The deadline for applying for the Morgan R. Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund is March 31. The amount of the scholarship has yet to be determined, but more than $5,600 has been awarded since 2005.
The scholarship for Rowan County students who were homeschooled during their junior and senior years was established in memory of 11-year-old Morgan Gray, a Rowan County homeschool student who died in an automobile accident in 2001.
Applicants must be a full-time student accepted by a college, university, nursing, business or trade school; present evidence of good character by participation in extracurricular activities including community affairs, church, employment and other endeavors; and show proof of homeschooling during the junior and senior years of high school.
Unlike many scholarships, this one is open to any full-time college student meeting these requirements, not just rising freshmen. Funds may be used for tuition, books and/or school supplies. Previous applicants may re-apply for this scholarship.
Applications can be found in the Homeschool Vertical file at the Rowan County Public Library in Salisbury or online at www.rchsa.com.
Questions can be directed to Peter Gray, 704-267-5131.
When Gordon A. Kirkland Jr. (’70) of Clemmons retired as director of athletic development at Catawba College in December, he did so quietly, likely hoping for little or no fanfare. Instead, he received a tribute in the form of a new endowed scholarship, established in his honor by his fellow alumni, members of the Catawba Chiefs Club members with whom he had worked and friends.
The Gordon A. Kirkland Jr. Scholarship was announced at the Chiefs Club board meeting Dec. 4 at the home of college President Brien Lewis. It was a surprise for Kirkland and one that humbled him.
“I was stunned when I realized what Brien was saying, and then, a lot of emotions and tears hit all at once. The finality of retiring, my love of Catawba and the Chiefs Club Directors, and how lucky I’ve been to work with Tom (Childress ’64, Catawba senior vice president) and the great development staff all hit home. They seemed as happy as I was and I love them for making me feel so welcomed for those seven years I worked with them.”
Kirkland is the son of legendary Catawba Coach Gordon Kirkland Sr., who died when Kirkland Jr. was a small child. In his position as director of athletic development, Kirkland worked closely with alumni who knew his father and relished the stories they told him about his father.
Kirkland joined the faculty and staff of the college in 2000 as admissions counselor and was later promoted to associate dean of admissions. He served for several months as an assistant to the athletic director at the college before moving to the Development Office in 2005 as director of athletic development. Prior to his employment at Catawba, Kirkland enjoyed a long career in food sales. He was formerly business development manager of Van De Kamp Frozen Foods in Harrisburg, Pa. Prior to that, he served for 10 years as a vice president of grocery sales for Fitzwater Inc., also in Harrisburg, Pa. He was recognized as National Broker of the Year while managing H.J. Heinz and received two regional awards while managing the Minute Maid Orange Juice accounts for Coca-Cola Foods.
Educated in the Salisbury City Schools, he attended UNC Chapel Hill from 1965-1968. He transferred to Catawba in 1968 where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Married to Sandra, he is father of two adult children, David and Robin.
The Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heroes program, now in its 10th year, is accepting nominations for young people ages 8 to 18 who are doing their part to make the world a better place. Deadline is Feb. 28.
Ten Huggable Heroes will each receive $10,000 which includes an educational scholarship, a donation to a charity of their choice, and a mentoring scholarship to support their charitable entrepreneurships. In celebration of the 10th birthday of its Huggable Heroes program, Build-A-Bear Workshop is joining forces with the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, one of the nation’s top community service recognition programs. Through the Jefferson Awards’ GLOBECHANGERS training and mentoring systems, the newest generation of philanthropists recognized by Build-A-Bear Workshop will be equipped with the tools they need to build a lifetime of public service.
To nominate a Huggable Hero visit, www.buildabear.com/huggableheroes.