The West Volusia Branch of the NAACP is proud to announce that Teriauna Carruthers, a graduate of T. DeWitt Taylor High School in Pierson, FL, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 David H. Staples Scholarship.
Established in 2019, the scholarship honors the life and legacy of David H. Staples, a DeLand native, lifelong educator, civil rights advocate, and dedicated leader of the West Volusia NAACP. A life member of the NAACP, Mr. Staples served as President of the West Volusia Branch for 18 years before stepping down in 2012. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Bethune-Cookman University and a master’s degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee. During his distinguished 36-year career with Volusia County Schools, he served as principal at four elementary schools before retiring as a district administrator in 1994. His commitment to education, leadership, and community service earned him numerous honors and left a lasting impact on the West Volusia community.
This year’s scholarship recipient exemplifies many of the qualities Mr. Staples championed throughout his life—academic excellence, leadership, perseverance, and service to others.
Carruthers graduated from T. DeWitt Taylor High School with a 3.78 GPA while simultaneously earning a 3.8 GPA at Daytona State College through dual enrollment. She will attend the University of North Florida in Jacksonville this fall, where she plans to major in Psychology.
A well-rounded student-athlete, Carruthers excelled in weightlifting, cheerleading, volleyball, and basketball. Her accomplishments in weightlifting include earning medals at regional and other competitive levels, demonstrating dedication, discipline, and determination. She also served as President of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and has been actively involved in numerous community service initiatives, including Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations, walk-a-thons, Breast Cancer Awareness events, and other activities benefiting the community.
“David H. Staples believed that education opens doors and transforms lives,” said Dr. Craig Scott, Education Chair for the West Volusia NAACP. “Teriauna Carruthers represents the very best of our community—a young leader who has excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in service to others. Her accomplishments reflect the values Mr. Staples championed, and we are honored to recognize her as this year’s scholarship recipient. We have no doubt that she will continue to achieve great things as she pursues her dreams.”
The West Volusia NAACP congratulates Teriauna Carruthers on being selected as the 2026 David H. Staples Scholarship recipient and wishes her continued success as she pursues her educational and professional goals.
About the David H. Staples Scholarship
The David H. Staples Scholarship was established by the West Volusia NAACP in 2019 to honor the legacy of a respected educator, administrator, and civil rights leader whose lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and community service continues to inspire future generations.
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