Amasha Samaraweera
Jaxon is a recent graduate of Ooltewah High School and an 8-time Carson Scholar. She won the Carson Scholarship as a fifth grade student and proudly renewed her status as a Carson Scholar each year until graduation. In high school, she was president of both the National Honor Society and the senior class, and was a member of Beta Club, the Superintendent Student Advisory Council and the Science Olympiad team. An athlete, Jaxon spent much of her time running track and cross country, swimming and doing yoga. This fall, Jaxon is attending Emory and Henry College where she will seek a degree in biomedical sciences in hopes to later attend medical school and become either a dermatologist or cardiologist. She has committed to continue swimming in college and looks forward to also continuing to teach children how to swim.
2024 Chattanooga Banquet
Our southern scholars were in for a treat as the Chattanooga banquet featured two new twists! Ethan Bullock, a 9-time Carson Scholar, and Jaxon Thurman, an 8-time Carson Scholar, graciously volunteered their time and talents to host the banquet as our masters of ceremony. Additionally, Dr. and Mrs. Carson engaged in a Q&A session with scholars during the banquet! Scholars had the opportunity to submit questions for Dr. and Mrs. Carson to answer live during the banquet. This allowed guests to learn more about what influenced the Carsons to start the scholarship foundation, early career investments that have proven to be fruitful and Dr. Carson’s thoughts on seeing the successful outcomes of revolutionary medical procedures that he undertook during his career. Carson Scholar alum Matthew Dormus traveled from Georgia to celebrate his induction into the Carson Scholars Hall of Fame. View photos from the banquet.
2023 Chattanooga Banquet
Decorated U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot, author and motivational speaker Elizabeth McCormick gave our scholars flight and life lessons at the Chattanooga Carson Scholars Awards Banquet. During the event, Elizabeth shared a glimpse of what it’s like to operate a Black Hawk helicopter, which allowed our scholars to experience the thrill of maneuvering this aircraft right from their seats! Elizabeth went above and beyond, offering our Chattanooga scholars the gift of her free online course called “Master Your Motivation,” which teaches on confidence boosting, 30 ways to be motivated in 30 minutes without spending money and work-life harmony. View photos from the banquet.
2022 Chattanooga Banquet
Dr. Ben Carson visits Chattanooga; celebrates local scholars
wdef.com, May 18, 2o22
Former Presidential Candidate Dr. Ben Carson was in Chattanooga tonight to take in a movie at the local A-M-C. But it wasn’t a Hollywood blockbuster, and it didn’t star any famous actors. Carson is the co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund, which gifts one-thousand-dollar college scholarships to young students throughout the country who exemplify achievement both in class and in their communities.
2019 Atlanta/Chattanooga Banquet
The last of the 2019 scholarship banquets was held on Saturday, May 11 in the scenic city of Chattanooga. Although the day was wet and dreary, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the Southeast region’s Carson Scholars as they converged on The University of Tennessee Chattanooga campus. For the fourth year, WDEF News Now anchor and reporter John Mercer served as the event emcee. The ceremony kicked off with scholars marching single-file into the Tennessee Room in the UTC University Center building. Michelle Hunter, representing the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, welcomed the scholars and their families, including several who had traveled great distances to be in attendance. After the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation, scholars and their families were treated to a special musical presentation by middle school student and 2019 Carson Scholar Sarah Katheron Latham.
After lunch and fellowship new scholar and mitochondrial disease spokesperson Katie Parsons read her Carson Scholar essay. Katie is involved with numerous nonprofits and shared one of her profound observations. “There are two types of people in this world, those who need help and those who give help. At any given point in your life, you will be both.” After Katie spoke, the program segued into the presentation of the Power of Excellence Award. This year’s recipient was David Parker, president and CEO of Covenant Transport. Covenant Transport, a trucking carrier company, was founded on the cornerstone of quality and integrity. Mr. Parker imparted the importance of those values.
The event culminated with the presentation of the 2019 Carson Scholars. This year 46 students from the Southeast region received the coveted honor of being named Carson Scholars and 52 students renewed their Carson Scholar status. View photos from the banquet.
2018 Atlanta/Chattanooga Banquet: View photos from the 2018 Atlanta/Chattanooga Banquet.
2017 Atlanta/Chattanooga Banquet:
View photos from the 2017 Atlanta/Chattanooga Banquet.
2015 Atlanta/Chattanooga Banquet:
Upon entering the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Student Hall with its 30-foot-high arched ceiling perched just above tall windows, your first impression is of overwhelming openness — to new ideas, to new dreams, to new heights, to new…anything! The photos do not even do it justice. But that is just what Carson Scholars are all about — helping future leaders to not only dream, but to achieve those dreams! Read more.
Photos from the 2015 Chattanooga/Atlanta Banquet
2014 Atlanta/Chattanooga Banquet: Triumphant Trek Back to Georgia Tech!
A chilly but sunny Wednesday brought 39 previous Carson Scholars and their families back to Georgia Tech along with 48 new scholars to celebrate their high academic achievement and humanitarian qualities. On Wednesday, March 26th, nearly 270 people were in attendance including Carson Scholars, parents, teachers, and community members. Read more.
12 local students selected to be 2016 Carson Scholars
Nooga.com, March 2016
Twelve Hamilton County Schools students have been selected as 2016 Carson Scholars and will be honored at an awards ceremony on April 24, 2016.
37 Hamilton County Schools Students to be Honored at Carson Scholars Fund Banquet
The Chattanoogan, March 2016
12 Hamilton County Schools students have been named 2016 Carson Scholars. Mr. Cordell Carter, II, CEO of TechTown Foundation, will be presented with the Trailblazer Award and John Mercer will host the program.
Nolan Student Named 2016 Carson Scholars
The Chattanoogan, March 2016
One student from Nolan Elementary School was named a 2016 Carson Scholar and another was named a 2016 Recognized Carson Scholar.