N.C. 4-H’ers awarded more than $120,000 in scholarships

Media Contact: Bradley Dixon, 919.513-4037 or bradley_dixon@ncsu.edu

Note to editors: See local angle for these counties – Alamance, Bladen, Brunswick, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Davidson, Duplin, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Gaston, Gates, Graham, Guilford, Harnett, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Johnston, Jones, Nash, Pasquotank, Pitt, Polk Rockingham, Rutherford, Stanly, Stokes, Tyrrell, Union, Wake, Warren, Wayne, Wilkes and Wilson counties.

Students from across the state have received 4-H scholarships from the North Carolina 4-H Development Fund, to attend institutions of higher learning. During the recent State 4-H Congress held in Raleigh, the foundation awarded more than 70 scholarships.

The total amount of 4-H scholarships awarded this year, including renewable scholarships, cash awards through 4-H cumulative records programs and scholarships to attend national 4-H competitions, amounts to more than $120,000. These scholarships are made possible by 4-H alumni, retirees and friends through their endowment or annual gifts to the foundation.

Academic scholarship winners are listed by county, along with their age, parents’ names and hometowns, scholarships received, intended majors and institution they plan to attend in the fall, where available. Scholarships are awarded to 4-H’ers, based on 4-H excellence, academic record, recommendations and need. Scholarship winners must be full-time students.

The 4-H program is the youth education program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, based at North Carolina State and North Carolina A&T State universities. More than 218,000 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the help of more than 21,400 adult and youth volunteers.

Alamance County
Sarah Osborne, 18, daughter of Ron and Elizabeth Osborne of Graham, received the L.R. Harrill Scholarship. A recent graduate of Providence Friends School, she plans to attend Peace College to study communications and English. The L. R. Harrill Scholarship is named for North Carolina’s first state 4-H leader. It is renewable for up to four years.

Emma Troxler, 17, daughter of Matt and Martha Troxler of Mebane, received the Jane K. Stuart North Central 4-H Development Fund Scholarship. A recent home school graduate, she plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to study fashion merchandising. The scholarship is named for Jane K. Stuart, a retired family and consumer sciences and 4-H extension agent from Rockingham County.

Bladen County
Allen Monk, 19, son of George and Peggy Monk of Elizabethtown, received the Victoria Jean Cope Scholarship and the South Central 4-H Development Fund Scholarship. He plans to transfer from Bladen Community College to N.C. State University to study poultry science and physical science. The Cope Scholarship honors former 4-H agent Vicki Cope, who served in Wilson and New Hanover counties. Retired Cooperative Extension agents and specialists contribute to nine District Development Fund Scholarships

Brunswick County
Kendrick Morgan, 19, from Brunswick County, received the Edward Gore/General Hugh Shelton 4-H Renewable Leadership Scholarship. He attends N.C. State University. Two additional 4-H scholars were also awarded the Edward Gore/General Hugh Shelton Leadership Scholarships. They are: Sally Dixon, 19, daughter of Diane Floyd of Waynesville and Marisa Linton, 18, daughter of A.J. and Suzanne Linton of Mount Olive. Sally is a student at N. C. State University and Marisa is a freshman at Campbell University. This scholarship is sponsored by the Edward Gore/General Hugh Shelton 4-H Leadership Scholarship Endowment. Ed and Dinah Gore of Sunset Beach, N.C., have made these scholarships available to outstanding students who attend N.C. State University or Campbell University.

Cabarrus County
Ashley Huber, 19, daughter of Deborah Smith of Concord, received the Rudolph Carl Ellis 4-H Scholarship. She attends N.C. State University, where she is studying biology with a focus on equine studies or animal science. The Rudolph Carl Ellis 4-H Scholarship is made possible by an endowment named for Ellis by his daughter, Dr. Sharon Ellis.

Caswell County
Josh Rudd, 18, son of Jeff and Deborah Rudd of Yanceyville, received the Robert N. Wood Scholarship. A recent graduate of Shepherd’s Voice School, he plans to attend N.C. State University to study mechanical engineering. Wood was the first executive director of the North Carolina 4-H Development Fund. The scholarship was established through an estate gift and by the N.C. State 4-H Collegiate Club.

Catawba County
Ethan Hefner, 20, of Hickory, received the L.R. Harrill Scholarship. Hefner attends N.C. State University. The L. R. Harrill Scholarship is named for North Carolina’s first state 4-H leader.

Davidson County
Michael Drake, 20, son of Gary and Sylvia Drake of Welcome, received the L.R. Harrill 4-H Scholarship. A graduate of Cedar Creek Academy home school, he attends Davidson Community College. The L. R. Harrill Scholarship is named for North Carolina’s first state 4-H leader.

Kristen Livengood, 18, daughter of Greg and Cindy Livengood of Thomasville, received the Reece and Jesse Crouse Scholarship. A recent graduate of Sheets Memorial Christian School, she plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a pre-medical major, studying chemistry or biology. The Crouse Scholarship is named for Reece and Jesse Crouse, former Davidson County 4-H parents and leaders. The scholarship was established by their daughter, Carolyn Crouse Register.

Duplin County
Spencer Williams, 18, son of Renee and Dennis Williams of Beulaville, received the Kristina Jarrell 4-H Electric Scholarship and a 4-H Development Fund Scholarship. A recent graduate of East Duplin High School, he plans to attend Western Carolina University to study extension education and communications. The Jarrell 4-H Scholarship is a memorial scholarship named for former 4-H member Kristina Jarrell, whose favorite project was the electric category.

Edgecombe County
Matthew Drake of Pinetops received the Southern States Cooperative Leadership Scholarship. He is a senior at N.C. State University, majoring in agricultural business management. This scholarship is provided to four 4-H members and four FFA members annually whose families are involved in agriculture or agribusiness. The Southern States Cooperative Leadership Scholarship is renewable.

Erin Proctor, 18, daughter of Donald and Renee Proctor of Whitakers, received the Anne Kristine Barnes Scholarship and the Northeast 4-H Development Fund Scholarship. A recent graduate of Tarboro High School, she plans to attend East Carolina University to study nursing. The Anne Kristine Barnes Memorial Scholarship is made possible by Anne’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Barnes, and Cooperative Extension Retirees contribute to the 4-H Development Fund Scholarships for each district.

Grayson Taylor, 17, daughter of Gray and Ginger Taylor of Tarboro, received the General Henry Hugh Shelton Leadership Scholarship. A recent graduate of Tarboro High School, she plans to attend N.C. State University to study biology and animal science. The Shelton Scholarship is named for the former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Edgecombe County 4-H’er, General Hugh Shelton.

Forsyth County
Hollis Lineberger, 19, daughter of Steve and Karen Lineberger of Winston-Salem, received the Edward H. Leagans 4-H Equine Scholarship. A recent graduate of Forsyth Country Day School, she plans to attend Vanderbilt University to as a pre-law or pre-veterinary medicine major. Edward H. Leagans, a retired extension agent from Forsyth County, created an endowment to make this scholarship possible annually.

Gaston County
Faith Fulbright, 18, daughter of Karen and Greg Fulbright of Hickory, received the 4-H Horse Program Scholarship. A recent graduate of Fred T. Foard High School, she plans to attend Lenoir Rhyne University to study political science. Note: Faith is a Gaston County 4-H’er. The North Carolina 4-H Horse Council has established this scholarship

Gates County
Dylan Lilley, son of Paul and Janet Lilley of Gatesville, received the Helene C. Knight 4-H Scholarship. A recent graduate of Gates County High School, he plans to attend N.C. State University to study agriculture. Helene Knight was an editor and reporter of the local newspaper and a 4-H volunteer. Family and friends established this scholarship in her memory.

Graham Hobbs, son of Chuck and Phyllis Hobbs of Corapeake, received the Reba Green-Holley Scholarship. A recent graduate of Gates County High School, he plans to attend N.C. State University to study sports management and medicine. The Reba Green-Holley Scholarship was made possible by the Gates County Advisory Board to honor the long-time 4-H agent and county extension director.

Graham County
Melissa Day, 19, daughter of Brad and Martha Day of Robbinsville, received L.R. Harrill Scholarship. A 2010 graduate of Robbinsville High School, she attends Duke University where she is studying biology and Spanish. The L. R. Harrill Scholarship is named for North Carolina’s first state 4-H leader and is renewable for up to four years.

Summer Carringer, 17, daughter of Ronny and Kim Carringer of Robbinsville, received the Dr. David and Mrs. Carol Burnette (West District) Scholarship. A recent graduate of Robbinsville High School, she plans to attend Gardner-Webb University to study accounting. This scholarship is named for former Swain County 4-H’er and District Extension Director Dr. David Burnette and his wife, Carol.

Guilford County
Talor Brown, 18, daughter of Shannon and Larry Brown of Browns Summit, received the Lorna W. Langley Scholarship. A recent home school graduate, she plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to study fashion design and business. The Langley Scholarship is named for former Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist Dr. Lorna Langley and was established by her colleagues and friends.

Harnett County
Rossie Blinson, 20, daughter of Bryan and Beth Blinson of Buies Creek, received the Southern States Cooperative 4-H Leadership Scholarship. A sophomore at N.C. State University, she is studying agricultural business management and animal science. This scholarship is provided to four 4-H members and four FFA members annually whose families are involved in agriculture or agribusiness. The Southern States Cooperative Leadership Scholarship is renewable.

Heather Johnson, 18, daughter of Jimmy and Connie Johnson of Angier, received the South Central 4-H Development Fund Scholarship. A recent graduate of Harnett Central High School, she plans to attend Campbell University as a pre-pharmacy major. The retired agents and specialists from Cooperative Extension provide funds for two scholarships in each North Carolina extension district.

Haywood County
Sally Dixon, 19, daughter of Diane Floyd of Waynesville, received the Edward Gore/General Shelton Upperclassman 4-H Leadership Scholarship. A rising sophomore at N.C. State University, she plans to study extension education. This scholarship is sponsored by the Edward Gore/General Hugh Shelton 4-H Leadership Scholarship Endowment. Ed and Dinah Gore of Sunset Beach, N.C., have made these scholarships available to outstanding students who attend N.C. State University or Campbell University.

Henderson County
Briana Gover, 18, daughter of Mike and Janet Gover of Hendersonville, received the John C. McLean Scholarship and the West 4-H Development Fund Scholarship. A recent graduate of East Henderson High School, she plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College to study accounting. The retired agents and specialists from Cooperative Extension provide funds for two scholarships in each North Carolina extension district.

Caleb Worrell, son of Chip and Ranae Worrell of Zirconia, received the Robert and Helen Runion Scholarship. A recent home school graduate, he will attend Blue Ridge Community College to study forest management. 4-H supporters Robert and Helen Runion and their family have funded this named scholarship endowment to support students from Mitchell and surrounding counties.

Iredell County
Daliese J. Steele, 18, daughter of John and Dorothy Steele of Statesville, received the Dr. Eloise Cofer 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences Scholarship and the West Central 4-H Development Fund Scholarship. A recent graduate of CCTL Early College, she plans to attend Howard University. The Cofer Scholarship is named for the late State Home Economics Leader for Cooperative Extension Dr. Eloise Cofer. The retired agents and specialists from Cooperative Extension provide funds for two scholarships in each North Carolina extension district.

Johnston County
Autumn Marks, 17, daughter of June Miller of Clayton, received the Bruce and Annie Woodard 4-H Scholarship. A recent graduate of Clayton High School, she plans to attend Iowa State University to study animal science as a pre-veterinary major. This scholarship is named for former Cumberland and Johnston counties Cooperative Extension Director Bruce Woodard and his wife, Annie, and is designated for a Johnston County 4-H’er.

Jones County
Zachary Gathings, 18, son of Wendy Hardee of Pollocksville, received the Robert N. Wood Scholarship. A recent graduate of Jones Senior High School, he plans to attend N.C. State University to study industrial engineering. Robert N. Wood was the first executive director of the North Carolina 4-H Development Fund. The scholarship was established through an estate gift and by the N.C. State 4-H Collegiate Club.

Shaquila Jones, 18, daughter of Corine Jones of Maysville, received the Southeast 4-H Development Fund Scholarship. A recent graduate of Jones Senior High School, she plans to attend N.C. State University to study political science. The retired agents and specialists from Cooperative Extension provide funds for two scholarships in each North Carolina extension district.

Nash County
Daniel Boykin of Elm City received the L.R. Harrill 4-H Scholarship. He is a senior at N.C. State University, majoring in animal science. The L. R. Harrill Scholarship is named for North Carolina’s first state 4-H leader. Scholars may renew their scholarships for up to three additional years.

Ben LaHay, 18, son of Charles and Molly LaHay of Elm City, received the N.C. 4-H Alumni and Friends Association Scholarship and the Tom and Miriam Hobgood Northeast 4-H Development Fund Scholarship. A recent graduate of Greenview Academy, he plans to attend Clemson University to study agricultural or environmental engineering. The newly formed N.C. 4-H Alumni and Friends Society created this scholarship to provide support for an outstanding 4-H member. The Tom and Miriam Hobgood 4-H Development Fund Scholarship was endowed by the Hobgoods and is awarded to the area of the state where Tom Hobgood was district extension director.

Pasquotank County
Rhe’a Roland, 18, daughter of Janice Owens of Elizabeth City, received the Gordon E. Sawyer Scholarship. A recent graduate of Pasquotank County High School, she plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. The Sawyer Scholarship is awarded in memory of long-time Camden County Extension Director Gordon Sawyer.

Cynthia Sharp, 17, of Elizabeth City received the Vernon James Scholarship. A recent graduate of Northeastern High School, she plans to attend N.C. State University to study business administration. The scholarship is named for former N.C. legislator and farmer Vernon James, who was a Pasquotank 4-H’er.

Pitt County
Ashten Bergstedt, 18, daughter of Vickie and Robert Bergstedt of Winterville, received the Dr. Clarence Poe Scholarship and the Ray Wilkinson Communications Scholarship. A recent graduate of Windsor Academy home school, she plans to attend East Carolina University to study broadcast journalism. The Dr. Clarence Poe Scholarship is named for the former editor of Progressive Farmer, while the Wilkinson Scholarship is named for former WRAL-TV reporter Ray Wilkinson.

Polk County
Kaytee McCullough, 18, daughter of David and Dawn McCullough of Tryon, received the Preston, Marsha and Brooke Cornelius 4-H Beef Scholarship. She plans to attend N.C. State University to study animal science. This scholarship is designated for 4-H members who participate in beef projects and is named for Judge Preston Cornelius, his wife Marsha and daughter Brooke. The Cornelius family is a multi-generational 4-H family.

Rockingham County
John R. Norwood, 20, son of John and Nancy Norwood of Ruffin, received the I.O. Schaub Scholarship. A sophomore at N.C. State University, he is majoring in agricultural and environmental technology. The I.O. Schaub Scholarship is named for former dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University.

Marla O’Neal, 18, daughter of Donna O’Neal of Mayodan, received the 4-H Horse Program Scholarship and the North Central 4-H Horse Scholarship. A recent graduate of Dalton L. McMichael High School, she plans to attend Wake Forest University to study biology. The State 4-H Horse Council provides the funding for the state horse scholarship, and volunteers from the North Central District provide funding for the district scholarship.

Rutherford County
Todd Elliott, 18, son of Doug Elliott and Yanna Fishman of Union Mills, received the L.R. Harrill Scholarship. A recent graduate of Painter Gap Academy, he plans to attend Warren Wilson College to study environmental studies. The L. R. Harrill Scholarship is named for North Carolina’s first state 4-H leader. It is renewable for up to three additional years.

Stanly County
Adam Barnhardt, 19, son of Rick and Crystal Barnhardt of Locust, received the Dr. Gary S. and Patricia H. Davis Poultry Science Scholarship. A sophomore at N.C. State University, he is majoring in poultry science. This scholarship is named for former Poultry Extension Specialist Dr. Gary Davis and his wife, Patricia.

Angela Harvell, 18, daughter of Jeff and Charlene Harvell of Oakboro, received the Thomas A. Carter Family 4-H Poultry Science Scholarship. A recently graduate of West Stanly High School, she plans to attend N.C. State University to study poultry science. The family and friends of Dr. Tom Carter established this scholarship to honor his career as an extension poultry specialist.

Brooke Harward, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Harward of Richfield, received the Southern States Cooperative 4-H Leadership Scholarship. A recent graduate of Gray Stone Day School, she plans to attend N.C. State University to study agricultural business management.

Wilson Talley, 19, son of Paul and Patti Talley of Locust, received the Southern States Cooperative 4-H Leadership Scholarship. He is a sophomore at N.C. State University, majoring in poultry science.

The scholarships awarded to Harward and Talley are provided to four 4-H members and four FFA members annually whose families are involved in agriculture or agribusiness. The Southern States Cooperative Leadership Scholarships are renewable.

Stokes County
Emily Booze, 18, daughter of Jon and Lori Booze of Walnut Cove, received the Dr. Clarence Poe Scholarship and the Rachel Kirby Thomas and Dr. Frank Bancroft Thomas 4-H Foods and Nutrition Scholarship. A recent home school graduate, she plans to attend Appalachian State University to study psychology. The Dr. Clarence Poe Scholarship is named for the former editor of Progressive Farmer, while the Thomas Scholarship is named for former extension specialists Rachel Kirby Thomas and Dr. Frank Thomas. It is awarded to a student who has participated in foods and nutrition programs.

Caitlin Davis of Walnut Cove received the Joe and Barbara Brooks Scholarship. She is a sophomore at N.C. State University, majoring in horticultural science. This scholarship is named for former Horticultural Extension Specialist Dr. Joe Brooks and his wife, Barbara.

Tyrrell County
Hannah M. Swain, 18, daughter of Buddy and Susan Swain of Columbia, received the William E. Sawyer 4-H Scholarship. A recent graduate of Swain Christian Academy, she plans to attend Beaufort Community College to study business. The Sawyer 4-H Scholarship is named for former 4-H member William Sawyer who lived in Currituck County before his untimely death.

Union County
Lora Cretella, 18, daughter of Michael and Joyce Cretella of Waxhaw, received the Lyman B. Dixon Sr. Scholarship. A recent graduate of Union County Early College High School, she plans to attend N.C. State University to study engineering. The Dixon Scholarship is named for former Associate State 4-H Leader Lyman Dixon Sr. by his family and friends.

Ann Margaret Dietrich, 20, daughter of Geoff and Sarah Dietrich of Monroe and Raleigh, received the L.R. Harrill 4-H Scholarship. She is a senior at N.C. State University, majoring in poultry science. (Note: Family has homes in Raleigh and Monroe. Parents are former Union County 4-H’ers.) The L. R. Harrill Scholarship is named for North Carolina’s first state 4-H leader and is renewable for up to four years.

Wake County
Ann Margaret Dietrich, 20, daughter of Geoff and Sarah Dietrich of Raleigh, received the L.R. Harrill 4-H Scholarship. She is a senior at N.C. State University, majoring in poultry science. The L. R. Harrill Scholarship is named for North Carolina’s first state 4-H leader. It is renewable for up to four years.

Mason Elledge, 20, daughter of Kathy Mason of Raleigh and Dennis Elledge of Cary, received the Raleigh Rangers 4-H Club Scholarship. He attends Georgia Institute of Technology. The scholarship was provided by members of the Raleigh Rangers Senior 4-H Club in Raleigh through the sale of poinsettias.

Mimrah Hossain, 18, daughter of Nasima Hossain of Raleigh, received the Larry and Joyce Bass 4-H Horticultural Scholarship and the Wake County 4-H Horticulture Scholarship. She is a sophomore at N.C. State University, majoring in elementary education. The Bass Scholarship is named for long-time N.C. State Horticultural Specialist Larry Bass and his wife, Joyce. The Wake County 4-H Horticultural Scholarship is made possible through projects by the Horticulture Club.

Ashley Kirby, 20, daughter of Barbara and Milford “Biff” l Kirby of Garner, received the Edmund and Elizabeth Aycock 4-H Scholarship. She is a senior at N.C. State University, majoring in zoology, agroecology and interdisciplinary studies. The Edmund and Elizabeth Aycock 4-H Scholarship is named for two outstanding 4-H members from the 1930s who were successful in business and leadership throughout their long careers.

Garrett See, 18, son of Todd and Leslie See of Raleigh, received the Gary Stott Scholarship. A recent graduate of Knightdale High School, he plans to attend N.C. State University to study animal science. The Gary Stott Memorial Scholarship was established by family and friends after the untimely death of this Wilson County 4-H’er who was involved in swine projects.

Jasmine Trinks, 18, daughter of Tom and Cindy Trinks of Raleigh, received the North Central 4-H Horse Scholarship. A recent graduate of Raleigh Charter High School, she plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study German. This scholarship is provided by the volunteers in the North Central 4-H Extension District who provide leadership for county and district horse programs.

Warren County
Elizabeth McAuslan, 18, daughter of Jim and Mary McAuslan of Norlina, received the Edmund and Elizabeth Aycock 4-H Scholarship. She is a sophomore at N.C. State University, majoring in management. The Edmund and Elizabeth Aycock 4-H Scholarship is named for two outstanding 4-H members from the 1930s who were successful in business and leadership throughout their long careers.

Wayne County
Marisa Linton, 18, daughter of A.J. and Suzanne Linton of Mount Olive, received the Edward Gore/General Hugh Shelton Leadership Scholarship. A recent graduate of Countryview Adademy home school, she plans to attend Campbell University to study communications. This scholarship is sponsored by the Edward Gore/General Hugh Shelton 4-H Leadership Scholarship Endowment. Ed and Dinah Gore of Sunset Beach, N.C., have made these scholarships available to outstanding students who attend N.C. State University or Campbell University.

Michael Spears, 18, son of Joe and Milly Spears of Goldsboro, received the Dr. Clarence Poe Scholarship. A recent graduate of Tall Tree School, he plans to attend Johnston Community College to study mechanical engineering. The Poe Scholarship is named for former editor of the Progressive Farmer.

Lindsay Stutts, 19, daughter of John and Lucy Stutts of Goldsboro, received the Southeast 4-H Development Fund Scholarship. A recent graduate of Faith Christian Academy, she plans to attend Liberty University to major in a medical field. This scholarship is funded by retired extension agents and specialists who wish to support educational opportunities for 4-H’ers.

Wilkes County
Ethan Ward, 19, son of Watson and Dawn Ward of Millers Creek, received the Belinda Holshouser Hester “Go Green, Think Green” 4-H Scholarship. He attends the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is studying geography. The “Go Green, Think Green” 4-H Scholarship is endowed by Belinda Holshouser Hester, a former Wake County educator and Rowan County 4-H’er.

Wilson County
Allyson Brake, 18, daughter of James and Kristina Brake of Lucama, received the Ray Wilkinson Communications Scholarship and the Teeter Family Scholarship. A recent graduate of Hunt High School, she plans to attend Campbell University to study communications. The Wilkinson Scholarship is named for former WRAL-TV reporter Ray Wilkinson. The family of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Teeter provided the endowment funds for their scholarship.

Dana Varnell, 17, daughter of Amber and Jim Varnell of Elm City, received the Farris “Pass it On” 4-H Scholarship. A recent home school graduate, she plans to attend Wilson Community College to study dental hygiene. When Paul Farris, former president of the North Carolina 4-H Development Fund Board of Directors, completed his office, he established the “Pass it On” Scholarship to encourage 4-H’ers to continue to give to future youth like they had received awards and scholarships as 4-H’ers.

Yancey County
Daniel Tschudy, 19, son of Danny and Becky Tschudy of Burnsville, received the Carolyn Smith Ivey Scholarship. A recent graduate of Mountain Heritage School, he plans to attend East Tennessee State University to study engineering. The Carolyn Smith Ivey 4-H Scholarship is named for a former Cherokee County 4-H member and life-long 4-H volunteer from Guilford County.

–Written by Natalie Hampton, natalie_hampton@ncsu.edu or 919.513.31289