The Asheville Promise

Chris Carter

Chris Carter was a 1998 graduate from Asheville High School. He had an amazing love of life, family, friends, and adventure. He was a gifted singer, artist, and cook. Chris gave back to ACS working as a custodian, bus driver, and transportation safety assistant with the Asheville City Schools. He was always ready to help out in any way he could. He truly loved working with the staff, teachers, students, and parents of the ACS district.

JAMIL HAWES

Jamil Hawes was a student-athlete and a 2010 graduate of Asheville High School. He loved sports and enjoyed spending time with his many friends, but most of all, he cherished spending time with his family. Jamil served as a police officer on the AB-Tech campus, with the goal of being a positive role model for the young people in his community.

“Let's honor Jamil's memory by encouraging every student in Asheville City Schools to believe in themselves, show kindness to others, persevere, and never give up on their dreams. We are grateful to all the teachers and staff who positively impacted Jamil's life as an ACS student and never gave up on him.” 

- Hawes Family

ARTHUR HELMS

Every Tuesday morning for many years, Arthur Helms made his way into Asheville Primary School. “His biggest impact was gravitating towards those children who may have needed a little extra help or encouragement. I witnessed many a shoe tied or coat zipped with a kind word thrown in. We rarely had to point him in the direction needed, as he seemed to know just which child needed a kind face and extra conversation. Books were read, games played, art projects assisted, and meal time conversations were held, each with a quiet, helpful, friendly tone.” Arthur truly saw and upheld the worth of each of our children.

THEDA RUDD

Born in Sylva, NC, Theda grew up in Asheville before attending
UNC-Greensboro. Theda served as a National Board Certified teacher of English at the School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville (SILSA). She was an educator in every sense of the word and gave of herself to family, friends and students. 

Eric and Sean Darity

Asheville Promise Scholarships were awarded in honor of Eric and Sean Darity by their proud and loving parents, Shavonne and Steve Darity.

The Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville

ACSF is deeply grateful to the EHSA for their enduring support of The Asheville Promise Scholarship. “How could there be a better investment than to help our high school seniors as they take the next step in their lives? Supporting our kids to get an education will enrich their lives as well as contribute to a better world for all of us. We are thrilled to be part of their journey. The best to them!” - Karen, Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville