Eight students bound for college this fall are recipients of the R. Flake Shaw Scholarship, North Carolina Farm Bureau’s top academic award.
This year’s winners are Kathryn A. Clontz of South Iredell High School in Iredell County; Tristen R. Fulton of North Davidson High School in Davidson County; Benjamin W. Herndon of Liberty Christian Academy in Cumberland County; Kathryn M. Hice of Southeast Guilford High School in Guilford County; Tyler A. McDuffie of North Moore High School in Moore County; Mazie A. Nunn of East Surry High School in Surry County; Jackson K. Pickard of West Brunswick High School in Brunswick County; and Gavin B. Tyndall of South Lenoir High School in Lenoir County.
For the six four-year college or university students, the renewable scholarship is valued at $4,000 per year and provides each recipient with a total of $16,000 over four years for tuition, books and other expenses. The scholarship program assists 24 college-level students each year.
Scholarships were awarded to two students who will attend a community college to receive an associate degree in an agricultural-related field, or prepare to transfer to a four-year college or university. The renewable scholarship is valued at $1,000 per year for two years of study, and provides each recipient with a total of $2,000 over two years for tuition, books and other expenses. Ultimately, the scholarship program will assist four community college students each year. Students in the community college system’s 1 + 3 and 2 + 2 programs receive $1,000 for their community-college enrollment year or years, and $4,000 for the university years of their study.
The R. Flake Shaw Scholarship Program has awarded more than $3 million in scholarship money to agriculture students since it was founded in 1967. Read more about the scholars below:
Benjamin W. Herndon, who will graduate from Liberty Christian Academy in Cumberland County, plans to attend N.C. State University to study for a career on his family farm.
Herndon says he wants to use his education to farm progressively using scientific research for grander, more efficient food production.
“I am committed to develop a most efficient and prolific operation, balancing resources so outcomes will be the most beneficial for both farmer and consumer from a health perspective,” he says.
