Katie Bell Malone Achievement Scholarship
Katie Bell Malone Achievement Scholarship
This scholarship is created in honor of Katie Bell Malone and will be awarded annually to a family member graduating high school with plans to continue their education at an institution of higher learning. Family members already attending college or have a urgent financial need may also apply, but priority will be given to the graduating high school family member. The minimum award amount is $500. Deadline to apply is June 31.
At a young age Katie took the role of surrogate mother to her younger siblings: Robert, Tommy, and Hattie. As she rebuilt her life in New York with her husband Willie, she helped to get other siblings established and settled in New York. As she raised her own family her home was often a place of love and laughter to family and friends. Katie devoted much of her life supporting causes she cared about, which were primarily based on human and civil liberties. Katie was a force in her Bronx community. She was an active member of the New York City Housing Authority Tenant Association, Bronx National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and Al Sharpton’s National Action Network.
Proposed Eligibility Requirements
• Be a descendent of Sidney & Bertha Parnell or William & Sarah Malone.
• Embody a love of family and service to community.
Submission
• Address the eligibility requirements in a 500 word essay. Also explain why the funds are needed.
• Receive an endorsement from an elder descendent.
• Copy of school transcript.
Send essay and transcript to Ray Malone mookie9x@gmail.com.
Point of Contact: Ray Malone (401) 439-1839 or mookie9x@gmail.com
Donations can be sent to:
Venmo: @BigRay-Malone
CashApp: $RayMalone595
PayPal: mookie9x99@yahoo.com
Zelle: mookie9x@gmail.com
2022 Award Recipient: Ms. Jada Sheppard
Jada Sheppard is about to start her first year at North Carolina A&T State University. She was born in North Carolina and has spent most of her life in Alexandria, VA. She is passionate about painting, linoleum printing, and mathematics. She has competed in both a district and regional level for shot-put throwing, and has been recognized by the National Honor Society. She has also had works published by the DC Freedom Fighters Organization and Scholastic Corporation. She has goals in studying both Computer Graphics Technology and Computer Science. Jada and Katie had a special bond starting with Jada’s birth. Katie travelled to Jacksonville, NC on Amtrak for Jada’s arrival. That was after 9-11. Then she continued her visits with the Sheppards to S. Korea, Yuma, AZ. The Sheppards shower her a lot of love and treated her like the Queen that she was. It’s fitting to award Jada with this first annual scholarship award in honor of Katie Bell Malone.
2022 CONTRIBUTORS
Ray Malone $300.00
Paul Lewis $200.00
2023 CONTRIBUTORS
Award Amount: $750.00
John & LaLane Malone $200.00
Karlton & Debbie Terrell $100.00
Ray Malone $200.00
Clarence Griffin Jr. $200.00
Christine James $50.00
2025 CONTRIBUTORS (Award amount $500.00)
Joan & Tony Smiley $500.00
Karlton & Debbie Terrell $100.00
Ray Malone $200.00
Nancy Malone $50.00
Vouise Fonville $40.00
2026 carry over $390.00
Mr. Ty’Zarian Holiday is the second recipient of the Katie Bell Malone Achievement Scholarship in the amount of $750. Ty’Zarian also known as Ty is the grandson of Kenny Wayne Parnell and descendent of the late Clarence Griffin and Amy Earl Parnell-Griffin. Ty is 20 years old and is currently attending Carson Newman University, Jefferson City, TN, majoring in Computer Science and a member of the football team. He was born and raised in Murfreesboro, TN and moved to Georgia when he was 10 years old.
Ty graduated from Wheeler High school and earned a scholarship to play football at the United States Air Force Academy. After a semester at the Academy, He decided to go to a Christian university Carson-Newman to continue his education and being able to do what he loves and that is to play football. In high school he was a top athlete in his class and region for football and track. He was also participated in a clubs such as a leadership council for football, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), NG3 (Next Generation Change), and Man Maker Academy.
Ty’s plan is to continue to play football in college to help get his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and focus on receiving his Master of Science degree in pursuit to a career in Cyber Security.
Kalecia Holiday, the proud granddaughter of Kenneth W. Griffin and the great-granddaughter of the late Amy E. Parnell Griffin. is honored to be one of the five great-grandchildren of Amy, a woman whose legacy continues to inspire and influence her family in meaningful ways. Her strength, grace, and unwavering love toward her sons have helped shape the foundation of our family.
Kalecia graduated from Morrow High School on May of 2025. Morrow High taught me outside of just playing basketball, the importance of building relationships and connecting with people from different walks of life. Through friendships, group projects, sports, and school events, I learned to appreciate and respect the diversity around me. It gave me the courage to step outside of my comfort zone and engage with people whose experiences and stories are different from mine, which expanded my perspective on the world.
This fall, I am proud to say that I will be attending Columbus State University on a basketball academic scholarship. It is a blessing to be able to continue playing the sport I love while also furthering my education. Basketball has always been a significant part of my life. It has taught me discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. These are values I will carry with me not only on the court but in every area of my life. Basketball has truly played a huge part in my life, without it I don’t know where I would be.
At Columbus State, I plan to major in Exercise science where I will later pursue a career in athletic training. I have always been interested in the science of the human body and the way it functions, especially in athletes, especially because I am an athlete myself who has been injured a lot. I’ve seen firsthand how important athletic trainers are not only in helping athletes recover from injuries, but in guiding them through physical challenges, building strength, and making sure they continue to perform their best. I want to be a part of that journey for others. My goal is to help athletes stay healthy, strong, and confident, just as others have helped me throughout my basketball career.
As I move forward, I carry with me the pride of my family, especially the legacy of my great-grandmother Amy. Her name is more than a memory to me and my family, it is a reminder of where we come from and the values instilled in us to work hard, be resilient, and the importance of family. My journey is just beginning, but it is grounded in deep roots and fueled by the hope and dreams passed down through generations.
I am excited for what’s about to occur in my life , and I remain grateful for the love and support that has gotten me this far. I plan to honor my family name in everything I do from my education and career to how I treat others and carry myself as I enter the real world!