Teens and Kids Who Care Award Winners

Arthur Claiborne

Arthur shared in his essay:  I am the proud son of my mother, Ms. Antiquea Allen, and the fortuitous grandson of an amazing woman, Ms. Joetta Cox. At the age of 17, I am a senior at Kinston High school where I study in the International Baccalaureate Program and the LCC early college online courses. Life would be nothing without The Lord, so I honor him for the abundance of blessings that he bestows upon my life daily. St. John Free Will Baptist church has been my church home since I was just a little boy. Time does not stop moving, so rarely do I stop moving. I participate in numerous activities and clubs whether it may be community service, volunteering, church, or sports. I’ve been awarded and admired for a job well done, but you should all know it wasn’t anything I accomplished myself.

With God and the support of everyone in the community, I have been able to achieve great success at a young age. A couple of years ago, my grandmother had a vision to start an organization that would educate and promote the prevention of bullying called That’s Bull, Inc. My grandmother successfully established her organization, but has dealt with health issues that have hindered her progress in growing the organization. It is my goal that I will be able to assist her by continuously completing grants and inspiring other young people to prevent bullying in their schools, their homes, and their communities.

In conclusion, “I can do all things though Christ which strengthens me” is the motto I follow everyday because I know The Source of my strength.

Arthur Claiborne, we salute you today with our Teens and Kids Who Care Award.

Congratulations!!!

Joel Dixon

Joel Dixon was born and raised in Kinston NC. He is a 17 year old Joel Dixon age 17 and a senior at Kinston High School; has always been eager to make a difference in his community. While in the 5th grade he began his eight year long career in North Carolina 4H.

While in 4H he has learned more about leadership, community service and civic responsibility. Throughout the years he has held officer/ leadership positions both in Lenoir County and his 4H district such as Lenoir County 4H president, a former member of Junior Leadership of Lenoir, NC 4H Southeast District president, NC 4H Honor Club member, Kinston High FFA member, Youth delegate at the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners youth summit, NC spin political talk show participant, Application Interview Resume Essay (AIRE) presentation winner, and also Kinston High ROTC cadet.

After the completion of high school Joel plan to go to college and major in Mass Communications and Broadcasting with a minor in political science. While growing up in a city known for crime and youth facing multiple barriers to success,  Joel has beat all odds and continues to do so while also encouraging other youth to do the same.

Isaiah Murchison

In Isaiah’s own words, he shares:  I am currently working with Kinston Promise as a Mentor and Tutor alongside the Executive Director herself Miss Theresa Williams and an amazing group of staff that is not only motivated but determined to make a positive difference in the lives of our youth and community.

Kinston Promise is more than an organization to me, it is my second home and the staff are not just co-workers but we are family, not only to each other but to the kids we work with and they know that as well. There is  truly nothing like doing what you love, working around great people and getting paid to do so.

You all know what they say, if you do what you love then you will never work a day in your life and I honestly look-forward to coming to work, because I have a bond with every child that I have worked with in this program. Not only have I impacted their lives in a positive way but they have impacted mines to because knowing that they look up to me and watch my actions has tremendously influenced me to not only do better but become a better person and I am truly thankful for that.

I am an all-around phenomenal student who excels  in science particularly in biology and animal science. I attend Kinston High School home of the the Vikings working toward earning my High School Diploma. Because of  my success in science class at Kinston High School,  I was recommended and visited Virginia Tech to attend their summer enrichment experience called VCOM (Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine). In the near future I plan on attending North Carolina State with where I will major in Health, Medicine and Animal Science.