BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Kiwanis Club’s Hillbilly Breakfast fundraiser yielded significant dividends Thursday, awarding scholarships to two outstanding graduates from Martin County High School: Lena Hale and Addison Duncan. The young scholars were honored guests at the Kiwanis luncheon held at Masterpiece Kitchen & Café, where each was presented with a $1,000 scholarship.
“Both of these girls have been very involved in their communities throughout their academic careers,” Kiwanis president Melissa Phelps remarked as she introduced Hale and Duncan.
Hale, daughter of Bobby and Susan Hale, will attend Morehead State University to pursue a nursing degree.
“I’ve been accepted into the nursing program, and I’m really excited,” Hale said.
Reflecting on her involvement with Kiwanis, she added, “I’ve worked with Kiwanis since I was really young. I have a lot of memories of working with different people and helping out. I’ve always felt like Kiwanis took me under the wing and treated me like an equal, not like just because I’m younger that I can’t help. I’m very thankful.”
Duncan, daughter of Brad and Melissa Duncan, will also attend Morehead State University, majoring in exercise science with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist.
“I want to come back to Martin County after I obtain my degree and hopefully work with children,” Duncan shared.
Duncan’s experience with the Kiwanis Club came through her involvement with the high school senior travel club, which helped sell lemonade at local festivals.
“My experience with Kiwanis is not quite like Lena’s,” Duncan noted. “I usually drink lemonade as they sell it. I had some experience with the travel club and got to work with Amy and Lena. We had a really fun time and it was also a learning experience.”
Both Hale and Duncan were multi-sport athletes, playing soccer and softball. They also participated in various clubs, including travel, pep and drama. Additionally, Duncan was involved in dance, the Beta Club and the yearbook committee.
As seniors, Hale and Duncan helped lead their soccer team to a remarkable 16-3 record, a conference title, and a 15th Regional All “A” Classic championship, advancing to the state Elite 8.
Hale graduated as the class salutatorian, while Duncan ranked fourth, both completing over 30 college credit hours in high school.
Last summer, Hale worked at the Martin County Attorney’s office, while Duncan worked in the Martin County Judge/Executive’s office. This year, Duncan is employed at First State Bank.
Hale has been active in her church, volunteering in Sunday school and vacation Bible school, and participating in community activities such as litter cleanups with her soccer team. Both have extensive experience in fundraising for their teams and groups.
At the luncheon, Phelps asked the girls for their suggestions for the upcoming Harvest Fest in September. Duncan proposed artistic activities like pumpkin painting for teens and younger children, while Hale suggested a haunted house to appeal to teenagers.
Working with Kiwanis, Hale learned how important it is to give back to the community.
“People notice when you speak kindly and stuff like that,” she said. “The little things don’t go unnoticed.”
Volunteering at local festivals taught Duncan that community is important and sparked her desire to return to Martin County.
Duncan expressed her desire to return as an occupational therapist, ideally working with children in the school system, but she is open to other opportunities.
“Whatever comes my way, I’m ready,” Duncan said.
Hale’s long-term ambitions include earning her MSN and advancing in health care management.
