Wilkes Community College congratulates the following 2020-2021 Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship recipients.

Shannon Bowlin, a graduate of South Caldwell High School, is in his second year at WCC in the Advertising and Graphic Design program. After graduation, Bowlin plans to start a graphic design and web design business. Bowlin has had a passion for music most of his life and is currently the lead singer and rhythm guitarist in a heavy metal band as well as a blues/honky-tonk band.

Christian Hart, a graduate of North Wilkes High, school is currently enrolled in the Business Administration program. In the future, she plans on opening her own business as well as taking over a family business.

Ashlyn Miller, a graduate of North Wilkes High school, is in her first year at WCC in the Respiratory Therapy program and says that it has always been her dream to be in the medical field.

Kayla Johnson, a graduate of North Wilkes High School, is in her second year at WCC working to obtain her degree in Information Technology Computer Programming. She plans to further her education after completion to also obtain an Accounting Degree.

Lexie Alexander, a graduate of Wilkes Central High School, is in her second year at WCC in the Business Administration program and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in pursuit of a career as a Human Resources Manager.

Matthew South, a graduate of North Wilkes High School, is currently enrolled in his first year of Emergency Medical Science. He plans on becoming a flight paramedic one day.

Sandra Hernandez, a graduate of Wilkes Central, is in her second year at WCC. She is obtaining her Associate in Arts and plans on transferring to Appalachian State University to study social work and complete her bachelor’s degree.

Skyra Rash, a graduate of North Wilkes High School, is in her second year at WCC seeking her degree in Medical Assisting. She hopes to continue her studies and enroll in the nursing program after completion of her current program.

Ashley Shew, a graduate of West Wilkes High School, is in her second year at WCC to obtain her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.  Her plans for the future include working with young children with disabilities in honor of her brother who passed in 2018.

Hannah Aguilar, a graduate of Smart Horizons Career Online High School, is currently enrolled in her first year at WCC seeking her Associate in Arts degree. Her future educational goals include obtaining her Associate Degree in Nursing through Wilkes Community College then transferring to East Carolina University to obtain her BSN.

The Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship was established in 1993 by Trisha L. Austin Stanley. To date, the scholarship has helped 109 students with a total of $47,100 awarded in scholarship money. Funds for the scholarship are raised through the annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest held at MerleFest.

For more information on scholarships or donating to the WCC Foundation, contact the WCC Foundation at 336-838-6491.

 

 

Not pictured: Christian Hart