Winners Circle: Meet Our Scholars
These exceptional students are proud recipients of the Brittanie N. Burdette Scholarship, representing hard work, leadership, and resilience. Their journeys demonstrate how targeted support opens vital doors to college and professional success. We are honored to stand behind them as they build their futures and inspire others.
Krystalyn is one of our Brittanie N. Burdette Scholars, turning hard work and passion into a college journey.
Krystalyn Buxton
Attending Clark Atlanta University in Fall 2026
Krystalyn Buxton is turning her love for volleyball and her heart for service into a future in healthcare leadership. At Clark Atlanta University, she plans to major in Health Administration so she can understand how business and healthcare work together and use that knowledge to improve the systems that serve her community.
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On the court, volleyball has taught her discipline, teamwork, confidence, and perseverance. Off the court, those same qualities show up in the classroom and in her community. Krystalyn has been named Region Player of the Year, served as varsity volleyball captain, helped lead her team to a Region Championship, and committed to play collegiate volleyball at Clark Atlanta University, all while maintaining strong academics and staying active in her community.
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Her coaches and teachers describe her as hardworking, determined, responsible, and a leader who leads by example. Krystalyn values hard work, leadership, and staying dedicated even when things are difficult, and she uses her influence to encourage others to do the same.
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For Krystalyn, this scholarship is more than financial support. It is a reminder that her effort, character, and perseverance have been seen and believed in. With the help of the Brittanie N. Burdette Scholarship Foundation, she is stepping into college ready to grow as a leader, create opportunities for others, and make a lasting impact on the healthcare field and her community.
Hillaree Hankerson is headed to Howard University, where she will major in Criminology. She plans to become a lawyer specializing in civil constitutional law and sports and entertainment law, with the goal of one day opening her own practice. After building her career, Hillaree hopes to rise to the highest court in the country and serve as a Supreme Court Justice.
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Those who know her best point to the same qualities again and again. Her coaches and teachers describe her empathy, her leadership, and her kindness. Time after time, she has been recognized for her gift of connecting with people and truly understanding them, and it is that empathy and warmth that make her a natural leader.
Hillaree has carried that leadership into nearly every corner of her school and community. She served as the 2025 to 2026 Georgia FCCLA State President for the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, a member of the Student Government Association for three years, and an active part of FBLA and FCCLA for four years. She was also a cheerleader for four years, a basketball player for two, and a member of the golf team for three.
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For Hillaree, this scholarship is more than financial support. In her own words:
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"This scholarship offers me the opportunity to get a great education and build a prosperous future, so that I may be able to give back like this one day. I am grateful because it lifts some of the heavy financial burden off my parents and me, so I may focus on excelling in my education. I believe if I dream big and work hard, I will create a legacy to be proud of."