The Tin Whistle Scholarship Foundation announced Monday its 2020 scholarship recipients. The students are Emily Davis of Union Pines High School and Jaclyn Kenzel, Jade Neptune and Adrianna Staal of Pinecrest High School.
EMILY DAVIS – UNION PINES HIGH SCHOOL
Emily is the daughter of Jonathan and Rebecca Davis of Whispering Pines. Emily is a member of the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa, recipient of High Point University Presidential Fellowship and has been accepted into the High Point University National Science fellowship program. She was All County Band for 4 years, as well as Captain for the UP-Marching Band and a participant in numerous scholastic musical activities. Emily will attend High Point University pursuing a double major in neuroscience and biology with a goal of a doctorate in her chosen field of study.
JACLYN KENZEL – PINECREST HIGH SCHOOL
Jaclyn is the daughter of Jeffery and Jeannie Kenzel of Pinehurst. Jaclyn is a member of the National Honor Society and National High School Scholars. She was a member (4 years) and squad leader for the Pinecrest High School Marching Band, Co-Captain of the Pinecrest Women’s Golf team, Medalist at the 2019 North Carolina State Championship and active First Tee of the Sandhills since the age of 5 as a participant and junior coach. Jaclyn will attend North Carolina State majoring in Chemical Engineering with plans for Medical School to become a Retina Specialist.
JADE NEPTUNE – PINECREST HIGH SCHOOL
Jade is the daughter of Quent and Michelle Neptune of Seven Lakes. She is a member of the National Honor Society, 2019 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Regional Award recipient, Speech and National Debate qualifier and President of the Pinehurst Democrats Club and Positive Psychology clubs. Jade was the founder of the Gap Project, a non-profit organization to aid students in participating in extracurricular activities. An avid creative writer she has authored two collections of poetry and received several county, state and national awards for her works. Jade will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to pursue a double major in Government Studies and Pre-Law, with a minor in Philosophy and Economics. Her eventual goal is to become a lawyer and pursue a career in public office.
ADRIANNA STAAL- PINECREST HIGH SCHOOL
Adrianna is the daughter of Mark and Laura Staal of Southern Pines. A National Merit Finalist and National Honor Society member, Adrianna is a participant in the dual enrollment program at Sandhills Community College. She lettered in volleyball and volunteers in the community at The Food Pantry, Young Life, and Penick Village. Adrianna will attend North Carolina State majoring in Chemistry with plans to pursue Medical school or a graduate degree in Health Sciences.
In order to become a Tin Whistle Scholar, students are evaluated on a record of high academic achievement, school and community extra-curricular activities, demonstrated leadership capability and financial need, recommendations from teachers and counselors and are subjected to an ‘in-person’ interview.
According to Tony Persico, Tin Whistle Scholarship Foundation Chairman, the 2020 interviews presented the biggest challenge. “For the safety of the students and our selection committee, Bob Eater (TWSF Trustee and Chairman of the Scholarship Committee) and his selection committee were very creative deciding to conduct all of the interviews and the selection meeting online for the first time.”
The Tin Whistle Scholarship Foundation was chartered in 1978 and awarded the first of 136 college scholarships to deserving Moore County high school students in 1979. In the 41 years that the scholarships have been awarded, approximately $1.5 million have been provided to students graduating from one of four Moore high schools (North Moore, Union Pines, O’Neal and Pinecrest).
Feature photo: L,R: Emily Davis, Jaclyn Kenzel, Jade Neptune and Adrianna Staal. Courtesy photos.
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