The Annie and Sallie Ann Wheeler Memorial Scholarship committee has selected Jocelyn Hernandez Jimenez as their 2025 scholarship recipient.

Scholarship founders Linwood E. Hinton and Jamaal D. Pittman presented the award to Hernandez Jimenez during a ceremony on May 15 at North Edgecombe High School.

Hinton and Pittman are also NEHS graduates. The scholarship is named in honor of their late great-aunts, Annie and Sallie Ann Wheeler. The two sisters raised three generations of proud NEHS Warriors and devoted their lives to ensuring the children in their family had access to education and opportunities.

Hernandez Jimenez will receive a one-time, non-renewable scholarship for $6,000. The funds will be paid directly to the college or university of her choice in the fall. 

Committee members selected Hernandez Jimenez in recognition of her exceptional academic achievements, strong character, and consistent dedication to serving her community. Jocelyn’s application included a compelling personal essay and letters of recommendation that highlighted her resilience, integrity and drive to succeed.

Scholarship applicants are required to have a grade point average of at least 2.5 and provide evidence of strength of character and a commitment to helping others. They must also have plans to enroll in a two- or four-year college.

Believed to be the first of its kind established specifically for North Edgecombe students, the scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior. Donors can make a tax-deductible donation to support the scholarship, which is a fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation.

Additional information is available at WheelerScholarship.com