Students receive David Clark, Louise R. Lester Foundation & other scholarships

The Beaufort County Community College Foundation is proud to announce the following scholarship recipients for the spring 2020 semester. The BCCC Foundation has awarded over $180,000 in scholarships during the 2019-2020 academic year. Students can apply now for summer or fall 2020 scholarships online and apply for admission or register online for classes.

The David Clark Endowment Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships BCCC awards each semester, established in 2011 by Trader Construction Company and Potash Corp in memory of David Clark. Mr. Clark was a Trader Construction Company superintendent with more than 30 years of industrial construction experience. He was an exemplary employee and excellent role model for his fellow co-workers. He was also a man of faith, community involvement, and a native of Beaufort County, NC. So, it is appropriate, this endowment is made available to BCCC students in any of the Industrial Technology programs.

Founded in 2001, the Louise R. Lester Foundation builds on the charitable works of Mrs. Louise Robertson Lester. Mrs. Lester was a native of Martinsville, Va., and attended Bentley Business College, Gassaway Business College, and, later in life, Patrick Henry Community College and Averett College. She was an accomplished artist, producing beautiful paintings and poetry. The Louise R. Lester Foundation seeks to effect positive change in the communities and lives of the people who are served through its philanthropic support. They seek to build effective relationships with grantees through a willingness to understand the challenges they face. Scholarships are available for students facing financial challenges to continue their college education.

Shari Acklin, 35, received the Louise R. Lester Foundation Scholarship. She is a Greenville resident working toward an AAS in Criminal Justice and plans to pursue a career in that field. The mother of two is the daughter of Melvin Edwards of Pantego and Crystal Higgs of Greenville. She attended Farmville Central High School, and currently works at ECVC in shipping as a commercial clerk.

Gary Blount, 53, received the David Clark Scholarship. He is a welding technology student. He is the husband of Janice Ross Blount and a father of three. The Chocowinity resident attended Washington High School and holds a degree in criminal justice. Blount plans to obtain a job with The Robert’s Company in Winterville.

Marshall “Tanner” Boyd, 19, received the David Clark Scholarship. He is a Blounts Creek resident and a mechanical engineering technology student. The son of Marsha and Billy Boyd, he attended Gilead Christian School. He works at Carver Machine Works, Southside Farms, and Tractor Supply.

Summer Gale Cahoon, 21, received the Art & Alice Keeney/East Carolina Bank and the Dorothy & Allen Taylor scholarships. She is a Swan Quarter resident working toward an Associate Degree in Nursing. She is the daughter of Gregory Brooks and Eyleen Brooks of Swan Quarter and the wife of Bryson Cahoon. Cahoon attended Mattamuskeet Early College High School, holds an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science, and she plans to work as a nurse anesthetist. She currently grows and sells fresh produce roadside and at farmers’ markets.

In honor of Art Keeney’s retirement in June of 2009, as CEO of East Carolina Bank (ECB), which is based in Engelhard, NC, the ECB board of directors established this endowment to recognize both Art and his wife Alice for their tremendous accomplishments at the bank, in the Hyde County community, and throughout the ECB service area. First preference for these scholarships goes to students residing in Hyde County, who have a GPA of 2.5 or better, and demonstrate need.

Sam Taylor established this scholarship in memory of his parents, Dorothy and Allen Taylor. Scholarships are given to second year nursing RN students who are Beaufort County natives who intend to stay and work in Beaufort County and plan to continue their education at an accredit university towards a BS degree. Students must demonstrate financial need.

Kayla Carrow, 19, received the Louise R. Lester Foundation Scholarship. She is a Pinetown resident and an office administration student. She currently works at H&R Block as a client care specialist. Carrow attended Northside High School and plans to work as an accountant. She is the daughter of Heather and Kevin Carrow of Pinetown.

Tess Keel, 18, received the Louise R. Lester Foundation Scholarship. She is a Robersonville resident and a pre-nursing student. She attended South Creek High School and plans to become a registered nurse. She is the daughter of Coral and Payton Keel of Robersonville.

Dylan Singleton, 22, received the Larry Lancaster and the Louise R. Lester Foundation scholarships. He is a Washington resident working toward an Associate in Science. He attended Washington High School. He plans to transfer to East Carolina University to pursue a degree in forensics science. He currently works at Food Lion as a stocker.

Linda Lancaster established the Larry Lancaster Endowment in 2012 to memorialize her husband and his many years as the owner of Larry’s Body Shop in Washington, NC. Her desire was to assist BCCC automotive students in using their God-given mechanical talent to do something they love to do - like her husband Larry - repair and restore vehicles.

Brannan Swann, 31, received the David Clark Scholarship. She is a Greenville resident and a welding student. Swann attended John T. Hoggard High School and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She is the daughter of Ann and Thumper Swann of Cape Carteret, N.C. She plans to work in welding.

For more information, contact Serena Sullivan at 252-940-6218.