CBAN Pioneer Award

Nominee's Acknowledgements and Awards: '89 NC 3A State Championship - Football - Running Back Coach - A. L. Brown HS '89 Central Piedmont Coach of the Year - Head Coach Girls Track - A. L. Brown HS '90 South Piedmont Coach of the Year - Head Coach Girls Track - A.L. Brown HS '91 South Piedmont Coach of the Year - Head Coach Girls Track - A.L. Brown HS '92 Cabarrus County Coach of the Year - Head Coach Boys Basketball - A.L. Brown HS '95 South Piedmont Conference Coach of the Year - Boys Basketball - A.L. Brown HS '96 South Piedmont Conference Coach of the Year - Boys Basketball - A.L. Brown HS '96 Cabarrus County Coach of the Year - Head Coach - Boys Basketball - A.L. Brown HS '98 Winston-Salem Chronical Basketball Team of the Year - Head Coach, Carver HS '98 3A State Championship - Football - Running Back Coach - Carver HS '00 Piedmont Triad Coach of the Year - Boys Basketball, Carver HS '02 NC 3A State Championship Football - Running Back Coach, Carver HS '04 NC 3A State Runner-Up Boys Track - Head Coack, Carver HS '08 NC 1A State Championship - Boys Basketball - WS Prep - Athletic Director '08 NC 1A State Championship - Girls Track - WS Prep - Athletic Director '09 NC 1A State Runner-Up - Boys Track - WS Pres - Athletic Director '09 NC 1A State Championship - Girls Track - WS Prep - Athletic Director '12 NC 1A State Championship - Boys Basketball - WS Prep - Athletic Director '13 NC 1A State Championship - Boys Basketball - WS Prep - Athletic Director '13 NC 1A State Runner-Up Girls Track - WS Prep - Athletic Director '15 NC 1A State Runner-Up Boys Basketball - WS Prep - Athletic Director '15 NC 1A State Championship - Girls Basketball - WS Prep - Athletic Director '15 NC 1A State Championship - Girls Track - WS Prep - Athletic Director '16 NC 1A State Runner-Up Boys Basketball - WS Prep - Athletic Director '16 NC 1A State Championship - Girls Basketball - WS Prep - Athletic Director '18 NC 1A State Championship - Boys Basketball - WS Prep - Athletic Director '20 NC 1A State Co-Championship - Boys Basketball - WS Prep - Athletic Director '21 Winston-Salem/Forsyth County High School Sports Hall of Fame Inductee '22 Salisbury/Rowan Sports Hall of Fame Inductee North Carolina High School Athletic Association Ejection Free Award - 5 Consecutive Years - '08/'09, '09/'10, '10/'11, '11/'12, and '12/'13

Nominee's Community and/or College Service: Directed and coordinated the Kannapolis City Schools Basketball Camps Organized and directed the Carver/Winston Lake YMCA Summer Basketball Camp Annual Donor to the Fred M. Evans Pool Summer Youth Program - Providing financial assistance to allow kids to swim free Annual Donor to the Raemi L. Evans Little Library - Donating free books for youth K-12 Organized the Little Library placed in the Jersey City playground (neighborhood in Salisbury, NC) Participated as a mentor in the Cook Elementary School Youth Program for Young Boys Member of the JC Price High School Alumni Association

What sets this alumnus/alumna apart and makes him/her the best candidate for this particular award? : Ricky Holt has always been a strong advocate for youth academics and athletics. As an educator and coach, he has devoted more than 30 years to assisting youth navigate what it takes to be successful and productive individuals. His coaching went far beyond the field, court and track as he always promoted excellence through academics and sportsmanship. One example of his commitment to sportsmanship was noted when Winston-Selem Preparatory Academy was honored by receiving the NC Ejection Free Award five years in a row by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. As a student who went through the Salisbury City School System, Ricky was recognized as a student/athlete and leader. These accoladed amounted to him being inducted into the Salisbury Rowan Sports Hall of Fame in 2022 with career accomplishments that represented all three nomination categories of athlete, coach and administrator. He was also inducted into the Winston-Salem Forsyth Hall of Fame in 2020. Among his many accomplishments, being selected as the first Athletic Director of Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy School is definitely a high point of his career. Holt built this program from the ground up starting in 2004. His dedication has propelled WS Prep to be highly recognized in both Winston-Salem and the State of NC. The programs that Coach Holt designed and led are often times recognized as one of the State's Top 1A athletic programs and a state dynasty in NC Boys Basketball.

Nominee's Acknowledgements and Awards: Team Captain HS Basketball 99-02 Player of the Year HS basketball big East Conference 2001-2002 Nc East West player 2002 Semi Pro Basketball Carolina Cougars MVP 2007-2009 Professional Basketball career with Harlem Globetrotters 2008-2015 Nash County High School Basketball coach of the year 2011,2013,2015, 2016 and 2017 2023 Director of Music All state band student selected. High School State Record Champion Rocky Mount Prep Mayor recognition with day of year named for team 2017 Track State of NC Champion Rocky Mount Prep Coach 2016-2017 NC High School State Track Championship Rocky Mount HS 2023-2024 Rocky Mount Mayor Distinguished Legacy Award presented by Mayor Sandy Roberson for Volunteerism in the community and being the only Harlem Globetrotters from Rocky Mount NC

Nominee's Community and/or College Service: Catawba College Defensive player of the year 2006 Catawba College Distinguished Alumni Award 2021 Catawba College Basketball Team Captain 2002-2006 Catawba College Basketball Conference Champions 2003-2005 Serves on Alumni Board to advance Catawba as a Premier College of Education Excellence, not only in North Carolina but also the country and world.

What sets this alumnus/alumna apart and makes him/her the best candidate for this particular award? : When reviewing the Black Alumni Network Legacy award requirements and meaning I would be amiss if I did not think about Jolly Manning. You can see by the impressive resume of well rounded awards and recognition throughout his lifetime thus far. From having a successful high school and Catawba college career in sports to helping advance his community and students providing a hand up to the youth. Mr. Manning is consistent in his efforts to uphold the excellence Catawba College want all students to exhibit. I feel this award was created with Mr. Manning in mind. The Catawba College Black Alumni Legacy award could not be given to a candidate that exemplifies the standard of excellence and volunteerism in any better way. He is still assisting his alma mater and Salisbury community along with the place, Rocky Mount NC that he calls home today. No one would be as humble to accept and represent this distinguished black alumni achievement anymore than Mr. Jolly Manning.

Nominee's Acknowledgements and Awards: Academic honor student all 4 years HOF Catawba College Catawba College Conference HOF Catawba Co HOF College football Coach for over 35 years NC A&T SU head coach of the year

Nominee's Community and/or College Service: Member of his home church for 25+ years Community Volunteer for over 35 years Volunteers in underprivileged kids 🏈camps every summer Supports transplant patients

What sets this alumnus/alumna apart and makes him/her the best candidate for this particular award? : What we love about Keith Henry is he is a quiet soldier in the army of the human race. If you need help, he is there whether you just got fired from a job or battling any health crisis he donates his time money and discovers a wayto make someone’s life better.

Nominee's Acknowledgements and Awards: Graduate of Catawba College, Class of 1992 Four-year starting linebacker (1989–1992) Three-time All-American honoree Team Captain (Senior Year) Team Most Valuable Player (1991) Holds Catawba single-game record for 25 tackles Holds single-season school record for fumble recoveries Named Head Football Coach at Catawba College (2012) Led team to a South Atlantic Conference Championship NCAA Division II Playoff appearance as Head Coach Named South Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year (2015)

Nominee's Community and/or College Service: Served Catawba College for decades as both student-athlete and coach Began coaching career at Salisbury High School, investing in local youth development Returned to Catawba as Linebackers Coach (1995), later Defensive Coordinator Mentored and developed hundreds of student-athletes academically, athletically, and personally Helped lead Catawba to multiple conference championships and NCAA playoff appearances as assistant and head coach Served as one of the first Black head football coaches in the South Atlantic Conference, expanding representation and opportunity in collegiate athletics Alongside his wife, LaSheka Walker (Senior Development Associate in the College’s Development & Alumni Office), remains actively connected to alumni engagement and institutional advancement Longstanding presence and leader in the Salisbury community

What sets this alumnus/alumna apart and makes him/her the best candidate for this particular award? Curtis Walker represents legacy, leadership, and pioneering impact at Catawba College. His journey from standout All-American linebacker to Head Football Coach at his alma mater reflects not only personal excellence but historic progress. As one of the first Black head football coaches in the South Atlantic Conference, he broke barriers while leading with integrity, discipline, and mentorship. His impact extends far beyond wins and championships. For decades, he has shaped young men into leaders — emphasizing accountability, education, and character. His long-term dedication to Catawba College, both on the field and within the broader campus community, demonstrates a sustained commitment rather than a momentary achievement. Curtis Walker’s career embodies what it means to be a Black Pioneer — forging pathways, modeling excellence, uplifting others, and strengthening the institution he once attended as a student. His legacy is measurable not only in records and championships, but in lives changed and doors opened for future generations.

What sets this alumnus/alumna apart and makes him/her the best candidate for this particular award? : She has set an incredible standard through her dedication to Catawba and her community. Her time at Catawba was deeply meaningful, and she has continued that success as a teacher at her alma mater—the high school she graduated from—while also showing unwavering commitment to the volleyball team she coaches. She consistently goes above and beyond to support those in need. Her compassion for others is truly remarkable, and her presence on campus has made a lasting.

Nominee's Acknowledgements and Awards: Assistant Principal Basketball Coach Minister Mentor Fitness & discipline advocate

Nominee's Community and/or College Service: Teaching discipline through sports. Helping young Black athletes navigate identity, pressure, and purpose. Modeling Christian leadership in a divided culture

What sets this alumnus/alumna apart and makes him/her the best candidate for this particular award? : Most people impact one lane. I try to impact students academically, athletically, spiritually, and personally. I am committed to developing the whole person — academically, athletically, and spiritually — while creating a culture of discipline, unity, and Christ-centered leadership that empowers the next generation of Black leaders.