2026 Senior Scholarship Recipients

Introducing our 2026 Great Smiles Senior Scholarship recipients!

This year we are proud to award $5,000 across six scholarships to six outstanding students from right here in Western North Carolina. These young people represent the best of this community and we could not be more honored to celebrate them.

Laney White is our 2026 Dr. Bill Chambers Scholarship recipient. Laney is a student at Nesbitt Discovery Academy, NHS President, Voices of Youth President, and became an Eagle Scout at just 14 years old. She plans to pursue pediatric surgery and biochemistry and placed first at HOSA this year. Laney, we cannot wait to watch you change lives.

Olivia Powell is our 2026 Molly Henson Healthcare Scholarship recipient. Olivia attends Pisgah High School, the same school as the scholarship's namesake, which makes this one extra special. She is pursuing a career in healthcare and brings exactly the kind of heart and drive this award was created to celebrate.

Kinzie Messer is our 2026 Justin Leon McClellan Scholarship recipient. A student at Tuscola High School, Kinzie's determination, character, and commitment to her community made her the clear choice for this award. We are so proud to support her next chapter.

Addison Messer is our 2026 Evadora Grace Jones Scholarship recipient. A student at Pisgah High School, Addison's academic record, work ethic, and dedication to her future made her stand out among an incredibly strong applicant pool. We are so honored to celebrate her.

Carson Waller is our 2026 Patty Stroupe Scholarship recipient. A student at North Henderson High School, Carson serves as JROTC Corps Commander and is a national drill champion. This award recognizes students who are a bright light in their community, and Carson is exactly that.

Not pictured: Melaina Worrell, our 2026 Maribeth Childers Healthcare Scholarship recipient, is a first-generation college student at Smoky Mountain High School. Melaina is headed into anesthesiology and founded her own community health initiative called Melaina's Mission.

Congratulations to our 2026 class. We are rooting for every single one of you!