Love has a remarkable way of transcending loss, and nowhere is this more beautifully demonstrated than in the story of Amanda Barnes Granger and her unwavering dedication to her late sister's memory. Through the newly established Chasity Dione Barnes Memorial Scholarship at Troy University, Amanda is turning heartache into hope, one student at a time.

Chasity Dione Barnes was a shining example of ambition and determination. Growing up in the small town of Webb, Alabama, she refused to let her circumstances limit her dreams. She earned not one but two degrees from Troy University in 2002 and 2007, eventually serving as the Community College Relations Coordinator until her unexpected passing in 2009 following a brief illness.

"Her light was too bright to be dimmed so suddenly," Amanda reflects with warmth and love. As the eldest sister, she's made it her personal mission to ensure that Chasity's vibrant spirit continues to inspire others. "Even in death, I want to take care of my little sister."

For fifteen years, the Barnes family has been quietly honoring Chasity's memory through various scholarship efforts. Now, in 2024, they've formalized their commitment with an endowed scholarship that will help students for generations to come. The annual $1,000 award focuses on incoming freshmen from Coffee, Houston, Henry, or Dale counties in Alabama who demonstrate strong moral character and understand the transformative power of education—values that Chasity embodied throughout her life.

"We get to help students achieve their dreams of a college education," Amanda shares enthusiastically. "And those recipients and their families get to learn Chasity's name. That helps with my mission to keep her memory alive and well."

Troy University holds a special place in the Barnes family heart. All four sisters attended the institution, with three graduating and earning master's degrees. Chasity playfully competed with Amanda, following her into broadcast journalism and public relations before "outdoing" her older sister by earning an MBA. Even Chasity's niece, Bethany Granger, graduated from Troy in 2022, continuing the family tradition.

"TROY is our family's legacy now," Amanda says proudly.

Beyond her academic achievements and professional success, Chasity was known for her deep faith and love for others. "She loved God with everything in her," Amanda remembers. "I think that's what made her illness somewhat easier to process."

Amanda's dedication extends beyond this scholarship. In 2018, she founded Chasity's Champions Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides educational resources and financial aid to students. Through this work, Chasity's impact multiplies, touching countless lives and opening doors to education for deserving students.

The scholarship application deadline is March 1, and the Barnes family welcomes donations from anyone who wishes to invest in students' futures while honoring Chasity's remarkable legacy. Each scholarship recipient writes a thank-you letter and attends an annual reception, creating personal connections that keep Chasity's story alive.

This is more than a scholarship—it's a testament to the enduring power of love, the importance of education, and one family's beautiful commitment to turning loss into lasting positive change. Chasity's light continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path forward for students with dreams as big as hers once were.