2025 John Anthony Little Memorial Scholarship awarded to Samantha Ragland

J.F. Webb High School student Samantha Ragland was awarded the 2025 John Anthony Little Memorial Scholarship. She is the 15th recipient of this scholarship, which is administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, and this year awarded $5,000.

A recognized school leader, Ragland’s strong academic standing and commitment to excellence was reflected in her being a member of the Student of Merit program, the National Honor Society, the National Science Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta Honor. She participated in tennis, track and field, cross country, soccer, and the theater program. Beyond academics, Ragland assisted in the school’s counseling office and worked with her church for seven years on Operation Christmas Child, a project that distributes shoe boxes full of necessities to those in need.

Ragland plans to attend Vance Granville Community College to study health sciences and transfer to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The John Anthony Little Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 by his mother Paige Little and Royster, Cross and Hensley, LLP. Since then, the scholarship has awarded more than $70,000 to J.F. Webb High School students. Recipients must demonstrate they feel a sense of moral obligation to contribute to the world around them and intend to pursue a degree from an accredited college or university. To learn more about the scholarship, visit nccommunityfoundation.org/JohnLittleScholarship.

Scholarship founder and chair Paige Little hosted Ragland, her family, and past scholarship recipients at a luncheon to talk about college and share tips and advice. She said the scholarship keeps her son John’s memory alive by supporting students who plan to give back to society.

Back Row L-R: Xavier Wortham, Austin Carroll, Bryan Gresham, Nolan Watkins, Paige Little, Samantha Ragland, Tina Ragland, William Ragland, Walker Brummit, Jim Cross
Front Row L-R: Dana Small, Alyssa Sadler, Pam Barker, Taylor McMannen, Mary Malaythong, Antonio Jones — Paige Little hosted a luncheon in honor of Ragland, and past recipients. Back row from Left: Xavier Wortham, Austin Carroll, Bryan Gresham, Nolan Watkins, all past recipients, founder Paige Little, 2025 recipient Samantha Ragland, her parents Tina and William Ragland, and committee members Walker Brummit and Jim Cross. Front row from left: Past recipients Dana Small, Alyssa Sadler, Pam Barker, and Taylor McMannen. NCCF Director of Donor Engagement Mary Malaythong, and past recipient Antonio Jones.

About the North Carolina Community Foundation
The North Carolina Community Foundation brings together generous people and connects them to causes and organizations they care about, with a focus on inspiring lasting and meaningful philanthropy in the state’s rural communities.

With $460 million in assets, NCCF sustains over 1,300 endowments and partners with donors and a network of affiliates in 60 counties to strengthen our state. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, NCCF makes a powerful impact through a robust grants and scholarships program, awarding over $300 million since 1988.

For more information, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.