Corey J. Keeling Scholarship
Meet The 2026 Recipients
Meet the 2025 Recipients
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High School: Patrick Henry, College Choice: North Carolina A&T
Roanoke, VA – Chaney B. Jones, a recent honors graduate of Patrick Henry High School, is set to embark on her collegiate journey this fall, pursuing a degree in Animal Science at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to become a Veterinarian. Chaney, who rounded out her secondary education with an impressive 3.89 cumulative weighted GPA, was a dedicated member of The National Honor Society, The National Society of High School Scholars, and the Student Council. Her involvement showcased her commitment not only to academic excellence but also to being an agent for change and support among her peers.
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High School: William Byrd, College Choice: Virginia Tech
Roanoke, VA – Christian Parker, a graduate from Roanoke County Schools, is setting his sights on a future in chemical engineering and will be attending Virginia Tech. Christian has distinguished himself academically, boasting an impressive 4.57 GPA from the Specialty Center for Mass Communication, Governor’s STEM Academy at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology, and a 4.25 GPA from William Byrd High School. He has also taken dual enrollment courses through Virginia Western Community College, further demonstrating his dedication to a rigorous academic path.
Beyond his strong academic record, Christian is deeply involved in his community and school. He currently serves as President of the Valley Baptist Youth In Action, where he's responsible for organizing and hosting events for the youth of the Baptist conventions of Virginia. At William Byrd, he's the Vice President of Terrier TV.
His extensive extracurricular involvement includes DECA Club, William Byrd Choir, SCA Club, Terrier TV, Valley Baptist Youth In Action, Reindeer Club, and Harvard Model Congress.
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High School: Christiansburg, College Choice: Davidson
Christiansburg, VA - Leila Haley is the daughter of Dennis and Kim Haley and the proud sister of Ayva and Meya. Leila is a standout student-athlete and a 2025 graduate of Christiansburg High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society and was actively involved in various other student organizations. Academically driven, she maintained a 4.0 GPA and is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
A dominant force in track and field, Leila is an 11-time Region Champion and a Three-time State Champion. She holds school records in the 55m, 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m, and 500m, making her one of the most decorated athletes in school history.
Leila has been accepted to Davidson College, where she will continue her academic and athletic career with a major in Biology and a member of the Wildcats’ Track and Field team.
Previous Recipients
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High School: William Fleming, College Choice: George Mason
Jayden Bulow is a rising college freshman at George Mason University, where he is pursuing a BA degree in Criminology with a minor in Intelligence Studies. In his studies, Jayden hopes to focus on closing the equality gap in the criminal justice system and bring justice to those who have experienced injustices. Jayden has worked as a retail sales agent at Avis/Budget rentals for the past year and a half. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, Jayden intends to apply to graduate school to further his knowledge of the criminal justice system and progress towards a career in criminal law.
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High School: William Fleming, College Choice: UVA
Miles Wilson graduated from William Fleming High School as the salutatorian with a 4.44 GPA and was the President of the William Fleming Student Council Association. He is the reigning President of the Technical Student Association(TSA). Miles was Captain of the William Fleming Varsity Basketball team and was awarded the 2023 B’NAI B’RITH Athletic Achievement award! He is a member of multiple extracurricular activities including Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), and Y-Street. Miles co-founded STRIDE, a community service organization. Lastly, he is an entrepreneur, who started his own clothing brand called GameTime Clothing.
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High School: Patrick Henry, College Choice: UNC Charlotte
Kennady Wade, ranked in the top 20% in her class, is a dynamic leader, driven student athlete, and a multi-talented performer. A leader on the stage, in the classroom, and within the community, Kennady was the President of her Junior class and currently serves as Senior Class President. She is a proud member of the National Honor Society, Students for Racial Unity, and on the Roanoke City Youth Services Board. While maintaining a 3.9 GPA she has played Varsity Lacrosse for Patrick Henry High School for the past 3 years and was the Captain of the Varsity Cheer Team. During her senior year Kennady received the Connie Ratcliff Humanitarian Award and was recognized by the Roanoke Valley Continental Society as a Making a Distinct Difference Award.
Since the age of 8 Kennady has performed in several musicals at Virginia Children’s Theater and Mill Mountain Theater. She enjoys singing in the Church Youth Choir and is a former member of Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir. Recently she joined the Roanoke Branch of NAACP as serving her community is an integral part of her life. Additionally, she volunteers with the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and United Way of Roanoke Valley. She was accepted to 12 universities and is looking forward to attending University of North Carolina Charlotte in the fall of 2023 to major in Marketing with aspirations to work for the NFL’s Marketing Department.
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High School: William Fleming, College Choice: Norfolk State
Olivia Manning is a young woman born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. This year, I will be attending Norfolk State University as a freshman. I’m an honors student and currently I will be majoring in Chemistry. I have always worked hard to achieve my goals and I’m very stubborn when it comes to them. Everything I’ve done to get me to this point wasn’t for me, it was for the ones I love to make them proud.
● Ranked 28th Academically in the Class of 2023
● ELLE Academy Student
● Member of FBLA, TOP Community Service Org, and DECA
● Lettered as a member of the William Fleming Girls Basketball Team
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The Corey J. Keeling Scholarship respects the privacy of all applicants. The Chapter does not collect, share, or sell any of the information you provide. Please read all instructions carefully before completing this application. Failure to complete instructions will result in your application not being reviewed.
Applications are now closed.