Scholarship Program and Eligibility Requirements

2021

Higher Education Scholarships

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR ALL SCHOLARSHIPS

ALL APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 1, 2021

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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 Two 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.
Anita Wilson Scholarship Fund Established in 2017 to honor the life of Anita Wilson and her love of music.	One-time $1,500	One Award	Pursuing a degree in the field of music performance or music education and attending a four-year college or university. GPA of 2.5 or better
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 $1,000	Up to Two Awards	Graduating senior in Burke County, or currently attending community 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 $1,200	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	One Award	Graduating senior from Freedom High School, pursuing a degree in teaching. Preference given to an outstanding math student.
Cranford Scholarship Endowed Fund Established in 2013 in memory of Eric and Fred Cranford.	One-time $4,500	Eight Awards Four Awards to East Burke HS; Four Awards to Jimmy C. Draughn HS	Eastern Burke County resident (East of Morganton, NC.) 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 $1,000	One Award	Graduating senior from Burke County; pursuing a degree in education or Christian Ministry; GPA of 2.5 or better
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	Graduating senior from Freedom High School who played football for Freedom High School; and/or enrolled in college and played football at Freedom High School; GPA 2.5; Demonstrates financial need.
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
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, demonostrate 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.
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 $1,000	One Award	Graduating senior from East Burke High School.
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	One Award	A student entering or already attending WPCC. The student must be enrolled full-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress. GPA of 2.5 or better.
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 plan to major in education, athletic training, or educational setting, including guidance counselor, school psychologist, speech pathologist, and/or school nurse.
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	Student from Freedom High School and/or Robert L. Patton High School who plan to major in education with a preference given to elementary education.
Michael Williamson Eley Endowment Fund Established in 2014 in memory of Michael Williamson Eley.	One time $1,400	One Award	Resident of Burke County who is interested in pursuing a field 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 were active in troops sponsored by the Waldensian Presbyterian Church.	One-time up to $2,000	One Award	Member of Waldensian Presbyterian Church (WPC) and/or participant in the scouting programs sponsored by WPC.
Norvell Family Fund - Libby Enos Norvell Educational Scholarship Established in 2020 to honor and celebrate Libby Enos Norvell's retirement from the Burke County Public School System.	One-time $1,000	One Award	Graduating senior in Burke County. Preference given to a student receiving Special Education services.
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	Graduating 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.
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 $1,000	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.
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	Burke County resident; working towards an AAS Degree from WPCC; preference given to students pursuing a degree in the field of degree in industrial systems technology or civil, computer, electrical, mechatronic and 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	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. Preference to student 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 Two Awards	Graduating senior from Freedom High School or Patton High School; and 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.	One Time $1,000 to $1,500	Up to Three Awards	Graduating seniors from Burke County high schools, Burke Middle College, or certified home school; or enrolled in college or graduate school. GPA of 2.5. Preference will be given to applicants who are members or have close relatives who are members of Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents).
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 $1,000	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 $2,000	Two Awards	Committed to pursuing a four-year degree in nursing.
The Larry Simpson Memorial Scholarship Fund Established in 2017 to honor the life of Larry Simpson, and his dedication to family and service to others.	One-time $1,500	Up to Three Awards	Open to residents of Burke County, NC, Newton, NC, Hickory, NC or Conover, NC; student with English as a second language; and first-generation college student.
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 $1,000	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 of 3.3 or better.
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 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 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 Three 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 $2,500	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.