NCPBA Scholarship Recipient Claire Williams

Dec 6, 2023

By Katharine Jefcoats  

Claire Williams has her whole life mapped out for herself and considers it a blessing to win a Police Benevolent Foundation scholarship to help fund her educational goal.  

“This scholarship would be very helpful financially, as I will be paying for numerous things including on-campus housing and tuition, and other things associated with attending a university,” she said.  

Claire Williams received a PBF scholarship to help fund her education

Williams is the daughter of Mike and Kelly Williams of Fuquay Varina, N.C., and a recent honor graduate of Hilltop Christian School. Her dad is a special agent and reserve deputy with Harnett County Sheriff’s Office in a career that is creeping up on 30 years.  

Williams, 18, is attending East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., where she is studying anthropology and criminal justice.  

“I want to potentially be a medical examiner,” she said.  

While in high school, Williams excelled in academics, athletics, church activities and community volunteering. She maintained all A’s and achieved a 4.20 GPA during her senior year. During her first three years of high school, Williams reached the A honor roll and principal’s list.  

“I was inducted into the National Honors Society due to my high grades, leadership and community service,” she said.  

Claire Williams has been recognized throughout high school for high grades,

athletic skills, leadership and community service.

She said she is proud of her involvement in her community.  

“I have given to my community financially and with service,” said Williams. “I once made bracelets and sold them to raise money for our local food pantry.”  

Being able to help his community is a part of why her dad went into law enforcement. Mike Williams said he also enjoys the brotherhood.  

“I enjoy the family environment and seeing different things every day,” he said.  

Williams, a member of NCPBA, said he has spent years as a narcotics agent, a role of which he is proud.  

“I have worked in narcotics most of my entire career,” he said. “It has been rewarding knowing the amount of controlled substances I have been a part of removing from the streets.”  

Claire Williams shares her dad’s pride in his career.  

“We always had a lot of cool opportunities because of my dad’s job but I got to see how brave, hard-working and strong he was,” she said. “Watching my dad has taught me to put others first and take care of those around me. I feel honored to be his daughter because he has put forth his work ethic into me while also teaching me to be brave, strong and courageous.”  

Her post education goals include traveling, having a family and contributing to society.  

“My life goals consist of helping others, loving people and being beneficial to my community and those around me,” she said. “I also strive to be a mother and also work to show my kids that you can be amazing at doing both.  

“I hope to travel to my bucket list destinations of Greece, Italy and other parts of Europe,” continued Williams. “I would also like to take many adventures like skydiving.”  

Her father has no doubt Claire Williams will be successful in whatever she seeks to accomplish.  

Claire Williams and her father, Mike Williams

“I am very proud of the young lady my daughter has grown into,” said Mike Williams. “She has a strong Christian background and a great work ethic that will take her far in life. Knowing she is looking at doing something that can help others makes her mother and I very proud.”