The Beaufort County Community College Foundation has received a $30,000 donation from the third annual Belhaven Trout Tournament and Festival, held in October 2025. With this latest contribution, the tournament has donated a cumulative $100,000 to the Beaufort CCC Foundation.
The next tournament is scheduled for Oct. 23-24, 2026, in Belhaven and will feature prizes and trophies, a pig cooking contest, food vendors, craft vendors and display booths.
The Foundation administers two scholarships funded by the tournament: the Belhaven Trout Festival & Tournament Marine Scholarship, which supports students in programs such as Boat Manufacture and Service, Emergency Medical Technician and Advanced EMT; and the Belhaven Trout Festival & Tournament Medical & Skilled Trades Scholarship, which supports students in Nurse Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Heating & Air Technician, and Medical Assistant programs. This year’s donation will also support the purchase of equipment for the Boat Manufacture & Service program.
Last year, the Beaufort CCC Foundation dedicated the Belhaven Troutfest Boatbuilding Laboratory in its Boat Manufacturing Center in honor of the tournament to recognize its continued commitment to the college.
“We’re seeing production at boat manufacturers increase, so we want to help ensure local students are trained and ready for those opportunities,” Sutton said. “Healthcare careers are also in high demand, and these scholarships help connect students to stable, meaningful employment close to home.”
The two scholarships are available to students across ten boatbuilding, medical, skilled trades programs at Beaufort CCC. To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 and reside in one of Beaufort CCC’s service areas or surrounding counties.
“This consistent and generous support from Captain Sutton and the Belhaven Trout Tournament and Festival continues to open doors for our students,” said Serena Sullivan, vice president for institutional advancement at Beaufort CCC. “During the past academic year, 100 students received assistance through these scholarships and are now preparing for careers that strengthen our regional workforce.”
Students enrolled in college-credit programs must complete the FAFSA and submit a Beaufort CCC Foundation scholarship application. Students in short-term workforce programs, such as EMT, nurse aide, or medical assistant, should apply through the Division of Continuing Education.
For more information about the next Belhaven Trout Tournament and Festival, visit their website.