Communities in Schools

Three Rowan-Salisbury Schools graduates in the Class of 2019 have been awarded scholarships sponsored by Communities in Schools of Rowan County.

The scholarship is named in honor of Communities In Schools of Rowan founder Vicky Slusser, who opened the first program at Knox Middle School in 1998. The scholarship is open to Rowan-Salisbury Schools graduating seniors who have attended a school served by Communities in Schools during their kindergarten through 12th grade years.

Choyce Kaziah Davis will graduate from Salisbury High School, where she was recommended by Tangela Morgan, Gavin Bell and James Page. She was served by Communities in Schools at Hanford Dole and Koontz elementary schools and Knox Middle School. Davis is a member of the National Honor Society and NAACP. She volunteers to tutor other students in math and holds a part-time job at Trinity Oaks and Oak Park retirement homes.

Davis has been accepted at Hampton University, where she intends to study biology. She is the daughter of Lashunda Davis.

Kevion Tayshawn Chunn will graduate from Salisbury High School, where he was recommended by Scott Bosch, Carmen Dickerson–Burton and Jamie Sheets. He was served by Communities in Schools at Koontz Elementary and Knox Middle schools. Chunn is a member of the National Honor Society; participated in football, cross country, and local art clubs; and was captain of the wrestling team. Chunn will graduate having earned certification as a nursing assistant. He holds a part-time job at Cook Out.

Chunn has been accepted at Appalachian State University, where he intends to study nursing. He is the grandson of Krislyn Chunn.

Karen Nicole Bates will graduate from North Rowan High School and was recommended by Natalie Benfield, Kimberly Melton and Donna Wiseman. She was served by Communities in Schools at North Rowan elementary and middle schools. Bates is a member of National Honor Society, Key Club, yearbook staff, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and women’s varsity tennis team. She is a member of Mount Tabor United Methodist youth group and has worked part time at Happy’s Farm.

Bates has been accepted at High Point University, where she has been awarded a Presidential Scholarship. She is the daughter of Angelia and David Bates.

Communities in Schools of Rowan County is celebrating 20 years of surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. It is a member agency of Rowan County United Way.