2020 Ruth Jones Scholarship Winners
PRESS RELEASE: May 27, 2020
Conserving Carolina is excited to announce the winners of the annual Ruth Jones Scholarship!
Two Transylvania County high school students have been selected to receive $1,500 for higher education in the fields of health and environmental science. The scholarship was established in honor of the late Ruth Elaine Jones, a lifelong Transylvania County resident, with the purpose of carrying on her love of the outdoors and her commitment to public health.
Scholarship recipient Shade Wilbanks of Brevard High School will be studying Agricultural Education and Agricultural Business at the University of Mount Olive. After graduating college, she plans to pursue a career as an Agriculture Teacher and a Future Farmers of America Advisor to encourage hands-on learning outside of the classroom. She also plans to start her own beef and livestock company.
Skyler Harrison of Rosman High School will be studying nursing at Western Carolina University to become a nurse practitioner. She says, “I love the healthcare field and I see how much it is needed in this world. I would love to be able to help save lives one day.”
Applicants have been chosen based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community service, and determination to overcome challenging circumstances.
The Ruth Jones Scholarships provide financial assistance to students who wish to pursue a 4-year degree in health or environmental sciences at an accredited university, college, or technical college. Applicants must intend to pursue areas of study that include but are not limited to: biology, environmental science, health education, pre-medicine, nursing, agriculture, forestry, natural resource conservation, or wildlife science.
Conserving Carolina is a local land trust dedicated to protecting land and water, promoting good stewardship, and creating opportunities for people to enjoy nature. Learn more and become a member at conservingcarolina.org.