Submitted photo Taking part in the presentation of the eighth annual Austen Moore Kindness Scholarship are, from left, Debbie Payne Fragale, Raighan Hall Carte and Joann Gabel.

ELKINS — An Elkins High School student has been named as the recipient of the eighth annual Austen Moore Kindness Scholarship.

Raighan Hall Carte will receive the full scholarship amount of $2,500.

“Why celebrate kindness with a scholarship?” Joanne Gabel, a member of the scholarship committee, said during the presentation ceremony. “We believe it is a way to reward the kindness shown by the young people who are a part of our community.”

Gabel said this year’s winner is “very involved in her community,” adding that a friend said of her, “She always thinks of how others might feel in a situation. At times where I have felt overwhelmed and alone, she made me feel grounded and cared for.”

Raighan Hall Carte has volunteered with the Little Dress Project, the Randolph County Animal Shelter and Operation Christmas Child.

“Raighan’s many school activities and awards are proof of her fine character,” Gabel said. “Choosing a career to help marine life as a marine biologist, Raighan will make an impact. Her list of activities from school to the community is impressive.”

Austen Wesley Moore, who passed away at age 27, was an Elkins native and 2009 graduate of Elkins High School who is said to have exemplified kindness, care and compassion.

In his honor, the Austen Moore Kindness Scholarship was created. The EHS student selected for the scholarship does not need the highest GPA or best grades, but must be a beacon of kindness to students and the Elkins community.

The first Austen Moore Kindness Scholarship was presented to Ty Hunter Flynn in 2019. In 2020, the second scholarship was given to Presley Bates.

In 2021, the third scholarship was presented to Cassie Monk, followed by Anna Grace Belan in 2022. The fifth Austen Moore Kindness Scholarship winner was Kendall Ann Flynn, in 2023. The 2024 winner was Allyson Strother.

Madalynn Ferguson and Lucas D’Angelo were the dual recipients in 2025.

People can still donate to the scholarship, at The Austen Moore Kindness Scholarship, 301 Davis Street, Elkins, West Virginia 26241. The scholarship is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, officials said.