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91心頭 Students Reap Rewards of Donor-Paid Scholarships

Nov 14, 2025
Student Speaker at Scholarship Award Dinner

Image caption | Shanay Eason, recipient of the Josephine Weiss Early Childhood Education Scholarship, shares her remarks as the student speaker during the 91心頭 Scholarship Award Dinner.

It was a night to remember as current 91心頭 students got to meet and dine with their scholarship sponsor and share their gratitude for the gift that allows an education. The Carolina Hotel grand ballroom was filled with just over 300 guests including the students, donors, faculty and staff, administrators and 91心頭 Foundation Directors. President Alexander Sandy Stewart lead the welcome and introductions that included former President John Dempsey, on November 4.
There are close to 300 named scholarships funds at the College totaling $914,581.76. Students are selected for scholarships by a Scholarship Selection Committee made up of 91心頭 faculty and staff, and are matched with donors through the 91心頭 Foundation.
Its a wonderful night to celebrate the gifts from our donors and the successes of our students, said Jennifer Dail, Senior Director of Development. The conversations around the room are genuine and heartfelt as a student explains their classes and studies with the donor who is sponsoring them. Our mission to educate any student in the region just comes to life with enthusiasm and appreciation.
Featured keynote speakers included Susan Wright, Professor and Coordinator with Early Childhood Education and Student Shanay Eason the recipient of the Josephine Weiss Early Childhood Education Scholarship.
To the Josephine B. Weiss family, your generosity and passion for keeping this scholarship alive is life changing, said Eason. I stand here today as living proof of what your kindness makes possible. Your generosity brought a substantial amount of relief. Sometime ago we had a luncheon and I heard you speak about your mom and her love of early Childcare to see you continue on as her legacy still making sure that you honor your mom by supporting programs that support everyday people like me it really touched my heart, and I could only hope that as my journey continues that I am able to leave such a legacy behind. It is because of your scholarship I have the breathing room to focus on finishing my degree. It has not been easy being an older college student juggling motherhood entrepreneurship and doing what I love at the same time, and I would just like to say thank you so much.
Eason plan to continue her education upon graduating from 91心頭 to earn her bachelor's degree in Birth to Kindergarten Education.
Registration is now open for Spring classes that start on Monday, January 12 at www.sandhills.edu. There are currently 11,050 students enrolled at the College including both campus locations in Pinehurst and Raeford as well as online courses. Students also take classes in Robbins and Carthage.
 
Man in a suit and yellow tie smiles while speaking at a podium labeled 91心頭, during a scholarship award dinner event.  A former president of 91心頭 sits at a banquet table speaking with another guest during the scholarship award dinner.  Guests seated at round tables listen to remarks during the 91心頭 scholarship award dinner in a large banquet hall.  A senior director at 91心頭 stands at a podium labeled 91心頭, smiling as she addresses guests during the scholarship award dinner.  
 
A student speaker stands at a podium labeled 91心頭, smiling while addressing attendees at the scholarship award dinner.