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Shay Whittaker’s legacy continues to impact the Cedar Hill High School community.

Whittaker, the CHHS Principal who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer in April 2023, was a leader dedicated to Cedar Hill ISD.

A committee of parents and community members, including Nikki Carroll and Canditha Davis (co-chairs), Torrey Carroll, Kim Dalcour, Chernitra Holley and Zinnia Simpson, created the Shay Whittaker Memorial Scholarship.

This year, they presented four scholarships to four Cedar Hill High School scholars – three graduating seniors and a junior.

Senior Bailee Francis won first place ($1,500). She will attend The University of Texas at Austin. Seniors Isaiah Steptoe (University of Houston) and Morgan Akins (Fashion Institute of Technology) earned Honorable Mention ($1,000) as did junior Aiden Folks.

“This effort was led by a dedicated committee that worked hard to ensure the process was both personal and impactful,” Carroll said. “As a reminder, all applicants were required to attend one of two writing workshops offered during the school year. Following the workshops, scholars submitted essays reflecting on an accomplishment or event that sparked personal growth. The contest was highly competitive, and selecting just four recipients was no easy task.”