LSHS student awarded unique Charles McNeair scholarship

Contributed Story/ Photos.

Cover Photo from Left to Right includes Lester Smith {Board Member), Cristian Hoffman (Student) and Alan Suber.}

For Lexington High School Senior, Cristian Hoffman, education has been a lifeline. But this week, it became something greater—an opportunity to carry forward a powerful message. 

Cristian,18, and the middle child of 10 siblings, has been awarded the Charles Anthony McNeair Educational Advancement Scholarship, a gift with an extraordinary backstory.

Established to honor Charles McNeair (arrested in 1979 at age 16, and currently incarcerated), the scholarship is McNeair's way of helping to ensure that students do not follow in his footsteps.
McNeair has been open about his struggles with literacy, attributing his incarceration to his inability to comprehend the gravity of the charges, with no real capacity to challenge and defend himself from the accusation. “Learning was difficult for me, but I now recognize the importance of education and taking advantage of learning and growth while imprisoned. 

Image from Charles McNeair at age 16 and a more photo from prison shared by advocates seeking clemency in his case.

He hopes that students like Cristian seize the opportunities. “I want to be part of making sure students see their potential," he shared

For Cristian, the scholarship is more than financial assistance—it’s a reminder of how
transformative learning can be. “I want to be a role model and a good example for my brothers and sisters,” Cristian said.
As Cristian, an aspiring professional athletic trainer, prepares to head to North Carolina A&T this fall, the excitement could be heard in his voice. “I’ve already visited the campus four times.”

Cristian, an aspiring professional athletic trainer, prepares to head to North Carolina A&T this fall.

Hopefully, as he walks the campus and attends classes, Charles’s message will resonate. Life will bring hardships, but education, care, and support are the tools that help build a bridge over troubled waters.