Angel’s Closet, a Roanoke Rapids ministry dedicated to helping others, presented $1,000 scholarships to five college-bound students this evening.

With three of the recipients absent, the five present, with members of their families, sat down at the 1020 Restaurant and Pub for a dinner with board members of the local charity.

“This is the third year we’ve given scholarships,” said Gilbert Portela, who founded Angel’s Closet after seeing children in need within the Roanoke Rapids school system.

The organization also helped 11 high school students with their cap and gown rental fees this year, he said.

Portela talks to the students.

Before the dinner, Portela told the students, “In this day and time you have to get a college education.”

Carolyn Holmes, one of the organization’s board members, said the scholarships are, “Just another way to add to what you will need to be successful. The organization didn’t know you personally, but we’re here for you.”

Board member Phil Hux honored the memory of the late Gail Strickland, an educator who died in May, who was a big advocate for the Angel’s Closet scholarship program. “Gail Strickland is here in spirit with us. She was very responsible for making this a successful program.”

The students receiving the scholarships were thankful.

“It’s basically $1,000 I don’t have to pay back,” said Kristina Davis, a Northampton High School graduate who is attending Western Carolina University. “I’m really thankful for it.”

For Takia Daniels, a Northwest Halifax graduate bound for Fayetteville State, the scholarship was an expression of caring. “I just thank the people who are concerned about my future and are willing to help out. It is much appreciated.”

Callie Brown is a Roanoke Rapids High School graduate headed to East Carolina. “I’m excited to continue my education and to do something I love,” the future nursing student said.

Charlie Dickinson, a Northeast Academy graduate, will be going to Halifax Community College. “I really appreciate the scholarship and getting help to pay for college. I’m very thankful.”

Halifax Academy graduate Renee Reid is going to Chowan University. “I’m very thankful to be given this opportunity to have a scholarship to reach a higher education level.”

Students not present this evening were:

Kali Nicole Shaw of Cornerstone Christian who is going to HCC.

Takeyah Mason of Weldon High School who is going to Fayetteville State.

Tiffany Hanson of Southeast Halifax who is going to Pitt Community College.