Scholarship Winner Isaiah Oates Aims to Further Family Tradition of Service

Jan 21, 2026

By Griffin Fletcher

Though they were generally resistant to the effects of the virus itself, it is difficult to overstate the social impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on young people in the United States. Almost overnight, children accustomed to familiar routines of school, extracurricular activities, and time with friends and family were thrust into a world of isolation. Familiar faces were suddenly covered with masks, connection with those outside of the immediate family became almost entirely digital, and risk assessments had to be made before leaving the home at all. Many kids struggled to adapt to these abrupt and radical changes, and they were entirely justified in doing so.

In Clinton, North Carolina, Isaiah Oates experienced this firsthand. In seventh grade at the time, the very sociable and active Isaiah saw his life transform, nearly overnight, into one characterized by a strange mix of boredom and anxiety. Days that were previously full of productive activity suddenly felt sedentary without the routine and structure that had kept him engaged and motivated. “Sports activities were nonexistent, and school was part remote and part face-to-face,” he said. “On remote days, I either stayed home or went to work with my mother who was a teacher at my middle school. I remember staying home a lot of times when my parents would run errands because I really didn?t want to be around people who I didn’t know, and I didn?t want to get sick.”

Isaiah with his brother Christopher (far left), mother Barbara, father Christopher Sr., and dog Charli on Christmas 2024

Isaiah was especially struck by the social challenges that those around his age faced at the time. Without the familiar patterns of normal life, many of his peers fell victim to the uncertainty and aimlessness that COVID brought about. “Everyone wore masks at school, and I barely recognized my classmates. I saw students struggling academically for many different reasons. Some of them barely attended school during COVID and did very little homework. It seemed as though some students didn’t think learning was important or didn’t take it seriously because the structure changed due to the pandemic. Having structure at any age is important, but I believe middle schoolers really need structure. Some students also were alone a lot and lacked social interaction.”

By the time he began high school, however, the period of peak pandemic anxiety and precaution had come to an end, and Isaiah was fortunately able to have a relatively normal high school experience. He returned to his usual role of a socialite who was consistently engaged in extracurricular activities, like BETA Club, several honor societies, and community service through church. He also ran track and was a standout soccer player at Midway High School for all four years, serving as the captain of the soccer team during his senior season. He maintained a stellar GPA, despite also holding a job at Dairy Queen for more than two years. On top of all of this, he was also easily able to rekindle the social connections that he had longed for during the pandemic, spending lots of his free time with a strong group of friends who together enjoyed going to the movies, shopping, dining out, and time at the beach. Isaiah graduated in May 2025 and was admitted to East Carolina University’s Chancellor’s Scholars Program.

Though he was resilient enough to bounce back from the unforeseen challenge of the pandemic in high school, memories of the chaos and confusion of the era stuck with him and they made his calling clear. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed people of all ages having mental health issues, and it was a great concern to me. I plan to major in psychology. After obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree, I plan to attend graduate school, earn a doctoral degree, and become a clinical psychologist so I can provide therapy to people who are experiencing mental health issues.” Life had given him lemons in the form of virtual class, masks, social distancing and the like, but Isaiah had emerged with the lemonade of clarity about his ambitions and determination to make a difference.

Isaiah Oates’ senior portrait

It is no surprise that Isaiah is driven to serve others both of his parents have been doing just that for his entire life. His father, PBA member Christopher Oates, Sr. was a police officer for 30 years and now works as a magistrate in Sampson County, N.C. His mother, Barbara, is a recently retired special education teacher, who spent 30 years of her own in the service of those who needed it. Officer Oates recounted how he felt on Isaiah’s graduation day, when the hard work and strong moral character that his son had exhibited as a child culminated in a moment of proud clarity: “That day, I realized Isaiah had grown into a responsible and mature young man, and the sky’s the limit to what the future holds for him. I am proud of Isaiah and look forward to more great things he will accomplish.”

Isaiah with his father, PBA member Christopher Oates, Sr., before senior prom

His parents have always been guiding lights, but Isaiah also gives special credit to his brother, Christopher, a former PBF scholarship winner himself who is currently a PhD student at N.C. State University, for also being a significant positive influence on his life. “My brother is a well-rounded person. He excels in academics, sports, and friendships, and is focused and goal oriented. My brother also loves and cares about his family.”

It is no surprise that such a close-knit family of selfless individuals would empower Isaiah to withstand the challenges thrust upon him by the COVID-19 pandemic when he was in middle school. What is especially admirable is that, in the face of unprecedented difficulties, Isaiah recognized the struggles of those around him and was motivated to follow in the footsteps of his parents and help those in his community who needed it. This mentality of service and dedication to creating a better world exemplifies the values that the PBF stands for. As such, we are proud to call Isaiah a scholarship winner and to help him along on his journey.