Malcomb Coley, whose name is synonymous with help for those left behind or left out, is The Charlotte Post Foundation’s 2026 Luminary award winner

Towe believes in meeting students “where they are” to support their growth, she says. “What’s at the core for young people – and all people in general – is that you understand you have value, you are important and you’re significant.”

McClain, The Post’s Top Senior of the Year, was always an academic achiever. What she lacked, though, was confidence. Scouting was the stage Scarborough, as leader of Troop 569 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, used to build it – from group projects to public speaking. 

The Post’s Top Senior of the Year runner-up, Mungai plans on studying neuroscience and political science in college with a concentration in international and foreign affairs.

Charlotte Post Foundation hosts webinar on challenges and potential solutions

Nonprofit outreach to families of after school program students

Mallard Creek High’s Kyla Hudson matches older sibling as outstanding scholar

"At Byers, many students have reached grade-level proficiency and virtually every child who participates shows improved comprehension." - Gerald Johnson