The Charles N. Mackey Legacy Scholarship
WE INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS!
Because investing in emerging leaders strengthens communities and shapes a brighter future.
About the Charles N. Mackey Legacy Scholarship
The Charles N. Mackey Legacy Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Charles N. Mackey by investing in students who exemplify leadership, service, resilience, academic excellence, and athleticism. This scholarship reflects the values that Charles N. Mackey embodied—strength of character, perseverance, commitment to growth, and service—ensuring those values live on through the next generation.
By supporting students who lead with integrity and determination, the scholarship extends our mission beyond programs and events, creating lasting impact through opportunity, education, and empowerment. It transforms leadership into legacy and purpose into possibility.
Charles N. Mackey was a former educator, national basketball coach, and mentor whose life and career left a lasting impact on students and athletes alike.
Scholarship Values and Criteria
Recipients of the Charles N. Mackey Legacy Scholarship demonstrate the following:
✔ Leadership in school, community, or extracurricular activities
✔ Commitment to service and giving back
✔ Resilience in overcoming adversity
✔ Academic excellence and dedication to learning
✔ Athletic involvement or discipline reflecting teamwork and perseverance
Through this scholarship, Charles N. Mackey’s legacy lives on by empowering students to pursue excellence on and off the field.
Meet the 2026 Scholarship Recipient
Ta'Narja Smith
Moss Town Primary School, Exuma
Recipient of the inaugural Charles "Chuck" Mackey Legacy Scholarship
Born on April 28, 2015, Ta'Narja Smith is the cherished daughter of Tavaris Smith and Junell Johnson. From an early age, she has been known for her warm heart, strong character, and eagerness to learn. Raised in a loving and supportive family, Ta'Narja has developed into a confident, well rounded young lady who consistently strives for excellence in every area of her life.
A talented and ambitious student, Ta'Narja enjoys baking, cooking, and discovering new things. Her passion for learning extends beyond the classroom, as she actively participates in numerous organizations that have helped shape her into a responsible leader and positive role model. She is a proud member of the Exuma Girl Guides, President of the K-Kids Club, a member of the Exuma Youth Band, Glorious Praise Dance Ministry, Exuma Track & Field, the Agape Prayer & Ministries Youth Group, and serves as a choreograph dancer for the Musical Youth Junkanoo Group.
Ta'Narja recently graduated from the Great Moss Town Primary School, where she distinguished herself as both Head Girl and Student of the Year. Throughout her final year, she demonstrated exceptional academic excellence by earning a place on the Principal's List and receiving awards in Language Arts, Mathematics, Spanish, Religious Studies, Family Life & Health, Physical Education, Science, Music, Computer, Art & Design, Social Studies, and Band. Her outstanding achievements culminated in being recognized as Exuma's 2026 Top Most Well-Rounded Student, a testament to her dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence.
As she prepares to begin the next chapter of her educational journey in the seventh grade at Exuma Christian Academy, Ta'Narja looks forward to continuing to grow academically, socially, and spiritually while pursuing her dreams with determination and faith.
With her unwavering work ethic, compassionate spirit, and passion for serving others, Ta'Narja is destined to make a lasting impact wherever life leads her. She is a shining example that true success is measured not only by achievements, but by the character, kindness, and purpose one carries along the journey. The future is bright, and this remarkable young lady is only just beginning to soar.
SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT
