Dear Yvonne,

The 2024 Crosby Scholars Invitational was a resounding success, raising over $310,000, to support the Crosby Scholars Community Partnership. This year's event was attended by enthusiastic supporters, all committed to making a difference in the lives of our scholars.

The Sponsorship Dinner presented by First Horizon featured an inspiring keynote address by Peter Hans, President of the University of North Carolina System, who shared his vision for the future of education and the importance of community support. Tionne Little, a senior at Middle College of Forsyth, delivered heartfelt remarks that highlighted his journey and the impact of the Crosby Scholars program on his life. The evening also honored Bo Fulton of Westhampton Capital and Mike Ernst, Bermuda Run Councilman and retired Hanesbrands, Inc. executive, with the Angel Award for their unwavering support and dedication.

The Breakfast of Champions, presented by Ridge Care Senior Living, which highlighted our Winston-Salem Forsyth County seniors and celebrated our community partnerships. Nathaniel Crosby, son of Kathryn and Bing Crosby, acclaimed author and Walker Cup Captain (2019, 2021), delivered a captivating keynote speech, sharing his experiences and insights. Jewel Moser, a Crosby Scholars alumna from Parkland High School, Class of 2018 and North Carolina A&T State University, Class of 2023 shared her remarkable journey within the fashion and design industry as well as the lasting impact of the program on her success.



This year's invitational not only celebrated the achievements of our scholars but also underscored the vital role of our community in supporting and nurturing future leaders. The funds raised will directly contribute to providing educational opportunities and resources for our students, ensuring that they can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. Thank you to all our sponsors, attendees, and volunteers for making the 2024 Crosby Scholars Invitational a memorable and impactful event.

Would you like to further your impact?

Tionne Little's heartfelt address touched the audience at the Crosby Scholars Invitational Sponsorship Dinner, vividly illustrating the transformative impact of the Crosby Scholars Community Partnership. As a participant since middle school, Tionne has faced numerous challenges, both personal and academic, that have shaped his path and underscored the value of the program’s support.

From an early age, Tionne was thrust into responsibilities that many his age would find daunting. He spoke about the initial confusion and eventual understanding of academic expectations, reflecting, "I used to hear about it from all of my older cousins and siblings, and they told me it was something called maintaining a GPA. At the time I didn't know what that was, until I joined the Crosby Scholars program" His journey from not knowing to embracing the challenges of maintaining a high GPA symbolizes the growth that Crosby Scholars nurtures in its participants.

Gratitude for the guidance and mentorship provided by the program was a recurring theme in Tionne’s speech. He highlighted the significant influence of Mr. Glenn, a mentor who played a crucial role in his development: "Personally, I would like to thank Mr. Glenn, if it wasn't for him and his hand on my shoulder, guiding me, educating me, I probably wouldn't be here today." Mr.Glenn is a senior Crosby Scholars advisor. This mentorship exemplifies the dedicated support system that Crosby Scholars offers to each of its participants, helping them navigate through their challenges. Tionne also spoke to the rigors of academic excellence, emphasizing the continuous effort required to succeed within the program: "Being a Crosby Scholar is a challenge, and it's nothing easy to do... It takes work." His acknowledgment of the difficulty associated with maintaining high standards highlights the program’s role in preparing students for the demands of adult life and higher education.

Looking toward the future, Tionne expressed his desire to impact the next generation, inspired by the support he received. "I want to be somebody. I might teach some of your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, and I'm looking forward to that." His ambition to give back and educate future generations is a testament to the cyclical nature of the Crosby Scholars program’s influence.

Tionne Little's narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the significant impact that Crosby Scholars Community Partnership has on its students. Each story like Tionne's reinforces the importance of our mission and the positive legacy we are building together in Forsyth County.

The Crosby Scholars Invitational Sponsorship Dinner was charged with inspiration as Peter Hans, President of the UNC System, addressed a captivated audience on the enduring value of higher education. With a tone both earnest and reflective, Hans asserted, "There has been growing skepticism nationally about the value of a college degree, but our state has done steady bipartisan work to ensure that our community colleges and public universities offer an extraordinary value."

Under Hans’s leadership, UNC has seen remarkable strides, such as tuition remaining the same for eight consecutive years. Hans shared a hopeful statistic, "Student debt among the UNC System graduates is now lower today than it was when I took office, and all-time graduation is up," highlighting his commitment to affordability and student success.



Addressing the broader challenges faced by today’s youth, Hans spoke passionately about the mental health crisis exacerbated by digital distractions and a polarized political climate. He emphasized the significant role educators and communities play in shaping a healthier future, stating, "It's our job to cultivate intellectual humility and a willingness to hold complex, nuanced ideas."

Peter Hans’s words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the critical role education plays not just in career readiness but in preparing for a meaningful life. His speech was a compelling call to action for all stakeholders to support and participate in the mission of educational equity.

The spirit of generosity and commitment is exemplified in this year’s Angel Award recipients, Bo Fulton and Mike Ernst. Both have been long time members of the sponsorship and operations committees. The Angel Award, initiated by Kathryn Crosby, spotlight those whose extraordinary efforts propel Crosby Scholars forward.

Bo Fulton was recognized for his instrumental role in the continued success of the Invitational. Mona Lovett, President & CEO of Crosby Scholars, shared "Bo has led the effort in securing our presenting sponsors. His dedication to our cause is undeniable."

The recognition continued for Mike Ernst who was honored in his absence and praised for his unwavering support and impactful fundraising and operational initiatives. Lovett highlighted his dedication, saying, "Mike Ernst has brought incredible energy and commitment to our fundraising efforts, ensuring we can continue to support our scholars' ambitions."

The Angel Awards ceremony was not just about recognizing individual achievements but also about celebrating the power of community and collective action. Each contribution celebrated not only advances the program but strengthens the bonds within our community, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering educational opportunities in Forsyth County and beyond.

At the 18th Annual Crosby Scholars Invitational Breakfast of Champions, presented by Ridge Care Senior Living, featured Nathaniel Crosby, son of the program's namesake Kathryn and Bing Crosby. Nathaniel shared fond memories of his parents and their unwavering dedication to education, Nathaniel captivated the audience with anecdotes that painted a vivid picture of the Crosby family's values.

"My parents always believed that education was the key to unlocking a world of opportunities," Nathaniel shared with a smile. "They instilled in us a love of learning and a deep respect for those who dedicate their lives to teaching and mentoring young minds."

Nathaniel's words resonated with the audience, reminding everyone of the profound impact that Crosby Scholars has had on countless students in Forsyth County. He emphasized the importance of community support, stating, "The Crosby Scholars program is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering belief in the potential of every student."

His presence at the breakfast not only honored the legacy of his parents but also served as a source of inspiration for current and future Crosby Scholars. Nathaniel's words echoed the program's core values of academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement, further solidifying the organization's commitment to empowering students to achieve their dreams.



As the audience listened intently to Nathaniel's message, it was clear that the Crosby legacy continues to thrive through the transformative work of the Crosby Scholars program. His words served as a reminder that the spirit of generosity and dedication to education lives on, inspiring generations of students to reach their full potential.

The Winner's Circle

1st Place:

Harris Teeter

2nd Place: Southeastern Pension Company

3rd Place:

Modern Toyota

Our Class of 2024 has 374 Crosby Scholars seniors who received the Executive Director’s Award of Distinction for having been in the Program since sixth grade without missing a requirement or deadline. Each of these seniors were assigned to a team with the chance to win even more scholarships.

These students have all received a $50 scholarship, and thanks to our Crosby Scholars Invitational Sponsors, 30 of these students won another scholarship to continue their education! Scholars on Team Harris Teeter received a $1,000 Scholarship, scholars on Team Southeastern Pension Company received a $750 Scholarship, and scholars on Team Modern Toyota received a $500 Scholarship. In total, over $22,000 was awarded to our Executive Director’s Award of Distinction recipients thanks to our winner's circle!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

We appreciate your support of our mission to ensure that every public school student in Forsyth County has the opportunity to attend college.

A special thank you to our presenting sponsors, First Horizon Bank and Ridge Care Senior Living.

Honoring Grant Queen:

A Legacy of Dedication and Service

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of longtime Crosby Scholars volunteer Grant Queen this past December. Grant served as the Golf Operations Manager during the entire Crosby Tournament and later organized volunteers for the Crosby Scholars Invitational. A Marine who served in Korea, Grant also taught science at Parkland High School and coached five sports.

Grant was an inspiration to our Crosby Scholars family and the Winston-Salem community. His dedication, hard work, and award-winning peanut brittle are fondly remembered by many. Working with Grant was a joy, and we send our love and gratitude to his wife, Liv, for sharing him with us.

Save the Date for Birdies and brunch

To ensure that every public school student in Forsyth County has the opportunity to attend college.