CHAPEL HILL — Sean Merrill (West Henderson) and Isabella Sholar (Cleveland) are the 2025-2026 recipients of the Wilburn Clary Medal. Both Merrill and Sholar are among the top 10 students in their graduating classes. They have competed in state playoffs in multiple sports, hold distinguished school leadership positions, and are volunteers who have rooted themselves in community-specific service initiatives.
 
Merrill, a cross country, swimming & diving, and outdoor track & field student-athlete, serves as the West Henderson Student Body President. Merrill has accumulated more than 450 service hours during his high school career. He extended his dedicated public service as a volunteer firefighter and delivery truck driver, particularly to Hurricane Helene (2024). “High school sports made me believe that dreams can be achievable, and that all I have to do is lace up my shoes, throw on my cap and goggles, and race toward them,” Merrill said. His next dream is to become his family’s first college graduate. 
 
Sholar competes in basketball and softball, has contributed to the continuous growth of flag football as the team’s quarterback, and is the Cleveland National Honor Society President. Sholar shares her commitment to education as a classroom volunteer at local elementary schools, and her passion for debate through sport.  “Athletics are not only about skill or winning,” Sholar said, “but encouraging others, building confidence, and helping people believe they are capable.” One of her favorite memories is helping an adaptive sports participant learn to use her voice to call for the basketball. 
 
Merrill and Sholar will be honored at the NCHSAA annual celebration in Greensboro on June 10, where and when they will receive $3,000 scholarships to further their higher educations. Merrill is Harvard University-bound and will study Particle Physics, while Sholar will matriculate at UNC-Chapel Hill and major in Political Science.