At the May board meeting, Kent McCrary proudly introduced Natalie Talley, a 5th-grade student at Battlefield Elementary School, as the recipient of the Ben Carson Reading Room Scholarship. Natalie was awarded a total of $1,800 in scholarship funds—$1,000 from the Ben Carson Reading Room and an additional $800 from a generous donor in recognition of her outstanding community service.
Natalie is more than an exceptional student—she is also the founder of a local homeless ministry. With a heart for service, she uses her scholarship funds to create and distribute blessing bags filled with essential items for those in need throughout the area.
Her compassion and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Natalie has already been featured on Pay It Forward, and she is scheduled to be interviewed by The 700 Club, bringing wider attention to her mission of kindness and generosity.
The board and school community applauded Natalie for her academic achievements and inspirational commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.