Students receive spring scholarships

The Beaufort County Community College Foundation is proud to announce the following scholarship recipients for the spring 2020 semester. The BCCC Foundation has awarded over $180,000 in scholarships during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Blair Blackburn, 42, received the Myrtle Cutler Jones and the Louise R. Lester Foundation scholarship. She is part of the associate degree nursing program. She is the wife of Ricky Blackburn and a mother of two, and she attended J.H. Rose High School. The Washington resident plans to become a nurse at Vidant Beaufort Hospital or Vidant Medical Center. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Advertising & Public Relations from Salem College.

Established in 2002 by the family of Myrtle Cutler Jones, this scholarship is awarded to a second year BCCC student in a medical technology program. Jones, a Beaufort County native, recognized the importance of a medical facility in a rural community. She wanted her estate to benefit students in the medical field. Recipients must have at least a 3.0 GPA.

Founded in 2001, the Louse R. Lester Foundation builds on the charitable works of Mrs. Louise Robertson Lester. Mrs. Lester was a native of Martinsville, Va., and attended Bentley Business College, Gassaway Business College, and, later in life, Patrick Henry Community College and Averett College. She was an accomplished artist, producing beautiful paintings and poetry. The Louise R. Lester Foundation seeks to effect positive change in the communities and lives of the people who are served through its philanthropic support. They seek to build effective relationships with grantees through a willingness to understand the challenges they face. Scholarships are available for students facing financial challenges to continue their college education.

Tabitha Clipperton, 18, received the Cypress Landing Scholarship. She is a Chocowinity resident and an early childhood education student. Clipperton was home-schooled and plans to attend East Carolina University. She is the daughter of Randall and Theresa Clipperton of Chocowinity.

The homeowners in Cypress Landing subdivision joined forces in 2017 to create this first-of-its-kind endowment at BCCC. Mrs. Helen Sommerkamp and Mr. Chris Harris lead the effort to organize the campaign. This scholarship is awarded to a BCCC student residing in Beaufort County and who demonstrates need.

Jacob Edwards, 23, received the Cypress Landing and the Louise R. Lester Foundation scholarships. He is a Chocowinity resident who is part of the early childhood education program. Edwards attended Southside High School and plans to work as a special needs teacher. He is the son of John and Shelia Edwards of Chocowinity, and currently works as a substitute teacher for Beaufort County Schools.

The homeowners in Cypress Landing subdivision joined forces in 2017 to create this first-of-its-kind endowment at BCCC. Mrs. Helen Sommerkamp and Mr. Chris Harris lead the effort to organize the campaign. This scholarship is awarded to a BCCC student residing in Beaufort County and who demonstrates need.

Founded in 2001, the Louse R. Lester Foundation builds on the charitable works of Mrs. Louise Robertson Lester. Mrs. Lester was a native of Martinsville, Va., and attended Bentley Business College, Gassaway Business College, and, later in life, Patrick Henry Community College and Averett College. She was an accomplished artist, producing beautiful paintings and poetry. The Louise R. Lester Foundation seeks to effect positive change in the communities and lives of the people who are served through its philanthropic support. They seek to build effective relationships with grantees through a willingness to understand the challenges they face. Scholarships are available for students facing financial challenges to continue their college education.

Maleaki Guion, 20, received the Cypress Landing Scholarship. She is a Blounts Creek resident and a business administration student. She currently works as a substitute teacher, and she attended Beaufort County Early College High School. She holds an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science and plans to become a daycare owner.

The homeowners in Cypress Landing subdivision joined forces in 2017 to create this first-of-its-kind endowment at BCCC. Mrs. Helen Sommerkamp and Mr. Chris Harris lead the effort to organize the campaign. This scholarship is awarded to a BCCC student residing in Beaufort County and who demonstrates need.

Mara Jones, 40, received the Tayloe Memorial Scholarship. She is a Beaufort County resident and a nursing student. She attended Belen High School, holds an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Office Administration, and plans to transfer to East Carolina University to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is the wife of Joseph Jones, Jr. and a mother of three.

Mrs. Sam Tim (Tay) Carter, with encouragement from her children Libba, Lou, Clay, and Mary, started the Tayloe Family Endowment in 2003, in memory of her grandfather, Dr. David Thomas Tayloe. The endowment also honors his numerous descendants who have made significant contributions to the medical community of Beaufort County. Scholarships generated by this endowment are awarded to BCCC students enrolled in any medically related program.

Gracie LeNeave, 20, received the Tayloe Memorial Scholarship. She is a Greenville resident working on her Associate in General Education and is part of the nursing program. LeNeave attended D.H. Conley High School. She plans to work as a pediatric nurse at Vidant Health. She is the daughter of Jesse and Andrea LeNeave.

Mrs. Sam Tim (Tay) Carter, with encouragement from her children Libba, Lou, Clay, and Mary, started the Tayloe Family Endowment in 2003, in memory of her grandfather, Dr. David Thomas Tayloe. The endowment also honors his numerous descendants who have made significant contributions to the medical community of Beaufort County. Scholarships generated by this endowment are awarded to BCCC students enrolled in any medically related program.

Hannah LeNeave, 18, received the Louise & Dorsey Welch Scholarship. She is a Greenville resident working on her Associate in Arts. She attended D.H. Conley High School, and she plans to transfer to East Carolina University. She is the daughter of Jesse and Andrea LeNeave of Greenville.

Established in 2001, the Welch scholarship memorializes a couple who made lifelong contributions to the community through their family business, Welch’s Drugstore. Louise Welch was also a teacher. This scholarship is made available annually to a student who, after completing their initial course work at BCCC, plans to go on to earn a teaching degree. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for this scholarship.

Macy Main, 17, received the Bobby Andrews Scholarship. The Washington resident is working on her Associate in Science. She attended Montessori Public Charter School. She plans to transfer to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She is the daughter of Wendell and Sharon Main of Washington.

Established in 2000 in honor of Bobby Andrews and his long career in coaching women’s and girls’ softball, the scholarships are made available to women who have played in the Washington Girls’ Softball League and are planning to attend BCCC.

For more information, contact Serena Sullivan, at serena.sullivan@beaufortccc.edu or 252-940-6218.