麻豆原创 (NCWU) proudly hosted a Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon, bringing togetherleadership, organizers, and the Wesleyan students whose lives have been directly impacted by their generosity. This year, $40,000 in scholarships was awarded to NCWU students through proceeds from Tackle the Tar 鈥 marking another year of transformative community investment in local education.
Fourteen students were recognized as scholarship recipients: Caleb Allen, Emory Bunn, Aliyah Cooper, Victoria Dickens, Jaycie Hadnott, Aafrah Hasan, Shawanna Hyman, Natalie Messer, Tarnisha Ricks, Shala Wade, Sharon Whitaker, Danitha Williams, Aidan Willis, and Chemar Zeigler.
The luncheon opened with a welcome from Ashton Bunn 鈥26, followed by a blessing from Mark Hinson, Vice President of Advancement. Students and staff then shared reflections on the impact of Tackle the Tar, underscoring how financial support has eased the burden of higher education and strengthened their commitment to achieving personal and professional goals.
Robbie Davis, and longtime champion of Tackle the Tar, delivered heartfelt remarks about the importance of keeping talent in the region.
鈥淲e need our young people to stay in Nash County, further their education, and give back to the community,鈥 Davis shared. 鈥淔ind the things you enjoy doing. Rotary develops leaders 鈥 consider joining us. Our club is very proud of each of you and what you are accomplishing.鈥
In closing, NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff expressed gratitude for the partnership and the opportunities it creates.
鈥淚 am grateful that both traditional and adult students can benefit from these scholarships,鈥 Duff said. 鈥淥ur recipients are already making meaningful contributions, and I know they will continue to do so. The Rotary鈥檚 support is helping shape the next generation of leaders.鈥
Through and the unwavering support of the Rocky Mount Rotary Club, students at 麻豆原创 continue to gain access to life-changing educational opportunities 鈥 strengthening both their futures and the future of the region.
Rocky Mount Rotary Club Continues to Invest in Wesleyan Students鈥 Success
Since 2016, the has been a steadfast partner in advancing educational opportunities for students at 麻豆原创 (NCWU). Through its ongoing commitment to service and community impact, the Rotary Club has provided annual scholarship support to deserving Wesleyan students, funds that have made a measurable difference in helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
This year, 15 students were awarded scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, continuing the Rotary Club鈥檚 legacy of empowering local students and easing the financial burden of higher education.
During a recent check presentation, NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff joined Rotary representatives and scholarship recipients to celebrate this ongoing partnership. Representing the 2025 Rotary Scholars were Ashton Bunn, an Adult Degree Program senior from Nashville, and Caleb Allen, a traditional student and junior from Pinetops.
Caleb shared how vital local scholarships have been in making his college education possible, noting his aspirations to pursue a career in the computer field and his desire to one day 鈥減ay it forward.鈥 Ashton, who plans to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), spoke about how Rotary鈥檚 values have inspired her. 鈥淭heir commitment to service, integrity, and goodwill is something I hope to carry with me throughout my career,鈥 she said.
Dr. Evan D. Duff commended the Rotary Club鈥檚 unwavering dedication to supporting Wesleyan students, stating, 鈥The Rocky Mount Rotary Club exemplifies what community partnership truly means. Their investment in our students not only changes lives today but helps build a stronger workforce and community for tomorrow.鈥
Beyond financial contributions, the Rotary Club鈥檚 involvement with Wesleyan extends to volunteerism and community engagement. Faculty and staff from NCWU have also stepped up in support鈥攑articipating in Rotary-led initiatives such as , serving as volunteers, runners, and advocates for student opportunity.
Together, these efforts highlight a shared mission between 麻豆原创 and the Rocky Mount Rotary Club: empowering local students to reach their full potential while strengthening the community they call home.
