N.C. A&T Announces Fifth February One Scholars Cohort

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2025) — North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has announced the fall 2025 cohort of February One Scholars, a distinguished group of 15 students representing North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. With an outstanding average GPA of 4.25, these scholars embody the academic rigor, leadership and service that define the program. They will pursue their studies in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences and the College of Education, further advancing the legacy of excellence inspired by the A&T Four.

Eligibility requirements include a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale, along with demonstration of exceptional leadership and character qualities and a commitment to service. Scholars must also be significantly involved in extracurricular activities.  

“February One Scholars are visionary students committed to creating meaningful change in our society. Their distinctive talents and innovative thinking hold the power to inspire progress and shape a better future,” said Margaret I. Kanipes, Ph. D., Honors College dean.

The February One Scholars Program is named for the day in 1960 when North Carolina A&T freshmen Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond energized a national sit-in movement by refusing to leave a segregated lunch counter in downtown Greensboro without being served. The A&T Four are celebrated annually at the university’s February One celebration and honored in numerous ways across the university. 

This scholarship is a fully funded four-year award that covers the tuition, related fees, housing, meals, and participation in the Honors College activities and enrichment annually for five freshman each from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Education and the Hairston College. The three colleges partnered to establish the program using a portion of philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s historic $45 million contribution to the university. 

This year’s scholars are:  

 Tobenna Akunwafor, son of Rosemary and Innocent Akunwafor, of Richmond, Virginia. A graduate of Richmond Community High School, he plans to major in health services management with a minor in social work and psychology. He aspires to influence healthcare policy and one day lead an organization dedicated to improving access for underprivileged communities.

 Saniyah As-Salaam, daughter of Veronica and Sahlih As-Salaam, of Chicago. She graduated from Kenwood Academy with plans to major in elementary education and minor in professional theatre. Upon earning her bachelor’s degree, she aspires to become a primary teacher at an elementary school where she will educate children and prepare them for success in their upcoming years of schooling.

 Samuel Birdsong, son of Marcia and Abdullah Birdsong, of Charlotte, North Carolina. A graduate of Levine Middle College High School, he plans to major in political science. He hopes to become a prosecution lawyer, bridging criminal justice, civil rights and policy to address social injustices.

 Kamryn Booker, daughter of Yalonda and Robert Booker, of Baltimore. A graduate of New Town High School, she plans to major in secondary education with a concentration in English. She aspires to become an inspiring educator and later a principal, creating inclusive classrooms and leading with compassion and impact.

 Morgan Carpenter, daughter of LaTasha and Ruben Carpenter, of Hope Mills, North Carolina. A graduate of South View High School, she plans to major in journalism and mass communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in management. Her goal is to work in Formula One motorsport as a public relations or social media manager, sharing the excitement of F1 with the world.

 Akil Edwards, son of Anika and Jesse Edwards, of Reston, Virginia. A graduate of South Lakes High School, he plans to major in nursing with a minor in biology. His career goal is to become a nurse anesthetist, combining his analytical skills with compassionate care to innovate within the healthcare system.

 Zion Nichols, son of LeCole and Kenric Nichols, of Greensboro, North Carolina. A graduate of James B. Dudley High School, he plans to major in psychology on the pre-med track, intending to attend med school to become a psychiatrist. He is passionate about representing underrepresented communities in mental health and advocating for greater access to care for all.

Jordan Ray, daughter of Wendashia Jones and Rashard Ray, of Washington, D.C. A graduate of Bishop McNamara High School, she plans to double major in criminal justice on a crime scene investigation track and psychology. She intends to attend law school and pursue a career advocating for justice while supporting youth charities and foster care initiatives.

Giana Seay, daughter of Shayla and Benjamin Seay, of Greensboro. A graduate of James B. Dudley High School, she plans to major in journalism and mass communication with a focus in public relations. She hopes to work with professional sports teams, advancing programs that integrate fitness, recreation and mental health.

Josiah Treadwell, son of Terry and Iesha Treadwell, of Concord, North Carolina. A graduate of Concord High School, he plans to major in nursing with a minor in psychology. His goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner and contribute to research that improves outcomes for premature children.

Kaylyn Walker, daughter of Keith and Charmaine Walker, of Lithonia, Georgia. A graduate of Arabia Mountain High School, she plans to major in psychology on the pre-medical track. She aspires to become a public health physician dedicated to improving healthcare access and quality for underserved communities.

Jaylen Ward, son of Erica Sims and Jeffery Ward, of Rock Hill, South Carolina. A graduate of Northwestern High School, he plans to major in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. His career goal is to open his own defense attorney firm, providing fair legal representation regardless of clients’ financial resources.

Richard “RJ” Washington, son of Felicia and Richard Washington, of Stockbridge, Georgia. A graduate of McCallie School, he plans to major in liberal studies on the pre-law track. He intends to pursue a law degree and become a sports lawyer and agent.

Brooklyn Walker, daughter of DauVeen and Oliver Brian Walker, of Waldorf, Maryland. A graduate of St. Charles High School, she plans to major in elementary education with a minor in psychology. She aspires to become a first- or second-grade teacher, where she can inspire and educate young minds while building deep, meaningful connections with her students.

Nadia Wright, daughter of Tanji and Terrence Wright, of Jackson, Mississippi. A graduate of Murrah High School, she plans to double major in liberal studies and English with a concentration in African American literature. She aspires to publish literary works, launch a creative writing and visual arts magazine, and lead a nonprofit that uplifts the African American diaspora.