A Methodist University student is on the receiving end of a scholarship, thanks in part to the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.
A Methodist University student is on the receiving end of a scholarship, thanks in part to the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation recently donated $100,000 to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, a national non-profit that provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. The donation is helping provide funding and assistance to six deserving students including Methodist University junior Nahsir Knight-Bell, whose father, Russell Bell, was killed in action in Zharay, Afghanistan in 2012.
Knight-Bell transferred to Methodist University this year, and when he found out he had received a scholarship from the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, he was also invited to a Charlotte Hornets basketball game at the Spectrum Center on Nov. 8.
The Hornets organization rolled out the red carpet for Knight-Bell and three other participating students – providing courtside seats, a customized basketball and jersey, a chance to meet the Hornets players and front office, and a time of recognition on the court during the game.
Knight-Bell said it was a day he will never forget, especially since it came only a few weeks after another difficult time in his life – the death of his mother, Shannon Monique.
“To be honest, I really needed it,” said Knight-Bell. “I’ve never experienced anything like the game before, so for the Charlotte Hornets to do that without knowing my situation, it meant the world to me.”
Raised in Fayetteville, Knight-Bell is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
“It’s a true blessing,” he said. “I understand that not everyone leaves school without a debt, so I want to make the most of this chance. I’m going to do what I have to do to keep going to school, get good grades, and stay out of trouble.”
To learn more about the donation, visit the Charlotte Hornets’ press release.