The Transylvania Times -

Transylvania County Schools recently announced the recipients of this year's Connestee Falls scholarships. They are a talented and deserving group of 12 seniors from both Brevard and Rosman high schools.

Rosman High School

•Brennan Chapman, a varsity football and baseball player, plans to attend Mars Hill University, where he will major in nursing or an integrated health science field. His goal is to provide quality health care to the residents of Western North Carolina after graduation.

He will graduate as a TC and NC Scholar and has participated in several community service projects, such as the Rosman Community Beautification Project.

•Skylar Harrison was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society and the Vision Leadership Program.

She plans to attend Western Carolina University and major in nursing, with a view toward being a pediatric nurse. During high school she played basketball and volleyball and ran track.

She was the captain of the varsity volleyball team her junior and senior years. In her senior year she joined the golf team.

•Tenille Leonard was class vice president for four years and served as captain of the Marine Corps JROTC Marksmanships Team for three years.

She plans to participate in Air Force ROTC at North Carolina State University in order to graduate as a commissioned officer and pursue a career as an investigative officer.

She has done volunteer work at Sharing House and at a day camp for disabled children.

•Callie Owen plans to major in elementary education at one of the three institutions that have accepted her and hopes to return to Transylvania County to teach.

She was involved in JV basketball and volleyball and football and basketball cheerleading.

She served as vice-president of the student body and president of the National Honor Society and worked as a volunteer at the Balsam Grove Community Center and as assistant pianist for Shoal Creek Baptist Church.

•Abby Warren, ranked second in her class and a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society, plans to major in biology, with a concentration in earth and environmental science at UNC Charlotte.

She is a member of the HOSA club and volunteers at the local Animal Shelter.

She foresees a career in science, perhaps working on climate change and helping endangered animals.

Brevard High School

•Madeline Hall has always been interested in the fashion and textile industry.

She plans to attend Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University, where she will major in textile engineering, textile technology or textile/fashion management, with a minor in sustainable materials and technology.

She has been involved in the student council, the Transylvania Youth Council, the Art Guild, the National Art Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

•Elise Poche participated in the T.I.M.E. research program during her freshman and senior years, and her team placed first in the county science fair.

She plans to major in biology and minor in music in college, with the hope of obtaining a doctorate in biology.

She was a member of the marching band, as well as the wind ensemble, and served as co-captain of the BHS swim team her senior year. She was also a member of the National Honor Society.

•Kaitlyn Pressley was dual enrolled in Eagles Nest Academy (homeschool) and Brevard High.

She played volleyball from the time she was 9 years old and participated in the Xcel Volleyball Performance 18 team.

She plans to obtain a degree in health science studies at Brevard College.

She is a Transylvania County Scholar and a member of the Transylvania Youth Council, as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

•Brooklyn Rising plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she will major in pre-pharmacy.

Her goal is to obtain a doctorate in pharmacy and open her own practice.

At Brevard High she participated in volleyball, basketball, swimming and track, and was a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Council, the Fellowship of Student Athletes and the Health Occupation Students of America.

•Baxter Swicegood played baseball, basketball and football, serving as the captain of both the basketball and football teams.

He plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College, where he will major in business management, with the goal of opening his own construction business.

He was a Wyldlife and middle school leader at his church, as was as a member of the Transylvania Youth Council.

•Carly Tabor participated in the T.I.M.E. program and twice placed third in both the county and regional science fairs.

She plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College and major in Emergency Medical Services with a goal of living and working in Transylvania County as a paramedic.

She participated in the Interact Club, helping to raise money for cancer research, and was also a member of HOSA.

•Shade Wilbanks plans to attend the University of Mount Olive, where she wants to major in agricultural education and agriculture business.

Madeline Hall

Her goal is to move to the Western part of the country to pursue a career as an agriculture teacher and to start her own beef and livestock company.

She is a member of the National Technical Honors Society and has been involved in the BHS shooting team, the Student Council and the Carolina Travelers Volleyball Team.

The Connestee Falls Student Scholarship Program is proud to help these outstanding young people pursue their education dreams.

For more information, and to donate securely online, visit http://www.cf scholarships.org.