, where they were recognized for their academic excellence through membership in the Nation Honors Society as well as the Head of School High Honor Roll. While attending Christ School, they served as a leader of the Black Student Union, Varsity Basketball Captain, participated in Reparations Projects, and served as the DEI Day Coordinator among other opportunities. In the fall, Lleyton plans to attend the Washington University in St. Louis and major in Computer Science.

Seven other outstanding scholars are profiled here. (NB: All students are identified using they/them/their pronouns. ~ Ed.)

Imani Banks

Imani will be completing their senior year at Asheville High School where they have been selected to join the National Honors Society as well the Racial Equity Ambassadors Program. While at Asheville High, Imani has been able to participate in Cheerleading, REAP (Racial Equity Ambassadors Program), and the Black Student Union. Imani plans to attend North Carolina Central University in the fall with a plan to major in Psychology with a minor in Social Work.

Judy Felipe de la Cruz

Judy will be completing their senior year at Buncombe County Early College where they received both the Spanish Interpreter Series Certification of Completion and the PhotoVoice Certification of Completion. While attending the Buncombe County Early College, Judy participated in Serve to Lead, the City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy, and the Bank of America Student Leaders Program. Judy has been accepted to the Queens University of Charlotte, UNC Asheville, and UNC Chapel Hill where they plan to study Biology.

Taylyn James

Taylyn will be completing their senior year at T.C. Roberson High School where they received Academic Achievements in the following categories: English III, Math III, and the Physical Sciences. While attending T.C. Roberson High School Taylyn participated in volunteer opportunities with Horizons Summer Camp and their home church while also joining local social movements. In the Fall, Taylyn plans to attend UNC Charlotte to major in Psychology with a minor in Elementary Education.

Heavyn King

Heavyn will be completing their senior year at Carolina Day School where they were selected to join the National Honor Society and received an award for Outstanding Paper for the Year in Honors Journalism. While attending CDS, Heavyn participated in the Black Student Union, Student Government, Varsity Track, Field, & Volleyball among other activities. Heavyn has been accepted to Elon University, UNC Charlotte, and the University of Michigan with plans to major in Kinesiology/Exercise Sciences with a minor in Sports Management.

Eden Mosely

Eden will be completing their senior year at Carolina Day School where they were selected for membership into the Highlander Society for their over 100 hours of community service. At CDS, Eden participated in a United Way Fellowship, Student Government, Track & Field, and various volunteer opportunities. Eden has been accepted into Western Carolina University, North Carolina A&T, UNC Greensboro, UNCA Charlotte, and the University of Memphis with plans to major in Nursing and minor in Spanish.

Antonio Stinson

Antonio will be completing their Senior Year at Asheville High School where they received the AVID 11 Honors Award and won the Jason Reynolds “Look Both Ways” Art Contest. While attending Asheville High School they served as a CAYLA Mentor, AVID Tutor/Mentor, and Board Member for OpenDoors among other opportunities. Antonio has been accepted into Morehouse College, North Carolina A & T, and UNC Greensboro with plans to major in Acting with a minor in Music.

Trinity Wheeler

Trinity will be completing their Senior year at North Buncombe High School where they were recognized for their academic achievements by being on the “A” Honor roll. While at North Buncombe High School, they served as BETA Club President, Varsity Soccer Captain, and a Camp Counselor among other opportunities. In the fall, Trinity with attend UNC Charlotte with plans to major in Management.

Congratulations to Lleyton and all of the MLK Scholarship honorees!