2026 Warren-Reese Scholarship Winner: Aiden Hay (He/Him/Mr.)
Aiden Hay is a graduate of Loganville High School in Loganville, GA, who graduated with a 2.8 GPA! As a very active high school student, participated in numerous extracurricular activities including:
- FBLA for 3 years
- Marching band for four years
Special Honors, Awards, and/or Recognitions:
- 3 bars and a letter in marching band
- FBLA Community Service Leader
Major: Computer Science/double major or minor in Music Education
Aiden's own words: I am passionate about developing my talents and building meaningful skills that will shape my future. One of my biggest ambitions is to deepen my understanding of music and share its value with others. Music has the power to connect people, express emotions that words cannot, and inspire creativity in communities. Through educational training at South Carolina State University, I hope to strengthen my knowledge of music theory, performance, and the cultural impact music has on society.
My goal is not only to grow as a musician but also to help others appreciate the importance of music in their own lives. I want to inspire young people to explore music as a form of expression and personal development. By learning from experienced educators and participating in programs at South Carolina State University, I believe I can gain the skills, discipline, and confidence necessary to make a meaningful impact.
Ultimately, I hope to use the education I receive to contribute positively to my community by teaching, mentoring, and encouraging others to pursue their creative passions. Music can bring people together, and I want to play a role in helping others discover its power and potential.
2026 Warren-Reese Scholarship Winner: Miss Peyton Byers
Miss Peyton Byers is a graduate of Redan High School in Stone Mountain, GA, who graduated with a 3.96 GPA! As a very active high school student, she participated in numerous extracurricular activities including:
- Beta Club Member (3 years)
- Dancer at Joi Dance Company (2 years)
- Dekalb Virtual Career Academy Intern (2 summers)
- Future Business Leaders of America Member (2 years)
- National Honors Society (3 years)
- President of Redan High Schools National Honor Society Chapter (1 year)
- Student Government Association (1 year)
Community Service & Awards:
- Atlanta Community Food Bank Volunteer
- (NHS, Beta, FBLA) such as school cleanups, food and clothing drives, and setting up donation boxes.
- The Faith Center every 3rd Sunday with the youth program grades 1st-5th
- Mentored younger dancers as a student teacher at Dance For Joi after I quit dancing (3 months)
- Unpaid intern work at Verbalosity Speech Therapy Clinic about twice a week. My duties include shadowing Ms. Jones as she works with the clients, organizing paperwork, submitting forms, and more.
Special Honors, Awards, and/or Recognitions
- Georgia Certificate of Merit
- National Honor Society member
- Principal's List
Major: Speech Pathology and Audiology
Peyton's in her own words: My goal is to get a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology at South Carolina State University and then continue to earn my master’s so I can become a licensed speech-language pathologist. My interest in this field comes from my family and roots in South Carolina. I was born in Columbia, where most of my family still lives, and my mom and uncle are legacies of SCSU. Being able to continue our family tradition would be a true honor and helps make SCSU the perfect place for me. My little cousin Devin is on the autism spectrum, and my nephew SJ has speech delays. Watching them struggle to communicate showed me how much it matters to have someone help you find your voice and feel confident that people are truly listening. That experience has inspired me to help children overcome communication challenges.
At SCSU, I want to learn as much as possible about speech pathology so I can be fully prepared for graduate school and a career where I can make a real difference. After earning my master’s degree, I hope to work in schools or hospitals and help children improve their communication skills and build confidence. Later, I would like to pursue a doctorate and open my own speech therapy practice to support families who need specialized care.
I hope the training I receive at SCSU will allow me to help children succeed in school and out. I plan to advocate for better access to speech therapy in communities that lack resources and eventually start a nonprofit that provides support for children around the world. Attending SCSU would allow me to follow my passion and my family's legacy, and give back to my community while preparing me to make a lasting impact.
2026 Warren-Reese Scholarship Winner: Miss Aaliyah Walker
Miss Aaliyah Walker is a graduate of Rockdale County High School in
Conyers, GA, who graduated with a 4.10 GPA! As a very active high school student, she participated in numerous extracurricular activities including:
- Rockdale Youth Leadership
- Girls in Focus to Succeed
- Color Guard
Community Service & Awards:
- Rockdale County Youth Leadership we did volunteering events like cleaning an apartment complex for domestic violence survivors & single moms.
- From 10th grade to 11th grade employed with More Than Conquers Inc.
- Volunteered at nursing homes with my church and made cards for kids and women at Saint Jude Hospital.
Special Honors, Awards, and/or Recognitions
- A/B honor roll throughout my high school years
- Top 10% of my class; 18th place out of 400 students in my class
Major: Criminal Justice
Aaliyah's in her own words: My ambitions and goals are to graduate high school with high honors and attend a college that aligns with both my financial needs and my personal values. I aspire to pursue a career in the law field or the judicial system because I have a strong passion for justice, fairness, and helping others. I believe that the only way to change the way the system works in the world is to become part of the system to advocate for the change you want.
Throughout my high school experience, I’ve worked hard to develop leadership, responsibility, and strong communication skills to improve myself. Joining clubs like Rockdale Youth Leadership, Girls in Focus to Succeed, and Color Guard, while also having a job for two years working with youth, has allowed me to serve others and understand the importance of understanding the people around you.
By attending South Carolina State University, I hope to gain the education, knowledge, and professional training necessary to pursue a career in criminal justice or the law enforcement field. I would like to use my education to possibly join the FBI and work in the sex crimes unit to try to stop as many sex trafficking rings as I can and advocate for sexual assault victims, no matter how young and no matter how old.
It is a heavy ambition and goal in my life to advocate for fairness, protect the rights of others, and help create a stronger and safer community. My goal is to use my education not only to succeed personally, but also to make a difference and uplift and serve others.
2026 Book Award Winner: Miss Jayla Brown
Miss Jayla Brown is a graduate of Heritage High School in Covington, GA, who graduated with a 3.5 GPA! As a very active high school student, she participated in numerous extracurricular activities including:
- Captain of the Varsity Track team
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- President of HOSA (lead initiatives related to healthcare education and community service)
- Student Council
- Community Chair for Key Club
- Peer Facilitation Work-Based Learning
Community Service & Awards:
- Top Teens of America Club which is a student-led program outside of school, where I am committed to making a meaningful impact in my community.
- Fundraised efforts to collect toys for pediatric cancer patients.
Special Honors, Awards, and/or Recognitions:
- A/B Honor Roll recognition for three consecutive years.
- Honor Roll with Distinction
Major: Biology w/minor in Exercise Science
Jayla in her own words: As someone who always had the idea to help people feel capable, independent and get
back to what they love doing, I have decided to major in Exercise Science and
eventually become an Occupational Therapist. The thought of helping people recover, rebuilding their strength, and learning how to manage everyday tasks again shows the impact I can make. The education at the Illustrious South Carolina State University will provide opportunities for me to learn through hands-on experiences from professors who care about building future professionals. It will also build a strong foundation for me to stand on that will help me make a difference in my current and future community.
My goal is to use the knowledge and proficiency gained to assist people who lack access to quality rehabilitation care. Becoming an occupational therapist isn’t just a career; it’s a passion and desire to assist people with regaining their independence one therapy session at a time. Rebuilding lives in turn rebuilds communities.
