Alumni Story

I was one of those kids who always knew what they wanted to do in life.”

"Luckily for me, the executive director at my high school knew about the popular music degree at Catawba College with its signer-songwriter component," explained Destiny.

Destiny’s calling in music was clear from an early age. “I was one of those kids who always knew what they wanted to do in life,” she says. At age five, she was singing in her church. She went to a recording studio at age twelve. “My dad took me there. My parents were always supportive and encouraged me to do music.”  In high school at the Mississippi School of the Arts (MSA), she continued to fine-tune her musical skills. She told the executive director at MSA that she “loved to write songs but did not want to pursue a traditional music degree.” Thankfully, the executive director knew about the popular music degree at Catawba College with its singer-songwriter component. Destiny was awarded a competitive McCorkle’s Scholarship to attend Catawba.

“I loved to write songs but did not want to pursue a traditional music degree.”

Currently, Destiny continues to write, perform, and teach music. She returned to campus this past fall to take on the role of directing Catawba’s gospel choir and the Scholars of the Chapel. Not long ago, she revived her tribute show, “Nina Now: A Tribute to Nina Simone,” to critical acclaim. She created and debuted the show while she was a student at Catawba and performed it previously as a part of the U.S. National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Treasure dedication celebration for Nina Simone, a renowned North-Carolina born musician, singer, and civil rights activist.

Destiny’s newest project is a benefit concert scheduled for October 29, 2023, and it is near and dear to her heart. Following the birth of her son Joseph, Destiny wanted a way to give back to the local community. She knew there were families who needed resources and other families, including hers, who had something to give. “Kids grow so fast. I had a lot of clothing and items to give away, my son is growing so quickly.”  She and her husband are expecting their second child in January, and Destiny knows many of the things her son outgrew are not items that she needs to keep for her baby girl. Destiny became aware of the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, which works to prevent child abuse, from Catawba music faculty member, Dr. Julie Chamberlain, who served as its former president. Dr. Chamberlain was an influential professor for Destiny, and they have remained in frequent contact. With Destiny’s new directing position at Catawba, they are now colleagues as well.

Combining forces with another “music-makin’ mama”, Destiny and Courtney Puckett are raising support through a “Music and Fun for the Little One” Baby Shower Benefit Concert for the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center and the families it aides. Among the musical offerings planned for the concert, Destiny will debut a new song she has written, “Your Joy Brings Me Joy,” inspired by her son Joseph.

The admission fee to the benefit event is via a contribution of diapers, wipes, or a monetary donation. A portion of all monetary funds raised goes directly to support the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center. The program is on October 29, 2023, at 1600 Brenner Avenue at 3:00 pm. Sponsors for the event include Accented Glory, Stowe Law Firm, Sade’s Catering and Decor, Macon It Pop, Dandelion Lighthouses, The Dependable Tax Group, Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church, Raising Resilience Maternal Health Counseling Services, House of J. Lorraine Beauty Supply, Promise City Church, and All Thingz Musical.