North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls, Cha’Niylah Jones and Halifax County Commissioner Gary Redding pose for a photo after Jones received a $1,500 scholarship from the North Carolina Association of Black County Officials during the organization’s Scholarship & Awards Luncheon in Durham on Aug. 21. Photo courtesy of Gary Redding.
Cha’Niylah Jones left Halifax County Early College in May with more than a high school diploma.
The Class of 2026 valedictorian graduated with a 4.3 GPA and had already earned both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science from Halifax Community College. This fall, she arrived at Winston-Salem State University as a junior with approximately 70 percent of the coursework toward her bachelor’s degree already completed.
Last week, those accomplishments earned Jones recognition beyond Halifax County when she received a $1,500 scholarship from the North Carolina Association of Black County Officials during the organization’s Scholarship & Awards Luncheon in Durham.
North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls served as the keynote speaker for the event.
“Receiving the NCABCO scholarship meant a lot to me personally because it showed me that my hard work and dedication were being recognized,” Jones said. “This scholarship is not only an accomplishment, but also an encouragement for me to continue working toward my goals and making my family and community proud.”
Redding nominates Jones for scholarship
Halifax County Commissioner Gary Redding nominated Jones for the scholarship after becoming familiar with her academic record through Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Halifax Community College, where Redding serves as an advisor.
Jones qualified for induction into the honor society after earning above a 3.5 GPA while enrolled in an associate degree program and remaining in good academic standing.
“I knew about her strong academic record and many accomplishments, so when I learned about the NCABCO scholarship, I immediately thought she would be an excellent candidate,” Redding said.
Her academic record was impressive, Redding said, but what particularly caught his attention was how much Jones had accomplished at a young age.
“She demonstrated the discipline, determination, and academic excellence that the scholarship seeks to recognize,” he said.
Redding attended the luncheon in Durham and watched as the student he nominated received the award.
“It was a proud moment,” Redding said. “Seeing a young person from Halifax County recognized at the state level and knowing that I had an opportunity to help bring attention to her accomplishments made it especially meaningful. She earned that moment through her hard work.”
More than a GPA
Jones’ high school experience involved more than maintaining a 4.3 GPA and completing the requirements for three separate credentials.
According to Halifax County Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Cunningham, Jones was also a cheerleader and completed an internship while managing her high school and college coursework.
Jones acknowledged that juggling those responsibilities was not always easy.
“Balancing high school and college-level coursework was challenging, but it taught me a lot about time management, discipline, and staying committed to my goals,” Jones said. “There were definitely times when I felt overwhelmed, but I learned how to prioritize my responsibilities and keep pushing forward.”
She credited teachers, advisors, family and friends with helping her along the way.
“Looking back, I’m proud that I challenged myself and was able to accomplish something that once seemed difficult,” Jones said.
Jones was one of only three members of Halifax County Early College’s Class of 2026 to earn both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science.
Early College produces college credentials
Jones’ accomplishments also provide a glimpse at the results of the Early College model in Halifax County.
Of the 22 students who graduated from Halifax County Early College in 2026, 21 earned either an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science from Halifax Community College, according to Cunningham. Three students earned both degrees.
Through a partnership with Halifax Community College, Early College students are able to take college courses while completing their high school requirements, potentially leaving high school with substantial college credit or an associate degree.
For students who successfully transfer those credits to a four-year institution, the model can shorten the amount of time needed to complete a bachelor’s degree and reduce the amount families ultimately spend on college coursework.
Jones said the combination of college-level classes and the support provided by the Early College helped prepare her for the transition to a university.
“Halifax County Early College gave me the opportunity to experience college-level classes while still having the support of my high school,” Jones said. “It helped me become more independent, responsible, and confident in my ability to succeed academically.”
For Jones, the result was entering Winston-Salem State with junior status immediately after graduating from high school.
“The experience prepared me not only academically, but also mentally for the expectations of college,” she said.
Cunningham said Jones’ success illustrates what the model can offer students in a rural school system.
“Cha’Niylah’s success demonstrates that big things can happen in small, rural communities,” Cunningham said. “Our students can compete academically, achieve at very high levels, and make their mark well beyond Halifax County.”
Redding similarly pointed to Jones as an example of what the partnership between Halifax County Early College and Halifax Community College can provide.
“Her accomplishments show what is possible when our students take advantage of the educational opportunities available right here in Halifax County,” Redding said.
He also hopes Jones’ success provides an example for other students in the community.
“Her success shows other young people in Halifax County that where you come from does not have to limit where you can go,” Redding said. “We have talented, capable students in our community, and when they combine opportunity with hard work and support, they can compete and succeed anywhere.”
Cunningham also credited Redding with helping Jones receive the recognition.
“We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and grateful to Commissioner Redding for recognizing her potential and helping open the door to this opportunity,” Cunningham said.
Looking toward a career in health care
Jones is now studying biology at Winston-Salem State University with plans for a career working with children and families.
After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue certification in sonography with the goal of becoming a pediatric ultrasound technician.
For Jones, the scholarship represents another step in a journey that began well before she arrived on the Winston-Salem State campus.
“I’m excited to continue my education and gain the knowledge and experience needed to achieve that goal,” she said.
