The Mitchell County Historical Society this past week announced that Annali Rae Silver and Elizabeth Ann Bonaminio are the 2022 recipients of the 7th annual Inez McRae Memorial Scholarship.
A 2022 graduate of Mitchell High School, Elizabeth Bonaminio is the daughter of Jim and Heather Bonaminio of Bakersville.
She will use the MCHS scholarship to attend Milligan College with the goal of a degree in health care. She hopes to return to Mitchell County and give back to her community by providing medical services.
Annali Silver is also a 2022 graduate of Mitchell High.
She will attend Gardner Webb University in preparation for a career in education.
She would like to eventually come back to the mountains to teach students about their Appalachian heritage.
Annali is the daughter of John and Misti Silver of Bakersville.
The annual scholarship honors Inez McRae, founding member, anchor and guiding force of the Mitchell County Historical Society, who died in December 2019.
The McRae Memorial Scholarship goes to a high school senior from Mitchell County who demonstrates an interest in Appalachian studies, including, but not limited to history, music, art, folk culture and economic or community development.
The student selected must exhibit a desire to pursue this interest at a higher educational level and express a desire to eventually live and work in Appalachia.