Kaiya Moore becomes the 2016 Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Designee for the Share America Foundation, Inc. From left are Share America Chairman Gary Knowles, Ns, Moore, President Randall Franks and Vice Chairman Jimmy Terrell.
photo by Share America
The Share America Foundation, Inc. announced its 2016 scholarship winner at the Ringgold Depot in Ringgold.
The events help fund the organization’s Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, "Officer Randy Goode" from TV's "In the Heat of the Night." The scholarship honors students excelling in the Appalachian musical arts.
Singer Kaiya Moore, 15, of Chattanooga, was selected as a Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Designee. Designees receive a $1,000 scholarship from the organization upon entering college by continuing their music endeavors.
“When I was awarded with the scholarship I remember feeling ecstatic, honored, and excited that I actually had a scholarship to look forward to, and to use for college” Ms. Moore said. “As this is my first scholarship to receive ever, the organization that awarded me with this has a very special place in my heart. They really revealed how much I can, and do impact others with my talent.”
Ms. Moore is a singer and dancer who attends high school at the Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts. She is a musical theater major; she has won first place in three area competitions including her age category in the 2016 Ringgold Star talent competition. Ms. Moore began singing at the age of one and started performing at age six. She attends Real Life Ministries Church.
“Encouraging the future of our youth is the focus of what we share when we have the opportunity to designate a new scholar such as Kaiya,” said Share America Chairman Gary Knowles. “Sometimes one small act of encouragement can set a tone for success, and that is exactly what we wish for Kaiya.”
Ms. Moore said she desires a career path in entertainment. “I am striving to pursue my talents in the music industry, and also I'd like to start in the modeling, acting, dancing, and musical theater industry,” she said. “When I go to college I will be majoring/minoring in music, as I also love to play instruments.”
Ms. Moore is the daughter of Tyree Moore and Alysha Moore of Chattanooga. She is the granddaughter of Patricia Moore and the late Henry L. Moore of Chattanooga, and Gene Orr of Atlanta, Ga. and Martha L. Wilkerson of Rossville, Ga.
“Just beginning her career as a singer, Kaiya is already touching people with her talents,” Mr. Franks said. "I see her continuing to uplift people with all her efforts in the world of entertainment for many years."
Kaiya Moore performs the classic hymn "Amazing Grace" supported by from left, Jeff Hullender, Justin Hullender, Ryan Stinson and Randall Franks.
photo by Share America