Winston-Salem Police Foundation Announces 2026 Scholarship Recipients

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications Now Open for High School Seniors

February 13, 2026

The Winston-Salem Police Foundation is proud to recognize an outstanding group of students selected as recipients of this year’s Community and Dependent Scholarships. These five exceptional young individuals embody academic excellence, leadership, service, and a deep commitment to their communities.

As Youth Engagement is one of four key pillars with the Winston-Salem Police Foundation, we congratulate each of them and wish them continued success as they take the next step in their educational journeys.

Community Scholarship Recipients

Eva Boyte

Eva Boyte is a graduating senior at R.J. Reynolds High School who has demonstrated impressive leadership and service throughout her high school career.

A standout student-athlete, Eva served as captain of the varsity girls volleyball team and participated in lacrosse, basketball, and powder puff football. She has also been deeply engaged in school leadership and service, serving as President of the Demons for Hope Hospice Club, Founder and President of both the Red Cross Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club, and Vice President of the Spanish Club. Eva is also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Crosby Scholars, and her church’s student leadership team.

Her commitment to service is particularly notable, having earned the Presidential Service Award (Gold) with more than 250 volunteer hours.

Eva plans to attend NC State University, where she will study Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She is the daughter of Pastor Cory and Michelle Boyte.

Anneliese Deets

Anneliese Deets is a graduating senior at Mount Tabor High School with a 3.75 GPA and a strong record of leadership and involvement.

She has made a significant impact at her school, serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook, President of the Tabor Girls Service Club, and Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team. In addition, Anneliese is a member of multiple honor societies including National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society, as well as Crosby Scholars.

Through her involvement, Anneliese has consistently used her talents to serve others and contribute to her school community.

This fall, she will attend NC State University and begin her studies in the Exploratory Studies program. She is the daughter of Matthew and Brandi Deets.

Onyinyechi Ezeigbo

Onyinyechi Ezeigbo, a graduating senior at Atkins Academic and Technology High School, has distinguished herself as both a scholar and a leader. With a 4.6 GPA, she ranks 6th in her class of 260 students.

Onyinyechi currently serves as Student Body President and has held leadership roles in several honor societies, including Vice President of both the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, as well as Secretary of the Science National Honor Society.

A remarkable athlete, Onyinyechi is a two-time state champion in track and field, a national runner-up, a 10-time school record holder, and a recipient of the NCHSAA Sportsmanship Award.

Beyond academics and athletics, she is an AP Scholar with Distinction, a Certified Nursing Assistant, and an active volunteer in her church’s children’s ministry.

Onyinyechi will attend the University of Pennsylvania this fall, where she plans to study Biology with a minor in Bioethics, with the goal of becoming an OB/GYN. She is the daughter of Walter and Uju Ezeigbo.

Dependent Scholarship Recipients

Kayla Branshaw

Kayla Branshaw is a graduating senior at West Stokes High School with a 3.78 GPA and a strong passion for helping others through healthcare.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Students, and volunteers with Lyla’s Legacy, supporting families of children with special needs. Kayla has further developed her skills through an internship at Carolina Occupational Therapy Services and her work at Miss Fitz Consignment.

Through her academic, volunteer, and professional experiences, Kayla has demonstrated strong leadership, communication, and responsibility.

She will attend Cabarrus College of Health Sciences this fall to pursue a degree in occupational therapy. Kayla is the daughter of Lieutenant (Retired) Ed and Nicole Branshaw.

Reagan Gauldin

Reagan Gauldin is a graduating senior at North Carolina Leadership Academy with a 3.6 GPA who has balanced academics, athletics, and leadership throughout her high school experience.

She has been actively involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Earth/Environmental Club, while also competing in soccer, cross country, and rowing. Her athletic participation has helped shape her strong work ethic, resilience, and teamwork skills.

Reagan will attend High Point University this fall, where she will major in Exercise Science on a Pre-Physician Assistant track. She will also continue her athletic career as a member of the Division I Women’s Rowing Team.

She is the daughter of Scott and Captain Amy Gauldin.

Investing in the Future

The Winston-Salem Police Foundation is honored to support these outstanding students as they pursue higher education and continue making a positive impact in their communities.

These scholarship recipients represent the very best of the next generation—leaders who will carry forward the values of service, integrity, and commitment that strengthen our community every day.