The House of Hope (HoH) is pleased to announce that the 2025 Hope Manning Scholarship has been awarded to three graduating seniors from Cumberland County high schools. Students applying for the scholarships submitted an application and an essay about the obstacles they have overcome and their plans for the future. The House of Hope Scholarship Committee then selected these students considering their “gumption to stick it out.” Hayden Houston from Stone Memorial High School, Cheyenne Davis from Cumberland County High School and Bishop Higgins from Cumberland County High School will each receive $1,000 when they complete college enrollment. Upon successful completion of their freshman year and enrollment for their second year, a second $1,000 is awarded for expenses as needed.
Hayden is the son of Patricia and David Houston. He plans to pursue a career in Computer Science, attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville Campus.
Cheyenne is the daughter of Melissa and Steven Davis. She plans to major in Interior Architecture at the Middle Tennessee State University.
Bishop is the son of Shelly and Cash Higgins. He plans to complete his degree Business Management at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.
The Hope Manning scholarship was created in honor of 5-year-old Hope Manning who died from child abuse in 2002. The scholarship program began in 2006 with the sponsorship of the Crossville Carving Club and the House of Hope. The carvers were inspired after hearing from then-Sheriff Butch Burgess about the naming of the House of Hope for Hope Manning and the services that the House of Hope provides for abused, endangered, and at-risk children. They hand-carved 100 one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments that were sold to raise funds for the first scholarships. The scholarships have since been funded by donations from the community and those placed in the donation jar at the Threads of Hope Thrift Store. This year, the Fairfield Glade Ladies Club, which oversees the Mary Ann Urban Memorial GEM Foundation, donated $3000 from the Foundation to fund this year’s first round of scholarships. HoH appreciates all those who support the Hope Manning Scholarship program through donations that enable us to provide assistance to local graduates as they further their education.
For more information about the House of Hope and its programs, visit our full website at www.houseofhopetn.com or facebook at www.facebook.com/houseofhopetn/.
HoH Executive Director Denise Melton, Board Chair Sara Bradshaw, Scholarship recipients Hayden Houston and Cheyenne Davis, HoH Volunteer Vicky Kennedy, and BOD member Zoe Clark. Not pictured is scholarship recipient Bishop Higgins
Ways and Means co-chair Colleen Lamberty, Terri Brown, HoH Executive Director Denise Melton, and co-chair Deni Donovan.
