The Ashe County Christmas Tree Association established this scholarship in an effort to promote higher education in the field of agriculture. It is important to the association that our agricultural community flourishes by educating young minds on the importance of agriculture in our area. We welcome all Ashe County High School Seniors to apply, although special consideration will be given to students pursuing agriculture or agriculturally-related fields.
Eligibility:
The $1,000.00 scholarship is awarded in May and will be presented at the beginning of the students Freshman year to the financial aid office of the students choosing. The Ashe County Christmas Tree Association Board of Directors will determine the recipient based on the following requirements:
- Applicant must be a graduating high school senior for the current year
- Applicant must be a resident of Ashe County
- Applicant must have maintained an unweighted 2.5 GPA
- Financial need taken into consideration
- Work History
- Involvement in extra-curricular/community activities
- The intent to pursue a career in agriculture or in an agriculturally -related field
- Character and leadership potential
Download the scholarship application.
2024 Scholarship Recipient
Bailey Richardson
Bailey Richardson is the daughter of Travis and Dawn Richardson of Lansing, North Carolina. Bailey graduated from Ashe County High School in May and will be attending East Tennessee State University in the fall to major in Biology/Pre Veterinary.
While in high school Bailey participated in Future Farmers of America. She held the offices of Secretary, Vice President and President. Through this club she participated in Dairy Judging, Milk Quality, Vet Science and Food Science competitions. She earned her State Degree by participating in a Supervised Agricultural experience which was completing 300 hours hatching and then caring for 20+ chickens that are housed at the high school.
Other activities Bailey enjoyed while in high school were playing Tennis, Basketball and Softball. During her time playing sports she earned the Doubles Team Award and was Doubles runner up in the conference in tennis. In basketball she earned Most Improved and the Coaches Award. She earned the Heart Award in Softball. Her junior year she was named the Female Sportsmanship Award of the Year winner.
Bailey has attended North Carolina State University Vet Camp twice and found her love for all things Veterinary. The summer before her senior year she was selected as the Ashe County representative for the Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders through Farm Bureau.With this selection she spent a week at NC State exploring different agricultural fields while also making a connection with peers that have the same interests. Her senior year she had the opportunity to complete an internship at Twin Oaks Veterinary Hospital where she was later hired as a Vet Assistant. Bailey plans to go on to vet school with the dream of coming back to Ashe County to serve the community that means so much to her.