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The Person County Education Foundation is dedicated to serving students of traditional and charter public schools, and home schools, of Person County, North Carolina. Each scholarship has a specific purpose and tailored eligibility criteria.  The scholarships are managed by PCEF’s Scholarship Committee, with the involvement of high school counselors, teachers, and scholarship donors. Individuals and groups may set up a scholarship for many reasons including honoring the life of a person, honoring their graduating class, or helping a deserving student to succeed.   ​
Click here more more information on starting a scholarship or endowment

Two (2) Scholarship Opportunities Added in 2026

Bradshaw Family Business Scholarship

The Bradshaw Family Business Scholarship was established by Mikaela and Ford Bradshaw to encourage Person County students to pursue post-secondary education in business-related fields. The scholarship recognizes the importance the Bradshaw family places on business careers and supports students planning to attend a four-year private or public college or university in majors such as business administration, accounting, marketing, finance, human resources, management, or economics.
Beginning with the 2026 graduating class, one $5,000 scholarship will be awarded annually through the initial five-year award period ending with the 2030 graduating class. Applicants must demonstrate a strong scholastic record, including placement within the top 10% of their graduating class, along with financial need and school or community involvement. The scholarship is annually funded.

Kevin & Maria Wolfe Family Nursing/Health Care Careers Scholarship

Established in 2025 by Kevin and Maria Wolfe, this scholarship supports Person County graduates pursuing post-secondary education in nursing or related health care fields. The scholarship is designed to encourage students preparing for careers that serve and care for others through a wide range of health professions.
Beginning with the 2026 graduating class, one $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a qualified student. Eligible fields may include nursing, health science, medical assisting, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, dental hygiene, radiology technology, and other related health care programs.

Two (2) Scholarship Opportunities Added in 2025

​Legacy Building Company 49ers Scholarship Fund

The Legacy Building Company 49er Scholarship Fund was established in 2024 by Legacy Building Company owners Cecil Barker and Mark Duncan, both UNC Charlotte alumni, to encourage Person County students to continue their education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte). The scholarship recognizes students who want to become a “49er” while pursuing their post-secondary education.
Beginning with the 2025 graduating class, one $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a qualified Person County graduate attending UNC Charlotte. While students may pursue any course of study, preference is given to students pursuing construction management, construction engineering, or other fields related to residential or commercial building. Academic success, school or community extracurricular involvement, and financial need are also considered. The scholarship is annually funded for an initial five-year period through the 2029 graduating class.

​D. Hayes Clement Family Scholarship

The D. Hayes Clement Family Scholarship was established by Mrs. Carlotta “Clem” Mewborne Clement, a Roxboro native and 1957 graduate of Roxboro High School, in memory of her husband, D. Hayes Clement (1935–2024), and in honor of their children, D. Hayes Clement III and Lillian Clement Richards. The scholarship supports Person County graduates pursuing post-secondary education at a trade school, community college, or private or public college or university.
Beginning with the 2025 graduating class, at least one $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a qualified Person County graduate pursuing any field of study. The fund was established as an endowment, with additional awards possible as the endowment grows or through designated donations. Academic achievement, financial need, and school or community involvement are considered in selecting the recipient. 

Eight (8) Scholarship Opportunities Added in 2024

Robah K. Burke, Sr. Family Scholarship

The Robah K. Burke, Sr. Family Scholarship was established by the Burke family in 2024 to honor Mr. Burke’s more than 30 years of dedication to vocational education at Person High School. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Mr. Burke taught Metals Manufacturing Technology, commonly known as “Machine Shop,” at Person High for 31 years, where he trained countless machinists and welders for industries throughout Person and neighboring counties. He also served for many years as Chair of the German Student Exchange Program. The scholarship honors his commitment to education, his love of Appalachian State University, and his legacy in Person County.
One $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to an eligible Person County graduate who plans to attend Appalachian State University and pursue a degree through the College of Education. Selection considerations include academic achievement, financial need, character, leadership, and involvement in school and/or community activities.

Busy Beaver Auto & Boat Detail Scholarship

The Busy Beaver Auto & Boat Detail Scholarship Fund was established by owners Chelsea and Zach Julick to encourage Person County students to pursue post-secondary education and recognize students who demonstrate an interest in entrepreneurship. As entrepreneurs themselves, the Julicks created the scholarship for students who show the motivation, personal experience, and commitment needed to pursue entrepreneurial goals. The scholarship was first awarded to a member of the 2024 graduating class.
One $500 scholarship is awarded to an eligible Person County graduate planning to attend a college, university, or vocational/technical school. Academic success, financial need, and evidence of entrepreneurial experience are among the primary considerations for selection.

Marie Howard Cates Scholarship Fund

Established by the children of Marie Cates, this scholarship honors her lifelong dedication to education and her decades of service as a teacher to thousands of Person County students. Mrs. Cates, a former Person County Teacher of the Year, was herself the recipient of a scholarship that helped support her education at UNC Greensboro (then Women’s College). Her family created this scholarship to extend that same opportunity to future Person County graduates.
Beginning with the 2024 graduating class, one $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to an eligible Person County graduate pursuing post-secondary education at a trade school, community college, or four-year college or university. Academic achievement, financial need, and school or community involvement are among the considerations for selection.

The Dr. Austin Flint Nichols and Mildred Satterfield Nichols Scholarship 

The Rotary Club Nichols Scholarship was established by the Rotary Club of Roxboro to honor longtime Rotarian Dr. Austin Flint Nichols (1885–1967) and his wife, Mildred Satterfield Nichols (1895–1987), for their many contributions to Person County. Dr. Nichols served the community as a physician for nearly 60 years, while Mildred Nichols was a longtime Latin and Speech teacher at Roxboro High School. With no children of their own, the Nichols left a portion of their estate to Rotary to support future scholarships.
Beginning with the 2024 graduating class, two $2,000 scholarships are awarded annually to qualified Person County graduates pursuing post-secondary education at a public or private college or university. Applicants are considered based on academic achievement, character, leadership, and extracurricular participation. 

Norman E. "Sonny", Sr. & Elizabeth Cole Family Scholarship

The Norman E. “Sonny”, Sr. & Elizabeth Cole Family Scholarship was established by Mrs. Liz Cole to honor and recognize her husband, Norman Sr., and their son, Norman Jr. Both were lifelong residents of Person County, and Norman Jr. was the Coles’ only child. The scholarship was created to honor their memory while encouraging Person County students to continue their education after high school.
Beginning with the 2024 graduating class, one $1,500 scholarship is awarded annually to an eligible Person County graduate pursuing any field of study at a trade school, community college, or private or public college or university. Academic achievement, financial need, and school and/or community involvement are among the primary considerations for selection.

Friends of Person County GAL "Nancy Wagstaff" Scholarship

The Friends of Person County GAL "Nancy Wagstaff" Scholarship was established in recognition of the long and distinguished career of former Person County Guardian Ad Litem (PCGAL) District Administrator Nancy Wagstaff. The scholarship is designed to help former Person County foster children and adults, up to age 30, pursue post-secondary education and achieve their academic and career goals.
Beginning with the 2024 graduating class, one to two $1,000 scholarships may be awarded annually to qualified applicants attending a trade school, community college, or private or public college or university. Awards may be renewed once, for up to $2,000 total per recipient. Applicants must have been a foster child or foster adult of Person County, and recommendations may come from school counselors, teachers, foster parents, PCGAL representatives, or DSS social workers.

Charlie Hubbard Memorial Scholarship

The Charlie Hubbard Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in honor of former Roxboro attorney Charles “Charlie” Hubbard (1936–2017), whose 50-year legal career and community involvement reflected a lifelong commitment to service. Hubbard was a supporter of local schools, athletics, the Person County Museum of History, American Legion baseball, and law enforcement, and was remembered for his generosity and dedication to helping others.
The fund was created through donations from a wide network of friends as an endowment, with awards beginning with the 2024 graduating class. At least one $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a qualified Person County graduate pursuing education at a trade school, community college, or four-year college or university. Student-athletes receive first consideration, followed by students involved in amateur athletics. Financial need, academic achievement, character, and leadership are also considered. 

Charles Anderson (Andy) Thomas Memorial Scholarship

The Charles Anderson (Andy) Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor Andy Thomas (1954–2018), a 1972 graduate of Person Senior High School whose lifelong love of Rocket athletics and dedication to the Rocket Booster Club remained an important part of his connection to Roxboro. Following his death in 2018, fellow Rocket Club members, friends, and supporters raised $10,000 to establish the scholarship in his memory.
The fund was created as an endowment, with awards beginning with the 2024 graduating class. At least one $500 scholarship is awarded annually to a qualified Person High School graduate pursuing education at a trade school, community college, or four-year public or private college or university. Applicants are considered based on participation in PHS and/or community athletic programs, financial need, academic achievement, character, and leadership. 

Trent Yarborough Memorial Scholarship

The Trent Yarborough Memorial Scholarship was established by Larry and Kimmie Yarborough in memory of their son, Trent Yarborough (1996–2023), and his academic accomplishments, particularly in engineering. A 2013 valedictorian of Roxboro Community School, Trent earned a B.S. in Engineering Physics from Tulane University and later a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School. The scholarship honors his academic achievement and the families who support students throughout their formative years and education.
The fund was created through donations from Trent’s family and a wide network of friends as an endowment, with awards beginning with the 2024 graduating class. At least one $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a qualified Person County graduate pursuing education at a trade school, community college, or four-year college or university. Students pursuing engineering receive preference, with other STEM disciplines also highly considered. The scholarship is merit-based, with academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, financial need, character, and leadership also considered. 

 Three(3) Scholarship Opportunities Added in 2023

Arc of Person County Learning Beyond High School Scholarship

The Person County Education Foundation (PCEF) is pleased to announce a new endowed scholarship for 2023 for graduating high school students who are Person County residents. The Arc of Person County, Inc., since 1973 a local chapter of the Arc of the United States, committed to advocacy, education, and opportunity for all individuals with intellectual and development disabilities, is the donor organization.

The Learning Beyond High School Scholarship Fund is established to further promote and encourage students with these disabilities, such as development disabilities, attention deficiency disorder, autism and other special needs to pursue post-secondary education, to learn beyond high school and to realize their goals. Further, high school students who have actively volunteered to support the mission of Arc in assisting other students may be considered. The number of awards, as well as the amount of each award, will vary each year.

The D&L Reynolds Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Person County Education Foundation (PCEF) is pleased to announce five (5) new scholarship opportunities for Person County students, with the inaugural awards available for 2023, and each scholarship valued at $2,000. These scholarships are made possible through an annual gift program, for the next five (5) years, by the D&L Reynolds Foundation of Roxboro, NC.
 
This outstanding wide-ranging scholarship award package, to be made available annually by the D&L Reynolds Foundation, allows graduating high school students interested in a diverse group of career choices to apply for scholarship recognition. Students wanting to become nurses, auto mechanics, electricians, ministers, health care providers, HVAC technicians, among other professions, will want to apply. Some considerations and restrictions are included; for example, for those students interested in religious studies and ministerial training, this award only applies to those planning to attend Liberty University. In addition to select high school graduates of this year, all five (5) awards allow for students who have recently, and successfully, completed the Piedmont Community College’s preparatory program for high school equivalency tests (GED) to apply. These awards are financially significant and quite unique and will receive much attention from the Person County student applicant base. 

Rotary Club of Roxboro Scholarship

The Rotary Club of Roxboro Scholarship program has been around for decades, but PCEF is now, in 2023, the Foundation that administers their scholarships. Open to any graduate of Person High or Roxboro Community School, these $2,000 awards are available for graduates to attend any 4-year private or public college or university. Applicants must be Person County residents, and will be evaluated based on academic achievement, character, leadership and extra-curricular activities.

Four (4) Scholarship Opportunities Added in 2021

The Neb King Inc. Scholarship

The Neb King Inc. Scholarship was established in 2021 by Laurie and Neb King to assist students graduating from Person High School, PECIL, Roxboro Community School, or a NC Free Public Residential high school who desire to attend a College, University or a Vocational/Technical School in North Carolina. Valued at $500, this scholarship is awarded to a student who has displayed high academic achievement, spirit, and community involvement.

The Darwin Family Scholarship

The 2021 creation of the Darwin Family Scholarship was the inspiration of an anonymous donor who sought to support high school graduating seniors at Person High or PECIL who wish to pursue post-secondary education focused on the arts or cultural studies at a community college, or a public or private college or university. This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated active involvement and participation in school, church, and/or community service. Depending on many factors, multiple awards are possible, up to a total for all awards of $5000.

The David and Dr. Vickie Tribble Scholarship

The David and Dr. Vickie Tribble Scholarship was established in 2021 to encourage Person County high school graduates to pursue post-secondary education at a recognized trade school, community college, or a private or public college or university. This $500 scholarship is available to students who are U. S. citizens, and are graduating from any Person County private or public high school, qualified home school authorized by the NC Division of Non-Public Education, or a NC Free Public Residential high school.

The Why I'm Ready Scholarship

The 'Why I'm Ready' Scholarship was established by Carl and Connie Rogers in 2021 to encourage Person County graduating seniors to demonstrate how they are college and career ready beyond any test score or academic record. Award amounts vary. An essay and/or video addressing why this applicant is "college and career ready" is required in addition to the standard PCEF scholarship application.

The Victoria Jalissa Bradsher Daniel Memorial Scholarship

The Victoria Jalissa Bradsher Daniel Memorial Scholarship
, established in 2018 by her co-workers at Orange County Child Support Services, honors Victoria’s memory and celebrates her commitment to youth, her community, and her alma-mater, Elizabeth City State University. This $500 scholarship is available to Person High School graduating seniors planning to attend Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina Central University, or North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University.  Applicants will complete an application and interview process where good moral character, academics, financial need, community service, and leadership, are considerations.

The Reverend L.G. and Rosa Harris Elliott Scholarship Fund
To honor the memory of Reverend L.G. Elliott and Rosa Harris Elliott who believed in the importance education; and to honor Bobby Harris who served on the boards of several educational organizations, including a 14-year term on the Person County School Board, The Harris Family has established in 2019 the Reverend L.G. and Rosa Harris Elliott Scholarship Fund.
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This $1,000 scholarship is available to Person High School graduating seniors planning to attend a community college, private college, or university and interested in considering teaching, and other avenues within the field of education.  Applicants will complete an application and interview process where community service, leadership, and financial need are considerations. 

The Dave and Ann Hodge Scholarship
To honor the memory of his Helena High School Coach Dave Hodge, and honoring his wife Ann Hodge, Carl Rogers has established The Dave and Ann Hodge Scholarship.   This scholarship is available to Person County seniors graduating from PHS and RCS who plan to attend East Carolina University.  Financial need, academic standing, and community service are primary considerations for the application and interview process. The Hodge Scholarship provides recipients with a $5,000 award for the first year of study. The scholarship may be renewable for three additional years if certain conditions are met.  The scholarship will be awarded for the first time in the spring, 2019.

The W.O. Humphries Family Scholarship
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The W. O. Humphries Family Scholarship
was established in the early 1990s to assist students who desire to attend a four-year college or university.  The scholarship is award is available to Person County Seniors graduating from Person High School, Roxboro Community School, or a NC Free Public Residential High School and based on evidence of academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.  

The Dr. Thomas and Lelia C. Long Scholarship 
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The Dr. Thomas D. and Lelia C. Long Scholarship is available to Person County seniors graduating from Person High School and Roxboro Community School who plan to attend a community college, private college, or university. Academic excellence as well as financial need are primary considerations for the competitive application and interview process. The Long Scholarship provides recipients with a $1,000 award for the first year of study. Established in 2017, the scholarship may be renewable for three additional years if certain conditions are met.

​The Sandy Moore Scholarship

To honor the memory of Sanford “Sandy” Barcliff Moore II, Allen Martin established the Sandy Moore Scholarship. Sandy Moore, a 1982 PHS graduate who passed away in 2015, exemplified a disciplined work ethic at an early age which carried over into his career. The $500 award was established to encourage a PHS graduating senior who lives in a single-parent household, exhibits first-generation college student status, demonstrates financial need, and displays a high degree of perseverance.



The Sarah E. Morton "Teach in Person" Scholarship

In 2012, Rena Morton established the Sarah Elizabeth Morton “Teach In Person” Scholarship in memory of her daughter. A 1999 graduate of PHS, Sarah received her bachelor’s degree from UNC Wilmington in 2003 and six years later received her National Board Certification as well as her master’s degree from East Carolina University. She taught eighth grade social studies at Southern Middle School for six years and advised the student council and yearbook staffs. In May 2010, Sarah lost her battle to ovarian cancer. The endowment, along with monies donated by Person County Schools’ employees, offers a $1,000 scholarship to graduating PHS seniors majoring in education. Applicants are evaluated based on academic standing, character, leadership among peers, service in the community, and preparation for a career in educating students in the public schools of Person County.

​In 2018, a Sarah Elizabeth Morton "Teach in Person" Beginning Teacher Award was established to assist college graduates returning to Person County Schools to teach.  Applicants are evaluated based on college involvement, character, leadership among peers, service in the community, and additional volunteering within the Person County Schools. Rena’s wish is to find great teachers, like Sarah, who are passionate about serving others and their community.

 

The Zeke and Pam Smith Wolves and Pirates Forever Scholarship Fund
  
To further promote and encourage Person County high school graduates to pursue post-secondary education, in 2019, Zeke and Pam Smith have created two (2) scholarships highlighting the alma maters of each.  These scholarships are available to students who are U.S. citizens, residents of Person County, and are graduating from any Person County private or public high school, qualified home school authorized by the NC Division of Non-Public Education, or a NC Free Public Residential high school. 
 
The Wolf Award, is a $1,000 award available to Person County high school graduates who plan to attend NC State University, with priority given to those students interested in enrolling in the NCSU College of Engineering.  However, other majors will be considered.
 
The Pirate Award, is a $1,000 award available to Person County high school graduates who plans to attend East Carolina University, with priority given to students enrolling in the ECU College of Education.  However, other majors will be considered.  
 

The Merle S. and Jean H. Solomon Scholarship
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The Merle S. and Jean H. Solomon Scholarship is available to Person County seniors graduating from PHS and RCS who plan to attend a technical program of study at a community college, a recognized trade school, or a two-or four-year institution of higher learning. Established in 1995, this scholarship encourages Person County students who have shown a high degree of ability and interest in a technical field to continue their education after high school. The Solomons established this endowment to “help people who work with their hands.” The Solomon Scholarship provides recipients with an award up to a maximum of $1,500 per year of study. The scholarship may be renewable for an additional year if certain conditions are met.

The Rebecca Gentry Wilson Rise Up Scholarship

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To honor and recognize Rebecca Gentry Wilson’s career dedication to education, and her undying devotion and love of husband and family, the Wilson Family established the Rebecca Gentry Wilson Rise Up Scholarship.  This $500 scholarship, first awarded in 2020, is available to Person County residents graduating from high school who plan on attending a community college, private or public college or university.  Priority will be given to applicants who plan on a career in education and who have faced and overcome life’s obstacles in meeting their dreams.

​The Person County Education Foundation Spirit Scholarship
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The Person County Education Spirit Scholarship was established by Leigh and Carolyn Woodall in 2020 to honor a graduating senior who has made significant contributions to his/her family, school, church or community while facing challenges in life. Both Leigh and Carolyn have been involved with educational endeavors and scholarship interviews over many years and have been impressed with students who managed to succeed academically while facing many hardships in reaching educational goals. 
The $500 scholarship is available to a senior graduating from Person High School, Roxboro Community School, Roxboro Christian Academy, PECIL, NCSSM or a qualified Home School authorized by the NC Division of Non-Public Education.

​The Person County Education Foundation Anonymous Donors Scholarship
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The Person County Education Foundation Anonymous Donors Scholarship 
was established in 2019 by anonymous donors to be awarded to students of high potential for success in their careers.  Those eligible must be Person County Residents attending Person High School, Roxboro Community School, or a North Carolina Free Public Residential School who plan to attend a community college, private college, or university.  Aptitude and creativity, volunteerism, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills for becoming an effective contributor in his or her field of study and to society are primary considerations for the competitive application and interview process.  The Anonymous Donors Scholarship is funded through PCEF’s Anonymous Scholarship Program and award amounts vary.

The Person County Education Foundation Scholarship Fund
 
The Person County Education Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to bright and talented high achieving individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, dedicated community service and a need for financial assistance. Those eligible must be Person County Residents attending Person High School, Roxboro Community School, or a North Carolina Free Public Residential School who plan to attend a community college, private college, or university.  Aptitude and creativity, volunteerism, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills for becoming an effective contributor in his or her field of study and to society are primary considerations for the competitive application and interview process. The PCEF Scholarship, established in 2020, is funded through donations from supporters and award amounts vary.

The Dr. Williamson B. Strum and Faye Young Strum Scholarship 

The Dr. Williamson B. Strum and Faye Young Strum Scholarship was established by Dr. Williamson B. Strum, MD and Faye Young Strum, MEd, in 2020 to provide two scholarships for deserving students graduating from Person High School who plan to attend a private or public university, community college, or recognized trade school.
  
This award is given to students who are in need of financial support and are first in their family to attend post-high school education.   The scholarship provides recipients with a $5,000 per year award to attend a public university or $2,500 per year to attend a community college or recognized trade school. Each scholarship is renewable for one additional year provided the appropriate benchmarks are reached.

The Person County Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
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Contact Us

P.O. Box 845
Roxboro, North Carolina 27573
​(336) 514-3280
[email protected]
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