The Tony Cullen Memorial Scholarship was created to support four senior high school student-athletes participating on a varsity-level lacrosse team at a North Carolina High School Athletic Association member school, planning to attend a college or university in pursuit of higher education. This year, each winner will receive a one-time $2,500 scholarship.
This scholarship is given in memory of former player, coach, and official Tony Cullen. Tony Cullen, a former Chapel Hill resident, played and coached lacrosse at Duke University in the 80s and became an official in the early 90s.
Anthony Long
Anthony is a senior at Weddington High School, where he has distinguished himself as both an elite student and athlete. As a two-time lacrosse team captain, Anthony has led his team to competitive success while earning accolades such as Academic All-American, Weddington Team MVP, First Team All-Conference, and multiple All-State honors. His leadership extends beyond the field, where he is ranked 11th in his class, holds a 4.625 GPA, and is a member of the National and Math Honor Societies. Anthony is also dedicated to service, volunteering extensively with Team 91 Charlotte introductory clinics, Wreaths Across America, and community drives through the National Honor Society. He is passionate about sharing his love for lacrosse with young players, often mentoring and teaching the game to those new to the sport. Anthony will continue his academic and athletic pursuits at Colby College, where he plans to major in Economics and continue making an impact both on and off the field.
Martha Smith
Martha is a senior at Topsail High School, where she has been a standout student-athlete and leader within her community. As a four-year varsity lacrosse player and captain, she has earned 1st team all-conference and 3rd team all-region honors, showcasing her dedication and talent on the field. She has also excelled in cross country, serving as team captain while balancing her athletic commitments with strong academics. Martha is an active member of the National Honor Society and Student2Student, a club that supports new and military-connected students. Her commitment to giving back is evident through her long-standing involvement with the Topsail Youth Lacrosse Association, where she has coached and mentored young players, and her participation in community events like Sensory Sensation and campaign support for her father’s bid for District Attorney. Martha will continue her education at Wofford College, where she plans to major in Business Economics while playing collegiate lacrosse and continuing her mission to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Graham Myers
Graham is a senior at Croatan High School, where he has emerged as one of North Carolina’s premier lacrosse players. His impressive athletic resume includes being named a 2024 USA Lacrosse All-American, First Team All-State, and Most Outstanding Player for Croatan’s men’s lacrosse team. Beyond his success on the field, Graham is a dedicated student, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while earning multiple academic honors and certifications in HIPAA compliance, OSHA workplace safety, and medical safety. Graham is passionate about both medicine and mentorship, volunteering extensively with Carteret Youth Lacrosse to coach young goalies and give back to the sport that has shaped him. He is equally committed to his community, contributing through Key Club, Hospice Helpers, and Beta Club activities such as food drives, charity events, and tutoring. Graham will continue his academic and athletic journey at Lenoir-Rhyne University, where he plans to major in Pre-Medicine with aspirations of becoming a healthcare professional and lacrosse coach.
Paige Mathews
Paige is a senior at Hunt High School, where she has made a significant impact as a multi-sport varsity athlete, excelling in both lacrosse and volleyball. As a multi-year team captain and MVP award recipient, Paige has led her teams with passion and resilience, earning recognition for her leadership and dedication. Off the field, she is a member of the National Honor Society and has actively participated in programs such as the Meredith College Leadership Conference for High School Juniors. Paige is deeply committed to community service, contributing to church youth programs, supporting local 5K races, assisting at concession stands, mentoring middle school volleyball players, and working at Cottontails Children’s Boutique. Her passion for helping others and growing the sport of lacrosse drives her desire to one day coach and mentor young athletes in underserved communities. Paige will attend Meredith College, where she plans to major in Marketing while continuing her lacrosse career and building her skills in leadership, public speaking, and community engagement.
The Clary Medal is made possible through the generosity of the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation and annually recognizes an outstanding male and female varsity student-athlete participating in varsity competition in at least two NCHSAA-sanctioned teams. The award is based on each individual’s excellence in athletic participation, extra-curricular activities, and community service, exhibiting a desire to excel in all areas of life – athletics, education, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, honesty, and integrity. The Wilburn Clary Medal was first awarded in 2006 and is dedicated to Wilburn Clary. Clary’s athletic career involved coaching, officiating, and administration. He coached several sports at the Methodist Children’s Home for almost 30 years, was an outstanding high school and collegiate official, and served as the executive secretary of the Western North Carolina High School Activities Association from 1949 until 1977 when the organization merged with the NCHSAA.
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