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The Eagle Riders, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts under the umbrella of The Eagles Club #4506, recently awarded 12 scholarships to graduated Manteo and First Flight High School students.

Students and families were invited to a celebration dinner at the Nags Head club, followed by a ceremony to present each student with a $1000 check to use toward college or trade school.

This is the second year that the Eagle Riders, whose motto is “People Helping People” has offered community scholarships. Last year, the goal was to start with one scholarship. They ended up raising enough money to offer four. This year, through the generosity of members and various fundraising events, the group was thrilled to offer 12.

“We are excited to help be a part of contributing to the education and career paths of these young people by awarding scholarship funds,” said Eagle Riders president George Beddoo.

Also new this year, each scholarship was dedicated to a fallen Eagle Rider from the Nags Head chapter who has passed away. The evening was moving for the members as they remembered those they’ve loved and lost.

“There are a lot of emotions in this room,” said Shannon Grey, wife of Billy Grey, who passed away in June of 2023. “[Presenting these scholarships] is amazing but at the same time, you just relive it all over again. It doesn’t matter where you are in life or what’s happening, that’s just hard.”

In memory of Carl Monzi, a scholarship was awarded to Kathryn Bronson, who will study psychology at UNC-Chapel Hill. In memory of Paula Dunstan, scholarships were awarded to Alayna Jester, who will study nursing at East Carolina University, and to Seth Daniels, who will study exercise physiology at East Carolina University. In memory of Howell Shearouse, scholarships were awarded to Tyde Lulo Abbitt, who will study music production/business at Elizabeth City State University, and to Heath Miller, who will study performing arts at Berklee College of Music. In memory of Jeff Jones, scholarships were awarded to Lizzy Mantz, who will study nursing at East Carolina University, and to Ani DeSmidt, who will study arts and psychology at College of The Albemarle. In memory of Billy Grey, a scholarship was awarded to Isaac Miles, who will study business at UNC-Greensboro. In memory of Everett Hess, scholarships were awarded to Alissa Tolson, who will study exercise science at UNC-Chapel Hill, and to Hunter Keeton, who will study business at Appalachian State. In memory of Christian Powers, a scholarship was awarded to Burke Powers, who will study engineering and environmental sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Ann Heath received a scholarship but graciously donated the money back to the Eagle Riders after she received a full ride scholarship to NC State. The club will add the funds to the scholarship pool for next year.

“I’m very grateful and excited,” said scholarship recipient Alissa Tolson. “It’s really just an honor.”

The group recognized the donors who made the scholarships possible: Haddon Homes, Reliant Construction LLC, Atlantic Union Bank Kitty Hawk, ACE Handyman Services, ACE-OBX LLC, Jason James, JG General Contractor LLC, Thomas Edward Bennett, and JT Jones Gas.

Eagle Riders also thank members of their group who made personal substantial donations: Gary Dunstan, Jimmy and Cathy Watkins, Shannon Gray, and George and Valerie Beddoo.

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