For twenty-nine years, NCHE has been awarding college scholarships to deserving high school seniors. Seven students were selected to receive NCHE scholarships in 2026 based not only on their scholastic abilities but also on their leadership, athletic and artistic abilities, and community service.
The 2026 Apologia Scholarships for Missions and Ministry are being awarded to two exceptionally qualified students. Jonathan “Freddy” Paul is the son of Nancy and Ravi Paul of Greenville. Following the completion of thirteen years of homeschooling, he plans to attend Anderson University in South Carolina to major in biblical studies. Freddy has won several essay competitions and finished first place in the 2025 NCFCA National Apologetics competition. Already conversational in French, he believes he is called to a life of service as a Bible translator.
Josiah Seely, son of Stephen and Valerie Seely of Union Mills, is also an Apologia Scholarship recipient. Having spent much of his life growing up in China, Josiah sees his future in electrical engineering, designing and creating things to improve the world through better water purification systems, hospital equipment, or other safer and better services. Josiah has been accepted into the electrical engineering program at John Brown University in Arkansas.
Lily Steel, daughter of Jesse and Christy Steel of New Bern, is the recipient of one of two NCHE Academic Scholarships. Lily achieved outstanding scores on both the SAT and the CLT. In addition to her academic performance, Lily is an active member of her church and has volunteered with several local ministries, including a pregnancy resource center. She is an avid pianist whose musical accomplishments include playing harpsichord at the Tryon Palace in New Bern. Lily aspires to be an author and will be studying English at Patrick Henry College.
Jonathan Serb, son of Ioan and Veronica Serb of Apex, is also a recipient of an Academic Scholarship. Jonathan is trilingual, has served his church by helping to lead their Awana program, and is completing his associate degree this spring. He believes that God has gifted him with problem-solving skills and the ability to lead small groups. He anticipates using those giftings in his future family life and career. He has been accepted into the computer engineering program at Grove City College as a rising college junior.
The 2026 Community Service Scholarship goes to Margaret “Meg” Prinzo, daughter of Vincent and Patricia Prinzo of Cedar Grove. Meg has served countless hours in her church, honor society, 4-H competitions, and mentoring younger 4-H members. She will be receiving her associate degree in science from Alamance Community College this spring before transferring to NC State to finish her degree in horticulture science: plant breeding/biotechnology. Her life goals are to nurture and lead other small farmers in feeding our country.
Benjamin McCrory, son of James and Adelle McCrory of Concord, is the recipient of the Ernie Hodges Athletic Scholarship. Ben has played with the Greater Cabarrus Athletic Association (homeschool) basketball program for the past four years, as well as club basketball and football. He is active in his church and has owned his own lawn care business. Ben plans to go to Regent University in Virginia and major in biblical studies. His life’s calling is to pastoral ministry.
Sophia Major, daughter of Robert and Iveth Major of Waxhaw, has been awarded the 2026 NCHE Arts Scholarship. Sophia has been a member of the CHEA choir for three years and has served on the worship team at her church for the past five years. Sophia has played violin since age five and has been a member of the first violin section of the Youth Orchestra of Charlotte for the past eight years. This summer, she traveled with the orchestra to Vienna, Austria. In the fall, Sophia will attend Furman University, majoring in psychology and business administration. She will continue her musical involvement through choir and the university symphony orchestra, and by serving with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes worship team.
North Carolinians for Home Education is honored to award these highly deserving students with scholarships to continue their pursuit of excellence. Congratulations to them and to all the class of 2026!
To learn more about the scholarship program, visit: https://nche.com/helps/high-school/scholarship/. To donate toward future scholarships, go to https://nche.com/scholarship-donations/.
