WS Chronicle

Five high school seniors have received scholarships from Equality Winston-Salem–an organization formed in 2010 to promote the well-being of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) individuals and strengthen the LGBT community in Winston-Salem and surrounding communities.

The Equality Winston-Salem Scholarship was established in 2013 to provide scholarships for LGBT students and allies who have shown leadership and vision in a Gay/Straight Alliance at their school or in the general LGBTQ community. Equality Winston-Salem awarded a total of $2,000 to five deserving applicants (one $1,000 scholarship and four $250 scholarships). The winners will apply the scholarships to the cost of undergraduate tuition, fees, room and board, and/or other college expenses.

Inaugural scholarship recipients represent a diverse group of LGBT students and allies from Parkland, Carver, West Forsyth and the Early College of Forsyth.
Sam Tarleton of Parkland High School received the $1,000 scholarship. Sam is a member of the Paisley/Parkland Debate team and co-president of Parkland’s Gay Straight Student Alliance. He was a volunteer for Organizing for America and the campaign against Amendment One. The founder of the Mustang Political Activist Club, Sam will attend Mercer University in Macon, Ga. this fall.

“This scholarship shows me that my work for the LGBT community really means something. I am proud to be the first of many LGBT youth to be recognized for their hard work,” he said.

The $250 scholarship winners are the following:
• Cameron McBee of Parkland High School has taken part in events sponsored by the Parkland GSSA, has supported couples in the WE DO campaign and has attended Winston-Salem Pride. He was also able to witness and participate in the union of his gay neighbors and friends in Washington, D.C. Cameron will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design in the fall.
• Londyn Marshall of West Forsyth High School is a supporting ally who has been a member of the West Forsyth Equality Club since 2010. She is the secretary of the Inter-Club Council, editor of the Key Club, past Junior Class secretary and a former member of the Women’s Lacrosse team. Londyn will be attending the University of Kentucky in the fall.
• Melissa Black of Carver High School is a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights.  She already considers herself a member of the LGBTQ community and demonstrated initiative to establish the first gay/straight alliance at her high school. She will attend Forsyth Technical Community College in the fall.
• Natalie Martinez of Early College of Forsyth is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community who has participated in Winston-Salem Pride, Link Up to Stop Bullying and Pride Club events. Natalie will attend Salem College in the fall.

For more information about Equality Winston-Salem, including scholarship details, visit equalitywinstonsalem.org.