Cole Abernathy Named 2025 Graziadei Achievement Scholarship Award Winner

The Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center is pleased to announce the winner of the 2025 Matthew C. Graziadei Achievement Scholarship Award: Cole Abernathy.

Cole recently graduated from Bunker Hill High School in Claremont, NC. While a student, he was very involved in athletics as the football team manager, basketball manager and athlete on the baseball team. Outside of school he volunteered in his community. He was active in his church’s youth group, volunteered each summer at Camp Linn Haven in the mountains of NC and helped to pack bags for local schools through the backpack program, Corner Table. Each year Cole and his family give back to their community in an annual golf tournament (Hole4Cole). Cole helps to raise funds for a family that is facing similar medical issues as he did throughout his life.

Cole has cerebral palsy and has faced more challenges than many will face in their lifetime. He suffered a stroke at a young age, which led to a broad range of challenges including frequent seizures. He underwent extensive brain surgery in Boston and has been seizure free and thriving ever since.  “As a result of these challenges, Cole’s determination, perseverance, and persistence proved to be second to none. Cole met every task and every challenge head on and never once said, “I can’t.” It would have been so very easy for him to say that, but he didn’t,” said Leslie Sigmon McIntosh, Cole’s Aunt and Assistant Principal at Bandys High School in Catawba County.

Cole’s dedication shines brightest in his love and commitment to Bunker Hill athletics. He was a player for the Bunker Hill High School baseball team all four years. Following the stroke, Cole lost all functionality in his right hand. Cole is now able to catch, throw and bat with only his left hand, an amazing and impressive skill for any player. According to his coach, Cameron Beard, “his smile, sense of humor, and overall attitude toward school, work and life are infectious and he makes me and our entire student body better.” He also stated that “Cole is motivated not only to knock down barriers in his own life, but also to empower others to do the same.”

After high school, Cole plans to work in sports management at a local recreation center such as the YMCA. To further his education and knowledge, he would like to also take sports management classes at the local community college, with a future goal of working with a college sports program. Shannon Holler, Assistant Principal at Bunker Hill, believes he will continue to thrive and inspire others after graduation. “I have no doubt that Cole will bring the same level of resilience, hard work and excellence to his future endeavors. Cole has turned challenges into opportunities for growth, proving time and again that perseverance and dedication lead to achievement.”

This award includes a check for $1,500. Congratulations Cole! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

About the Matthew C. Graziadei Award

Matthew Carmen Graziadei was a remarkable young man who died in January 1998 at the age of 26. At the age of seven Matt was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. He graduated from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC, and was elected to Who’s Who in American High School Students. Matt was a student intern at the Charlotte Mint Museum and served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association both locally and statewide. He achieved President’s Honors at Central Piedmont Community College and served in Washington, DC with the US Surgeon General’s Council on Families and Disabilities. Matt also started his own business and was a contractor in facilities, engineering and computer services.

Scholarship Award recipients are selected by the Matthew C. Graziadei Scholarship Award Review Board based on these attributes:

• Determination -  reaching above one’s imagination
• Perseverance -  remaining steadfast against all odds
• Persistence -  starting from scratch and striving until successful
• Dedication -  maintaining solid effort and achievement
• Confidence -  overcoming obstacles through internal courage
• Motivation -  seeing life as a series of opportunities, not obstacles
• Fortitude -  keeping going after others have stopped
• Accomplishment -  succeeding with on-going new vision