HAMPTON CITY SCHOOLS EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY, WHATEVER IT TAKES!

emailFacebookInstagramTwitterYoutube Portal Parents and Students

RETURN TO HOME    NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS     GO TO NEWS ARCHIVES



Xavier Harris


Harmoney Tillerson

Hampton Education Foundation awards Michael Canty Scholarship to Xavier Harris, Harmoney Tillerson, and Anaya Eley

The Hampton Education Foundation (HEF) awarded Anaya Eley (not pictured), Xavier Harris, and Harmoney Tillerson, graduates of Kecoughtan High School (KHS), each a $1,000 scholarship in honor of Michael Canty. HEF awards the scholarship annually and decided to award scholarships to three students this year.

Anaya will be attending James Madison University in the fall to major in psychology. In a recommendation letter, Christopher Fredericks, academy principal at KHS said, “Anaya is an academic ‘powerhouse’. She has illustrated that she can preserve and maintain exceptional academic levels all the while taking rigorous coursework available to her. Ms. Eley is a young person that understands the value of a well-rounded educational experience and that this experience does not only take place in the classroom.”

Xavier will be attending Coastal Carolina University in the fall to major in marine science. His biology teacher at KHS shared, “Aside from being an exceptional student, Xavier exhibits a strong sense of intrinsic motivation and independent drive. He is a natural leader; he is pragmatic and poised in difficult situations.”

Harmoney’s future plans include attending Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall to major in business. Joan Ehlers, Harmoney’s senior honors human anatomy and physiology teacher said, “Harmoney remains focused and excited about the prospect of going to college to study business. She is a visionary who has set ambitious goals.”

Michael Canty had an extensive background in education and was passionate about children and youth, and in particular, the underserved “at risk” youth in the city of Hampton. He touched many lives during his time in Hampton working at the Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind, and Multi-Disabled, as principal of Hampton High School, as the director of InSync Partnerships, and finally as the city of Hampton’s Neighborhood Offices Service Manager.

He had a special place in his heart for those who struggle a bit more than most, but who nevertheless, find success. His heart was with those who seize opportunities when they present themselves, and despite obstacles, keep focused on their goals.

Canty passed away in October 2010, after a valiant and hard-fought battle with lymphoma.

There is a memorial garden in front of Hampton High School that has been maintained for years by volunteers Martha Miller and Cynthia Carlson. “They do it purely out of love,” said Annie Canty.

We wish the best of luck to Xavier, Harmoney, and Anaya as they embark on their college careers.