The Charlie Adams Endowed Scholarship honors the legacy of Charlie Adams, former NCHSAA Executive Director, whose forty-plus years of dedication provided countless student-athletes across North Carolina with opportunities to compete and grow through athletics. The female award is given in honor of Michelle Adams Szwajkun, a former cross-country athlete, while the male award is given in memory of C. Scott Adams, a former wrestler—both of whom represented Chapel Hill High School.
This year, the Foundation is proud to recognize four outstanding student-athletes as recipients of the Charlie Adams Endowed Scholarship for their excellence in academics, leadership, and commitment to their sports.
Justin McQueen
Justin McQueen, a standout athlete at North Brunswick High School, has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a team captain while excelling academically with a 4.0 GPA. His commitment to both his sport and his community is evident through his involvement in the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and extensive volunteer work at local food banks. Justin plans to continue his academic and athletic journey at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in Civil Engineering.
Ava Williamson
A dedicated varsity cross-country and soccer athlete, Ava Williamson has been a team captain, all-conference honoree, and regional qualifier throughout her career at McMichael High School. Beyond athletics, she serves as Senior Class President, Beta Club President, and an AP Scholar with Distinction, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Ava’s passion for environmental advocacy has led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at NC State University.
Myleigh Snider
A multi-sport athlete in cross-country, track & field, and cheerleading, Myleigh Snider has demonstrated her versatility and leadership as a team captain across multiple seasons. At West Davidson High School, she has earned All-Conference honors in track & field, broken school records, and led several student organizations, including serving as Beta Club President and FCA President. With a 4.0 GPA, she plans to major in Exercise Science at Gardner-Webb University, with aspirations of becoming a physical therapist specializing in American Sign Language to serve a broader community.
Dominick Graham
A varsity wrestler and track & field athlete, Dominick Graham has showcased his dedication as a team captain while qualifying for regional wrestling championships. His leadership extends beyond athletics as the President of Unified Titans, a National Honor Society member, and a Special Olympics volunteer. With a passion for healthcare innovation, Dominick plans to attend Duke University to major in Biomedical Engineering, aiming to make a lasting impact in the medical field.
Congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes for their achievements.
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.