Scholarship Program and Eligibility Requirements

2024

Higher Education Scholarships

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP, OR TO EVALUATE A SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

ALL APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 1, 2024

< <

Scholarship	Amount	Number Available	Eligibility
Adam Benson Scholarship Fund Established to honor the memory of Adam Benson, a 2004 graduate of East Burke High School.	One-time $1,000 One-time $500	Up to Three Awards	Senior graduating from high school or a graduate already attending college. The applicant must be an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.
Allen and Rexanna Lowman Scholarship Fund Established in 2023 to honor the life of Allen Lowman, a teacher and coach in the Burke County School System.	One-time $1,000	One Award	Graduating Senior from Jimmy C. Draughn High School, or East Burke High School planning to attend a two or four-year college/university
Anita Wilson Scholarship Fund Established in 2017 to honor the life of Anita Wilson and her love of music.	One-time $1,700	One Award	Pursuing a degree in the field of music performance or music education and attending a four-year college or university.
Azmi S. Jarrah Scholarship Fund Established in 2021 to honor the life and contributions of Dr. Azmi S. Jarrah	One-time $1,000	One Award	Graduating senior in Burke County or graduate already enrolled in college or graduate school. Must be able to demonstrate kindness and concern for fellow human beings; financial need; and strong work ethic.
Barrett L. and Diana S. Crawford Scholarship Fund Established in 2020 to honor the life of Barrett L. Crawford who was an attorney in Burke County, and highly valued education.	One-time $2,000	Up to Three Awards	Graduating senior in Burke County. Planning to attend a two-year college and then trransfer to a four-year college. Preference given to someone majoring in Business or Pre-Law.
Betty and Otto Woerner Endowed Scholarship Fund Established in 2013 to provide financial resources for the higher education of a Burke County student.	One-time $1,400	One Award	Graduating senior in Burke County; currently attending graduate school; or currently enrolled in college. Pursuing a field in teaching, fashion design or culinary arts.
Clyde Nichols Young, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund Established in 2002 to honor the life of Clyde Nichols Young, Jr., who taught math in Burke County from 1957 until his retirement in 1990.	One-time $1,000	Up to Two Awards	Graduating senior from Freedom High School, pursuing a degree in teaching.
Cranford Scholarship Endowed Fund Established in 2013 in memory of Eric and Fred Cranford.	One-time $4,900	Eight Awards Four Awards to East Burke HS; Four Awards to Jimmy C. Draughn HS	Graduating seniors from East Burke High School or Jimmy C. Draughn High School. Eastern Burke County resident (East of Morganton, NC.) and demonstrates financial need and academic ability/achievement.
Crump - Pollpeter Scholarship Fund Established in 2018 to honor the lives of Ruth and Herman Crump, and Mary Lou and Ralph Pollpeter.	One-time $1,200	Up to Two Awards	Graduating senior or a graduate student from Burke County. Preference given to those majoring in elementary education or Christian ministry.
Darren Wilson Scholarship Fund Established in 2018 to honor the memory of Darren Wilson, a graduate of Freedom High School and an active participant in sports.	One-time $1,000	One Award	Preference given to Freedom High School football player and/or former Freedom High School football player enrolled in college. Second preference to a Freedom High School athlete.
Deborah and Bruce Hershock Trades Scholarship Fund Established in 2023 to support students pursuing degrees, diplomas or certificates in the trade industry.	One-time $1,000	One Award	Graduating seniors or students in the work force seeking additional trade training. Must attend WPCC Regional Trades Solution Center.
Drexel Alumni Association Fund Established in 2002 to honor two of Drexel High School’s beloved educators, Harry Hallyburton and Faye Russell.	One-time $1,500	Up to Four Awards	Applicant, and/or biological parents, grand and/or great grandparent(s) attended a Drexel School. Graduating senior or enrolled in college.
Erin’s Memorial Scholarship Fund Established in 2021 to honor the memory of Erin Sweezy.	One-time $2,000	One Award	Graduating senior or student enrolled in college from Burke County; enrolling or /enrolled in a North Carolina College/University or UNC System; financial need; and strong community involvement serving their fellowman.
Freddy G. Leger Memorial Scholarship Fund Established in 2021 to honor the life of Freddy G. Leger who devoted 33 years to the education of children.	One-time $2,000	One Award	Graduating senior from Jimmy C. Draughn High School or East Burke High School; majoring in Education or Nursing; and demonstrates financial need.
Glenn R. Yoder Scholarship Endowment Fund Established in 2004 to honor the memory of Glenn R. Yoder, a longtime member of the Valdese Lion’s Club, a career elementary school teacher and principal.	One-time up to $1,000	Up to Two Awards	Student living in Burke County planning to attend a two or four year college, demonstrates financial need; and character reflecting the commitment of Lions Club members; and must have a GPA 2.5. High school seniors, enrolled college students or others planning to attend college for the first time are eligible to apply.
Harris Family Scholarship Fund Established in 2023 to support students seeking a higher education that have the greatest financial need.	One-time up to $2,000	Up to Two Awards	Graduating seniors from Jimmy C. Draughn High School enrolling in a four-year North Carolina college or university including the UNC System.
Jean B. and Frederick M. Riggs, Sr. Scholarship Fund Established in 2022 to support students financially who have a strong desire to achieve a higher education.	One-time $1,000	One Award	Graduating senior from Burke County or Burke Middle College who is attending a four-year college or university. Applicant must demonstrate financial need and volunteer work.
Jimmy C. Draughn Scholarship Endowment Fund Established in 2005 to honor the life and work of Jimmy C. Draughn, the first principal of East Burke High School.	One-time $1,200	One Award	Graduating senior from East Burke High School. GPA of 3.5 or more.
Keith Warren Black Educational Scholarship Fund Established in 2014 to honor the life of Keith Warren Black and his dedication to education.	One time $1,000	Up to Two Awards	A student entering or already attending WPCC. The student must be enrolled full-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress. GPA of 2.5 or more.
Larry and Louise Huffman Scholarship Endowment Fund Established in 2004 to honor the lives of Larry and Louise Huffman who devoted their lives to serving others, especially the youth of Burke County.	One-time $2,000	One Award	Student from East Burke High School, Jimmy C. Draughn High School or Burke Middle College who plans to major in education, athletic training, or educational setting, including guidance counselor, school psychologist, and speech pathologist.
Margaret Franklin Scholarship Fund Established in 2018 to honor the life of Margaret Franklin who devoted her life to teaching and caring for the young people of Burke County.	One-time $1,000	Up to Two Awards	Seniors or former students from Freedom High School and/or Robert L. Patton High School who plan to major (or are majoring) in Elementary Education.
Martha and Ron Franklin Music Scholarship Fund Established in 2021 by donors because of their deep love of music and to honor those who pursue a music career in Christian ministry, music education or music performance.	One-time $1,000	One Award	Graduating seniors from Burke County, Burke Middle College or certified home school who are pursuing a degree in Sacred Music, Music Performance or Music Education. Preference given to a Lenoir-Rhyne University music major and to a member of North Morganton United Methodist Church.
Michael Williamson Eley Endowment Fund Established in 2014 in memory of Michael Williamson Eley.	One time $1,500	One Award	Resident of Burke County pursuing a degree in engineering, math, physics or chemistry. GPA 3.3
Mildred and Hugh Fletcher Scholarship Fund Established in 2006 to assist members of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church and/or High School Senior Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts who are/were active in troops sponsored by the Waldensian Presbyterian Church.	One-time up to $1,000	Up to Two Awards	Member of Waldensian Presbyterian Church (WPC) and/or participant in the scouting programs sponsored by WPC.
Minnie Belle Rector Cooper Nursing Scholarship Fund Established in 2017 to honor the life of Minnie Belle Rector Cooper who pursued a degree in nursing in the later years of her life.	One-time $1,200	Up to Two Awards	Pursuing a degree in the field of nursing and attending Western Piedmont Community College or Caldwell Community College to obtain an ADON degree or be enrolled in the RIBN Program, a dually enrolled nursing program between Lenoir-Rhyne and Western Piedmont Community College.
Nathan Alan Williams Scholarship Established in 2021 to honor the memory of Nathan Alan Williams, a 2013 graduate of Patton High School and a student athlete.	One-time $1,000	One Award	Graduating senior from Robert L. Patton High School who was a Patton baseball player or a Patton Athlete; or a Burke Middle College athlete.
Norvell Family Fund - Paul J. Koehnke Fine Arts Scholarship Established in 2020 in honor of Paul J. Koehnke, a former Dean At Central Piedmont Community College.	One-time $1,000	One Award	Graduation seniors from the Northwest School for the Arts or currently attending Central Piedmont Community College. Available for students pursuing a degree music, dance, visual arts or theater.
Raymond K. Miller Scholarship Endowment Fund Established in 2007 to honor the life of Raymond K. Miller, who was a dedicated, altruistic, talented, and caring educator who believed in higher education for all students.	One time $1,000	One Award	Must attend WPCC; open to all majors; preference given to students pursuing a degree in the field of industrial systems technology; or civil, computer, electrical, mechatronic or mechanical engineering.
Robert A. "Bob" Shook Memorial Scholarship Established in 2015 to honor the life of Robert A. “Bob” Shook who was an educator, coach, and member of the Rutherford College Lions Club for over 30 years.	One-time up to $750	Up to Two Awards	Graduating senior from East Burke High School or Jimmy C. Draughn High School; or seniors from either East Burke High School or Jimmy C. Drauhn who currently attend Burke Middle College; and are pursuing a degree in education.
Rotary Club of Morganton Scholarship Endowment Fund Established in 2007 to assist graduating seniors from Freedom and Patton High Schools.	One-time up to $1,500	Up to Three Awards	Graduating senior from Freedom High School or Patton High School; or seniors who attended Freedom or Patton High School and are currently attending Burke Middle College.
Ruth Bolick Christian Scholarship Established in 2019 to honor the life of Ruth Bolick who joined Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church in 1928, and taught school at Rutherford College Elementary for over 30 years.	$500 to $1,500	Multiple Awards	Graduating seniors from Burke County high schools, Burke Middle College, or certified home school; or enrolled in college or graduate school. GPA of 3.0. Preference will be given to first-year applicants who are members of Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church.
Smith-Nanney Scholarship Fund Established in 2021 to honor Ivey Alexander Smith, Geneva Johnson Smith, Bruce Glenn Nanney and Ruth Hipps Nanney.	One Time $1,000	Up to Four Awards	Applicant must be pursuing a degree in science, math engineering, nursing at Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) or pursuing a technical degree at WPCC. Preference will be given to a technical study student and a first generation college student.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Miss Annie Avery Scholarship Established in 2019 to honor the life of Miss Annie Avery, who was the life and soul of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.	One Time $500	Up to Two Awards	Burke County resident, returning student or graduating senior, entering or already enrolled in a two or four year college. Must be enrolled in Business or Career programs, Trades/Building Construction program, CNA or Medical Assistant program, or the field of Music.
Stiff Endowment Fund Established in 2004 to honor the lives of Dr. & Mrs. Olin Stiff. Dr. Stiff practiced family medicine , Evelyn Senter Stiff was a nurse, and both served their patients at Valdese General Hospital.	One-time $2,225	Two Awards	Committed to pursuing a four-year degree in nursing. Applicant must be a Burke County resident or employed in Burke County.
The Larry Simpson Memorial Scholarship Fund To honor the life of Larry Simpson and his dedication to family and service to others.	One-time $1,500	One Awward	Open to residents of Burke County, NC; Newton, NC; Hickory, NC; and Conover, NC; and speaks English as a second language.
Tim Spain Scholarship Fund Established in 2017 in memory of Tim Spain, who taught German and mathematics at East Burke High School and mathematics at Jimmy C. Draughn High School.	One-time $1,300	One Award	Graduating senior from either East Burke High School or Jimmy C. Draughn High School and attending a four-year college or university. GPA 3.3
Valdese Rotary Club Endowed Scholarship Fund Established in 2002 to assist graduating seniors from Jimmy C. Draughn High School.	One-time $2,000	Up to Two Awards	Graduating senior from Jimmy C. Draughn High School, enrolled college student or others planning to attend college for the first time. Applicant must reflect the principles and ideals of Rotary.
Valdese Rotary Club Endowed Scholarship Fund (Non-traditional)	One-time $500	One Award	Graduating senior from Jimmy C. Draughn High School, enrolled college student or others planning to attend college for the first time. Applicant must reflect the principles and ideals of Rotary.
Waldensian Presbyterian Women Scholarship Program Endowed Fund - General Established in 2005 to assist members of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church and/or High School Senior Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts who were active in troops sponsored by the Waldensian Presbyterian Church.	One-time $1,000; Renewable	Up to Four Awards	Member of Waldensian Presbyterian Church (WPC) and/or participant in the scouting programs sponsored by WPC.
Waldensian Presbyterian Women Scholarship Program Endowed Fund - Michael Morse Scholarship	One-time $1,000; Renewable	One Award	Member of Waldensian Presbyterian Church (WPC) and/or participant in the scouting programs sponsored by WPC.
Waldensian Presbyterian Women Scholarship Program Endowed Fund - Rostan Family Scholarship	One-time up to $2,000	One Award	Member of Waldensian Presbyterian Church (WPC) and/or participant in the scouting programs sponsored by WPC.
Wynne and Otto Woerner Endowed Scholarship Fund: Established in 2003 to provide financial resources for the higher education of a young person in Burke County or McDowell County.	One-time $2,800	Two Awards;	Graduating senior in Burke or McDowell County. The criteria in order of priority are: financial need, top half of class, and commitment to complete a four year degree.

Additional Education Scholarships

Scholarship	Amount	Number Available	Eligibility
Burke Education Endowment Program Fund	Varies	Varies	Burke County high school graduate who demonstrates financial need and desires to attend Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC).
Morganton Day School Scholarship Endowment Fund			Qualified applicants selected by Morganton Day School from the area in and around Burke County, North Carolina.

Resource Links

Burke County Public Schools:
Burke Middle College
East Burke High School
Hallyburton Academy
Freedom High Schoo l
Jimmy C. Draughn High School
Robert L. Patton High School

Financial Resources:
College Foundation of North Carolina
FAFSA (Application for Federal Student Aid)
The Student Guide to Federal Financial Aid

Additional Schools:
Morganton Day School
Western Piedmont Community College

Disclaimer: Please note that the Foundation does not administer these websites and we do not endorse or guarantee success on any of them. Nevertheless, we consider them to be useful resources for students.