Shalynda Toney Memorial Scholarship
SHALYNDA MONIQUE TONEY
Shai was a blessed gift to the earth. Since her childhood she possessed a thirst for knowledge and excellence. Her ambition for life and quest for adventure always kept us on our toes as parents. She was an amazing soul with a tongue of fire that expressed her heart whether you wanted to hear it or not. Solid, is the word that immediately illuminates my mind when I think of her. She was steadfast in her studies, outstanding in all that she set her mind, hands, and heart to accomplish, and melodiously lively in spirit and song. She was in love with her Lord and determined to live life to the fullest.
The earth could no longer hold her, and on October 11, 2009, our Precious Princess was call to reign with her Lord after she was fatally hit by a drunk driver while studying abroad in Rome, Italy. Our hearts yearn for the joy of her presence that filled our lives, but our spirits are filled with a plethora of wonderful unfading memories that will comfort and sooth our souls until we are blessed to be together again. In honor of her giving spirit and quest for academic excellence, the Shalynda Toney Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to assist other integrity filled faithful young ladies in the pursuit of their education. Your generous donation will partner with us in our efforts to keep the spirit of this God sent vessel alive in the earth to show others that life can be lived virtuously and completely enjoyed in Christ.
2019 Shalynda M. Toney Scholarship Winners
Essay Question: How do you challenge culture to exemplify the Christian characteristics of excellence and integrity?
First Place Essay
Tiana Preston, Mary Baldwin University, 2019
Today’s society is what I can describe as misguided, especially much of the youth. There are many young people out here that try so hard to be someone they are not in order to feel accepted. They follow many of today’s trends, oftentimes damaging their reputations and more, in order to please others. Some of these children are only acting out because they feel like they have no one to turn to. As a child, I had instances where I found myself doing things to please others. As I have grown and matured, I realized I cannot be like anyone else but myself. Therefore, I challenge culture to exemplify the Christian characteristics of excellence and integrity by encouraging my peers and young people to be themselves and by setting a good example for them to follow. A good way to set an example for the youth is by allowing these Christian characteristics to show through my actions. My parents have always instilled in me to never be afraid of greatness; to be a leader not a follower; and best of all, to let my light shine as an example for others. I stand by these beliefs because I know that not only does it show integrity but also because it’s the core of my foundation. There are many impressionable youths, therefore, I try to leave a good impression wherever I go because someone is sure to be watching. In conclusion, I believe in order to challenge culture to exemplify excellence and integrity, I must show others what it looks like to be a person of excellence and integrity. By believing in myself, leading by example and letting my light shine for others to see, I can make a difference. Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Today’s society is what I can describe as misguided, especially much of the youth. There are many young people out here that try so hard to be someone they are not in order to feel accepted. They follow many of today’s trends, oftentimes damaging their reputations and more, in order to please others. Some of these children are only acting out because they feel like they have no one to turn to. As a child, I had instances where I found myself doing things to please others. As I have grown and matured, I realized I cannot be like anyone else but myself. Therefore, I challenge culture to exemplify the Christian characteristics of excellence and integrity by encouraging my peers and young people to be themselves and by setting a good example for them to follow. A good way to set an example for the youth is by allowing these Christian characteristics to show through my actions. My parents have always instilled in me to never be afraid of greatness; to be a leader not a follower; and best of all, to let my light shine as an example for others. I stand by these beliefs because I know that not only does it show integrity but also because it’s the core of my foundation. There are many impressionable youths, therefore, I try to leave a good impression wherever I go because someone is sure to be watching. In conclusion, I believe in order to challenge culture to exemplify excellence and integrity, I must show others what it looks like to be a person of excellence and integrity. By believing in myself, leading by example and letting my light shine for others to see, I can make a difference. Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Second Place Essays
Jalen Jamison, North Carolina A&T State University, 2023
Each generation can be defined by a set of beliefs that determine customs and traditions otherwise known as culture. As the first born in my family, I remember hearing stories from my grandparents about how the world has changed throughout time. In the 1980’s, people wanted to have successful careers; and technology such as personal computers, and cell phones began to emerge. In the 1990’s, technology continued to grow with the world wide web, people built elaborate homes, and they also went deeper into debt. In the 2000’s, technology changed tremendously as a result of the internet; with social media and YouTube taking the world by storm. Marriage has become less of a priority as living as couples before marriage has become acceptable, and women have begun assuming more leadership roles. As time continues on, one thing that remains timeless is God’s word. Growing up in a Christian household, I understand the importance of bringing Glory to God and living life in a way that honors him. For this reason, I challenge our culture today to exemplify the Christian characteristics of excellence by doing nice things for others and demonstrate integrity by inspiring people through positivity. To demonstrate excellence, I suggest members of our society to do something nice for someone. For example, if you are in the grocery store and you see an elderly person with a handful of groceries, you can offer to help them take the groceries to their car. You could also volunteer your time in non-profit organizations that gives food and financial assistance to those who are less fortunate. Lastly, members of the younger generation could help with church activities or leading team activities. Paying it forward is a small deed that can make a huge impact on the world. To demonstrate integrity, I urge our culture to say and do positive things. Speaking and doing positive things can motivate people and lift their spirits in all situations. Social media is very popular today and has the potential to reach many people. For this reason, I would encourage people to post positive thoughts on social media or write inspiring messages on post-it notes for their friends and family. Positive actions and thoughts can shape and mold the world around you.
Each generation can be defined by a set of beliefs that determine customs and traditions otherwise known as culture. As the first born in my family, I remember hearing stories from my grandparents about how the world has changed throughout time. In the 1980’s, people wanted to have successful careers; and technology such as personal computers, and cell phones began to emerge. In the 1990’s, technology continued to grow with the world wide web, people built elaborate homes, and they also went deeper into debt. In the 2000’s, technology changed tremendously as a result of the internet; with social media and YouTube taking the world by storm. Marriage has become less of a priority as living as couples before marriage has become acceptable, and women have begun assuming more leadership roles. As time continues on, one thing that remains timeless is God’s word. Growing up in a Christian household, I understand the importance of bringing Glory to God and living life in a way that honors him. For this reason, I challenge our culture today to exemplify the Christian characteristics of excellence by doing nice things for others and demonstrate integrity by inspiring people through positivity. To demonstrate excellence, I suggest members of our society to do something nice for someone. For example, if you are in the grocery store and you see an elderly person with a handful of groceries, you can offer to help them take the groceries to their car. You could also volunteer your time in non-profit organizations that gives food and financial assistance to those who are less fortunate. Lastly, members of the younger generation could help with church activities or leading team activities. Paying it forward is a small deed that can make a huge impact on the world. To demonstrate integrity, I urge our culture to say and do positive things. Speaking and doing positive things can motivate people and lift their spirits in all situations. Social media is very popular today and has the potential to reach many people. For this reason, I would encourage people to post positive thoughts on social media or write inspiring messages on post-it notes for their friends and family. Positive actions and thoughts can shape and mold the world around you.
Paiton Wainwright, Patrick Henry Community College
Many times, in this generation it seems normal to do what everyone else is doing. You want to fit in with the crowd or want to be accepted that you’re not true to who you are. I always knew I was different with a purpose but it took me awhile to truly accept me for me not just for the way I looked but for what was on the inside my beliefs and self-worth. I believe you challenge culture by exemplifying the characteristics of excellence and integrity when you truly accept who you are as a person you stick to what you know is right even when the world may be against it. Everyone has morals that have been instilled in them from the beginning it’s what makes us who we are as individuals. The morals that we have are shown in the way we live our life. As a young adult there are many temptations and trials that one can go through that will put those morals to the test to see if you are truly going to stand by them even when you are faced with many obstacles. It takes courage and Christ who lives within to continue to press forward even when I want to give up. Excellence is shown when I do the very best I know how to do not to glorify man but to make Christ proud. In the end I know every pain, smile, tear, and hardship will be worth it. I’ve come way too far to give up now and with God all things are possible.
Many times, in this generation it seems normal to do what everyone else is doing. You want to fit in with the crowd or want to be accepted that you’re not true to who you are. I always knew I was different with a purpose but it took me awhile to truly accept me for me not just for the way I looked but for what was on the inside my beliefs and self-worth. I believe you challenge culture by exemplifying the characteristics of excellence and integrity when you truly accept who you are as a person you stick to what you know is right even when the world may be against it. Everyone has morals that have been instilled in them from the beginning it’s what makes us who we are as individuals. The morals that we have are shown in the way we live our life. As a young adult there are many temptations and trials that one can go through that will put those morals to the test to see if you are truly going to stand by them even when you are faced with many obstacles. It takes courage and Christ who lives within to continue to press forward even when I want to give up. Excellence is shown when I do the very best I know how to do not to glorify man but to make Christ proud. In the end I know every pain, smile, tear, and hardship will be worth it. I’ve come way too far to give up now and with God all things are possible.
If you would like to donate to the Shalynda M. Toney Scholarship, click below.
The Shalynda M. Toney Academy
Help support the growth of the Shalynda M. Toney Academy by clipping and saving Box Top$ for education. Check your pantry, freezers, and refrigerator for participating items you are currently buying. You can clip the points and turn them into Inner Faith Fellowship Ministries any Sunday or mail them to P.O. Box 737 Rocky Mount, VA 24151.
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Thank you!
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