The Helen “Charlene” Patterson Connor & Mildred P. Kennedy Edu. Scholarship

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The Helen "Charlene" Connor & Mildred P. Kennedy Education Scholarship.

This scholarship was created in memory of Helen "Charlene" Connor and her mother Mildred P. Kennedy. Both were Kannapolis, North Carolina natives and attended Kannapolis City Schools. Charlene worked at Pillowtex Corp., formerly known as Cannon Mills where she retired after 32 years of service. Mildred was a dedicated and faithful employee for Kannapolis City Schools for over three decades. Both Charlene and Mildred were known for their kind and generous spirit. Charlene taught several co-workers to read and often helped co-workers and peers advance their careers. Mildred was known for making sure students didn't go without. She would provide resources such as food and clothing for children in need. Both had very giving hearts, and always put others before their own needs. Having suffered tremendous trauma in their lives but still managing to remain positive and never let their trauma define them. They were very religious women and devoted to God whom they credited for blessing them to be of service to others.

When Charlene graduated top of her class from G.W. Carver High School she continued her education at Rowan Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, N.C. When a mentor asked her why she wasn't attending a 4 year college and she replied that she couldn't afford to attend. With the help of that mentor, Charlene received a full scholarship to Barber Scotia College in Concord, N.C. where she studied and graduated with a bachelors degree in Sociology. Their collective story was the inspiration for the creation of this scholarship.
This scholarship will be presented to deserving Kannapolis City School students who have experienced trauma in their life and continued to excel in their educational studies while pursuing higher education.