Shallow Ford Foundation announces college and job training assistance programs for 2023

Published 12:08 am Thursday, March 2, 2023

High school seniors in Forsyth County, including those at West Forsyth High School and Ronald Wilson Reagan High School, will have over a dozen chances to receive financial assistance with college tuition or other career training, thanks to the generosity of many individuals and the Shallow Ford Foundation.

The Shallow Ford Foundation, whose service area includes Clemmons, Lewisville, Yadkin County and northern Davidson County, announced the 2023 scholarship application period for graduating high school seniors is now open. The foundation will give up to 17 awards this year to local graduating seniors. The awards are available to a wide range of students, with each scholarship having its own specific criteria.

“Generous individuals make all of these scholarships possible, and each opportunity is as unique as the student who will receive the award,” said Sandi Scannelli, the foundation’s president/CEO. “Each scholarship was established by an individual, family, or organization to honor someone special. We look forward to meeting the local students who will benefit from these gifts.”

A complete list of the scholarships available to Lewisville and Clemmons students is below. Additional opportunities for students in Yadkin County and beyond are listed at the foundation’s website, shallowfordfoundation.org. Scholarships for adult students returning to school will be offered in the fall.

Online applications can be completed at shallowfordfoundation.org/apply/scholarships. Students with any academic background and career plans are encouraged to explore available options.

“Sometimes, when you hear ‘scholarship,’ one might think ‘4.0’ or ‘valedictorians only,'” said Greg Keener, Shallow Ford Foundation program officer. “That is not the case. The dedicated community volunteers who evaluate the applications and interview the students are looking for more than just high GPAs. If you are a student reading this, we encourage you to take a look. If you are a parent or grandparent — we hope you will encourage the senior in your life to take the time to apply for one of these locally established and awarded scholarships.”

The Coach Murph Scholarship

Up to a total of $10,000 given as four annual installments of $2,500 for a student attending a four-year school or $5,000 given as two annual installments of $2,500 for a student attending a two-year school. Applicants must be a 2023 senior at West Forsyth High School who demonstrates the same qualities as Coach Murph: good character, hard work, leadership and the ability to overcome challenges while a leader on the field of play, in the classroom and in the community. Preference is given to applicants with unmet financial needs in paying for their degree and applicants who have a connection to Coach Murph.

The Clarence ‘Big House’ Gaines Reynolda Rotary College Assistance Program

Up to $5,000 annually for a high school graduate who attended Cook Elementary School in Winston-Salem for at least three years. Applicants must plan to attend or already be enrolled at Forsyth Tech or Winston-Salem State University.

The Kim and Chris Henson Scholarship Awards

Up to $2,000 for two students who are 2023 graduates from Reagan High School. Applicant must be an active student-athlete who plans to attend an accredited four-year college or university to pursue a degree that leads to a career in the science or medical field. Financial need is not a requirement. The Kim and Chris Henson Scholarship Awards are given this year in honor of Stan Elrod and all he did for Reagan High School. Elrod came to the school in 2005 as the first principal and continued that role until 2010 when he became the athletic director for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. He died in 2022.

The Leslie Martin Scholarship

Up to $2,500 for a 2023 graduate of West Forsyth High School. Applicants must be active members of the Interact Club of the Clemmons Rotary Club. The student must also show academic integrity, dedication to others and leadership skills.

The Mason H. Hunter Vocational Education Scholarship of the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce

Up to $2,000 for a 2023 graduate of West Forsyth, Reagan or North Davidson high schools. Applicants must plan to attend a two-year or four-year program of study leading to a degree or certification in any trade, technical, or vocational field with a clear career pathway. The recipient will also be paired with a mentor from the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce.

The Rebecca and Danny Green Music Scholarship

Up to $1,500 for a 2023 graduate of West Forsyth High School who has actively participated in one or more music programs at WFHS. Applicants must show a dedication to the program not only through practice and performances but also through meaningful contributions of service and participation — within the school and external to the school — and good character in their relationships.

The Sharrod Patterson Memorial Scholarship

Up to $2,500 for a 2023 graduating senior from Quality Education Academy. Applicants must plan to attend a four-year HBCU to pursue a degree, with preference given to students interested in a career in teaching, technology or history. Applicants must have a strong history of community service. Applicants must also demonstrate a financial need to pay for college which is not met by other opportunities.

The Thad and Mary Bingham Education Assistance Awards for Graduating Seniors

Up to $2,500 for a 2023 graduating senior from West Forsyth High School with demonstrated financial need. Applicants must have a clearly stated desire to pursue additional education toward an occupational credential or degree.

The Timothy M. Dunn Memorial Scholarship

Up to $2,000, open to graduates from West Forsyth High School who wrestled at the school or have been involved in assisting or supporting a wrestling program within or outside of WFHS, preferably a minimum of two seasons, and seeking to continue their education full-time at either a community college or a four-year college/university.

The Shallow Ford Foundation is a community foundation that works with charitably minded individuals in making the most of philanthropic opportunities. Go to shallowfordfoundation.org to learn more.

Contact Program Officer Greg Keener at greg@shallowfordfoundation.org or 336-403-0433 with any questions about these opportunities.