By Nona Walker
The Connestee Falls Student Scholarship Program awarded 15 scholarships at the 35th recognition evening for Transylvania CountySchools, which was held on Thursday, May 17, in the BrevardHigh School Auditorium.
The event began with remarks by Board of Education Vice Chair Ron Kiviniemi, who noted that the opportunity for school board members to honor students and teachers and recognize their achievements is the highlight of the year for board members. He also saluted the families of students whose encouragement and leadership allow the students to flourish.
After the announcement of other scholarships, the Connestee Falls Student Scholarship Program, represented by Diane Adler-Wailes and Susan Edmonds, presented scholarships to the following seniors:
Matthew Bailey will graduate from Brevard High School as a Transylvania County Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society and a participant in the T.I.M.E. Science Research Program. He will attend UNC Chapel Hill, where he will major in genomics or biochemistry, and he plans to pursue a degree in medicine.
Selina Brown will graduate from Brevard High School as a Transylvania County Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the National FFA Organization and a participant in the T.I.M.E. Science Research Program. She plans to attend the University of Tennessee and major in animal science with the goal of obtaining a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
Molly Cammack will graduate from Rosman High School as a Transylvania County Scholar and a graduate of the VIZ Transylvania Leadership Program. She is a member of the Rosman Marching and Concert Band, a drum major and a Student Council member. She will attend the Culinary Institute of America and plans to become a pastry chef.
Doug Grimm will graduate from Brevard High School as a Transylvania County Scholar, a member of the NCMEA Honor Choir, the Tri-M Music Honors Society and the International Thespian Society. He has been accepted to several colleges and plans to study vocal performance and music business or arts administration.
Emma Henderson will graduate as salutatorian of her Rosman High class. She is a Transylvania County Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Council, and is the editor of the yearbook. She plans to major in journalism and English at UNC Chapel Hill or the University of South Carolina.
Delaney Holland will graduate from Brevard High School as a Transylvania County Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society, and a member of the Health Occupation Students of America. She plans to study nursing at either Clemson University or the University of South Carolina with a goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner.
Kina Howell will graduate from Brevard High School as a member of the National Art Honor Society. She competed in outdoor track in the 100-meter, 200-meter dash and four by four races, and worked with the elderly. An avid reader and painter, she plans to attend Appalachian State University, where she will major in studio arts and environmental science.
Kaylin Lewandowski will graduate from Rosman High School as a Transylvania County Scholar and a member of the Rosman Marching Band and the Rosman Symphonic Band. She will attend WesternCarolina University and major in biology.
Kaine McAlister will graduate from Brevard High School as Senior Class President, Youth Council Co-President, and captain of the swim team. He will attend UNC Charlotte and plans to major in digital media or film production.Kohner Miller will graduate from Rosman High School as a Transylvania County Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. He is a member of the Rosman High School Band and the Rosman Jazz Band and a volunteer firefighter at Rosman Fire and Rescue. He plans to major in meteorology or architecture at UNC Asheville or UNC Charlotte.
Kohner Miller will graduate from Rosman High School as a Transylvania County Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. He is a member of the Rosman High School Band and the Rosman Jazz Band and a volunteer firefighter at Rosman Fire and Rescue. He plans to major in meteorology or architecture at UNC Asheville or UNC Charlotte.
Wesley Pierron will graduate from Brevard High School as a Transylvania County Scholar and a graduate of the Transylvania County VIZ Youth Leadership Program. He had been admitted to the Honors College at Western Carolina University and to Lee University and plans to major in either ministry, nonprofit business, community development or a combination of the three.
Amarech Richmond will graduate from Brevard High School with a strong record of community involvement, including serving as a board member of the Ethiopian Adoption Connection Advisory Board, the Transylvania County Youth Council and the Student Principal Advisory Committee. She will attend UNC Greensboro, where she plans to major in social work.
Aidan Spradlin will graduate from Brevard High School having received both academic and athletic awards throughout his high school career. He has been accepted at a number of colleges, including Johns Hopkins, UNC Chapel Hill, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Cornell and Duke. He plans to study biomedical engineering.
Bryce Spradlin will graduate from Brevard High School having excelled in both academics and athletics throughout his high school career. He has been accepted at UNC Chapel Hill, N.C. State, Duke and Johns Hopkins and plans to pursue a doctorate in biomedical engineering.
Ayla Talley will graduate from Brevard High School and Davidson River School, having had outstanding success in math and with notable work as a volunteer in the community. She has volunteered at Free Rein and is involved in mentoring Brevard Elementary School students. She will attend Brevard College and major in accounting.
The Connestee Falls Student Scholarship Program is in its 31st year of raising money for scholarships for Transylvania County students. For more information on this year's events, or to donate securely online, visit http://www.cfscholarships.org.