The Beaufort County Community College Foundation has received a $30,000 donation from the Second Annual Belhaven Trout Tournament and Festival, held in October 2024. The next tournament is scheduled for October 10–11, 2025, in Belhaven and will feature prizes and trophies, a pig cooking contest, food, craft, and display vendors. This most recent donation follows a $40,000 contribution from the inaugural tournament in 2023. The Foundation will continue using these funds to support students in programs such as Boat Manufacture and Service, Emergency Medical Technician, and Advanced EMT.
Captain Hugh Sutton of Pungo Charters, LLC, a member of the Belhaven Chamber of Commerce, introduced the tournament concept to attract recreational fishing tourists and support students at the community college.
“Knowing the great fishing for speckled trout in this area, it seemed that a fishing tournament would be a great fundraiser,” said Sutton. “There were two goals that we wanted to achieve: help local students financially so they can pursue the marine industry and bring people to the Belhaven area to support local businesses.”
The Belhaven Chamber of Commerce hosted the first annual tournament and festival in October 2023, establishing scholarships for students entering marine- or boatbuilding-related programs at Beaufort CCC. To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of at least 2.0, and reside in one of BCCC’s service regions or surrounding counties, including Pitt, Pamlico, and Martin.
Scholarships are available for any aspect of the marine industry, including, but not limited to, owning and operating a marine detailing business, boat building and manufacturing, Industrial Sewing Levels 1–3, Basic Law Enforcement Training for wildlife officers, marine insurance, and criminal justice programs focused on wildlife enforcement. Funding may also be used for apprenticeships through continuing education programs.
“This consistent and substantial support from Captain Sutton and the Belhaven Trout Tournament and Festival is a gamechanger for our students,” said Serena Sullivan, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Beaufort CCC. “During this past academic year, we were able to support 22 students who are now building sustainable careers in our region.”
Students in college-credit programs must complete the FAFSA and submit a BCCC Foundation scholarship application. Students in short-term workforce programs, such as EMT, should apply through the Division of Continuing Education. The college is currently registering students for summer and fall courses.
For more information about the next Belhaven Trout Tournament and Festival, visit their website.