Arnasia currently attends Roanoke-Chowan Community College and is transferring in 2024 to Elizabeth City State University. She plans to major in Social Work.

“Your belief in me and the support you have provided have truly been life-altering. This scholarship has not only opened doors for me but has also given me the motivation to work harder, knowing that I have someone to honor and make proud.

I am forever grateful for this gift, which has not only lightened my financial load but has also given me a renewed sense of purpose and determination. It is an honor to be a recipient of this scholarship and to carry on the legacy of the person behind it.”

Jerne currently attends Howard University and is majoring in Biology, with a double minor in Chemistry and Afro-American Studies.

“In the grand tapestry of education, a scholarship is more than just a financial aid package; it is a testament to the countless individuals who believe in the potential of education to transform lives. The Aidan J. Foster Memorial Scholarship is an embodiment of hope, an investment in the future, and a celebration of human potential and life. As I tread along my academic path, I am profoundly thankful for the opportunities this scholarship has bestowed upon me. It has illuminated my journey, turning each challenge into an opportunity, and every obstacle into a steppingstone. I am beyond blessed to have been a recipient of the Aidan J. Foster Memorial Scholarship.”

Charles currently attends University Of North Carolina Wilmington and is majoring in Nursing.

“Winning this scholarship really helped ease my anxiety when it came to paying for college. With the scholarship money, I’ve been able to pay for all of my books and cover the rest of my first semester's tuition that financial aid couldn’t cover.

Winning a laptop along with the scholarship money was also a huge help. There hasn’t been a day of class so far that I haven’t used it. Not worrying about finding an affordable laptop before moving on campus made the transition so much easier.”

Xavier currently attends East Carolina University and is majoring in Exercise Physiology. He plans to attend Physical Therapy school afterward.

“Winning this scholarship meant so much more to me than many know. I can still vividly remember hearing my name called and realizing I was gifted a scholarship. I was extremely excited, but more than that, I felt so abundantly honored. I was honored that I had been chosen as a representative to receive a gift from a young boy's legacy. Honored that the qualities that were so cherished were seen in me, and honored that I can keep his ideals alive. I will be forever grateful and thankful to the Foster family and will do my best to make Gates proud!”

Sarah curently attends College of the Albemarle and is majoring in Culinary Arts.

I was fortunate and blessed to be able to receive the Aidan J Foster scholarship. I cannot begin to describe how this scholarship has aided me on my path to being a Culinarian. The monetary amount I was given has fully paid for my college tuition including my textbooks and any other materials required for my classes. This scholarship has alleviated all the financial burdens of my education which in turn has allowed me to dream bigger dreams and has motivated me to strive for excellence in all that I do. I can think about my future without having to worry about paying off any college debt, and for that I am truly grateful. This scholarship also included a brand-new laptop. Many people do not know this, but I was previously having a great deal of trouble with my old laptop even after we replaced certain parts of it. I knew that I needed a better one but some of the newer laptops were just too expensive. The thought of having to buy a new laptop was adding onto the stress of being a senior and all that came with it. When I was awarded the scholarship and found out that it included a laptop, that I wouldn’t have been able to previously afford, I was overjoyed and so was my family. Being awarded this scholarship has shown me so many things including that when you trust God and his plan for your life, he will provide everything you need. It has also shown me that I am seen by others and am not just another graduate going to college. I never thought that I would be rewarded for the acts of kindness that I showed others, and I never performed those acts to be rewarded. I just wanted others to know that they are seen, and they are loved, and through that I was shown that I am seen, and I am loved. I am so incredibly thankful to the Foster family for awarding me with this scholarship, and I am grateful to have been one of the people that was chosen to further AJ’s memory. Always remember to grin like AJ!