These students will enrich our churches and communities

The Foundation manages and awards scholarships for students pursuing their dreams through higher education. Meet some of the recipients below.

William R. and Mattie T. Alexander Fund

Supports students who demonstrate an interest in Christian evangelism, with a preference given to ethnic minorities.

• Samuel Allen plans to become a chaplain following his graduation from Hood Theological Seminary. Sam attended Livingstone College and is active at Shiloh AME Zion Church in Statesville.
• Eleana Wright plans to attend Central Piedmont Community College. She is a member of Hawthorne Lane UMC in Charlotte, where she has sung in the youth choir, played trumpet and handbells, and attended summer music camp for 10 years.
• Terran Leonard plans to attend North Carolina A&T University. He is a member of Brooks Temple UMC, where he prepares worship bulletins, serves as a church historian, and organizes a toy drive during the Advent season.

Rachel C. Allred Scholarship Fund

Supports students in the Western North Carolina Conference attending United Methodist colleges and universities.

• Gracie Bean plans to attend Ferrum College in Virginia following high school. Gracie is a member of Mt. Lebanon UMC, where she volunteers for Vacation Bible School and helps her dad in the A/V booth. Gracie placed second in the high jump at the 2A Track and Field State Championships.
• Phillip Faircloth will continue his studies at High Point University. Phillip is a member of Memorial UMC in Thomasville, where he served as an usher. At High Point, Phillip earned a role as a teaching assistant (TA) in the Chemistry Department.
• Carson Forrester plans to attend Methodist University following high school. Carson is a member of First UMC Hickory. He was one of three students selected from his county to attend Tar Heel Boys State. Carson has taken part in mission trips in Atlanta, Louisiana, and the Dominican Republic.
• Allison Mares plans to attend Pfeiffer University following high school. Allison is a member of Wesley Chapel UMC. She plans to pursue a career in firefighting. Allison takes part in youth group and reads Scripture in worship.
• Jacob Scott is pursuing a post-graduate degree at Duke Divinity School. Jacob graduated from Appalachian State University in 2021 and is a member of Francis Asbury UMC.
• Vera Smith is pursuing a post-graduate degree at Duke Divinity School. Vera graduated from Pfeiffer University in 2014 and is a member of Milford Hills UMC, where she serves on staff as the Director of Youth, Young Adult and Children’s Ministry. Vera coaches a high school swim team and was named Conference Coach of the Year for three seasons in a row.
• Griffin Stephens plans to attend Young Harris College and play on the baseball team following high school. Griffin is a member of Abernethy Memorial UMC, where he participates in youth group and assists with A/V, communion and usher duties. Griffin also volunteers at the church-operated Wrights Food Pantry.
• Virginia Wagoner will continue her studies at Pfeiffer University. Virginia is a member of Wesley Chapel UMC, where she sings in the choir and serves in various leadership roles.
• Addison Aldrich plans to attend High Point University and play in the pep/marching band. Addison is a member of Park Street UMC in Belmont, where he volunteers for the pumpkin sale and other church activities.

William W. Blanton Ministerial Scholarship Fund

Supports certified candidates for ministry who plan to be appointed in the Western North Carolina Conference and are attending United Methodist-accredited seminaries/theological schools.

• Monica Childers plans to attend Wesley Theological Seminary to pursue ordination as an Elder. Monica served at St. Luke UMC in Hickory in the role of Executive Minister of Outreach and Connection. She helped lead a staffing initiative, capital campaign, and vision planning process. Monica is now pastor of Salem UMC in Morganton.

Cornelius F. and Hettie C. Womble Ministerial Fund

Supports certified candidates for ministry who plan to serve in the Western North Carolina Conference.

• Jaidymar Smith plans to pursue a post-graduate degree at Duke Divinity School. Jaidymar is a member of Jordan Memorial UMC and La Luz de Cristo UMC in Ramseur, where her spouse, Chris, serves as pastor. Jaidymar founded Creciendo Juntas (Growing Together), a fresh expression for Hispanic/Latino women to enjoy fellowship, crafts, and prayer time.

Rex A. and Nancy P. Idol Memorial Scholarship Fund

Supports students who are members of United Methodist congregations in Forsyth, Stokes and Davie counties in North Carolina.

• Isabelle Anderson plans to attend Elon University. Isabella is a member of Mt. Tabor UMC in Winston-Salem. Her mom started the Anchor Cooperative Parish in East Bend, which brought together four churches.
• Meghan Crockett plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Meghan is a member of Maple Springs UMC in Winston-Salem. She volunteers with Spark, an organization that works with the unhoused population in Winston-Salem.
• Eli Cyre plans to attend the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, SC. Eli is a member of New Day, where he is active in a youth group comprised of boys from one of the cottages at Crossnore School.
• Sarah Kearney plans to attend Brevard College. Sarah is a member of Sedge Garden UMC, where she participates in the contemporary music program.
• Sean Lane plans to attend UNC Chapel Hill. Sean is a member of Wesley Chapel UMC in Mocksville, where he serves as the church pianist. Each week, he learns three new hymns to play in worship.
• Chancellor Owens plans to attend Virginia Union University. Chancellor is a member of Piney Grove UMC, where he serves as an acolyte.
• Makenna Rogers plans to attend Davie Community College. McKenna is a member of Clemmons UMC, where she sings on the praise team and mentors youth in the congregation.

Robert C. and Anna Lois Bulla Scholarship Fund

Awarded annually to deserving students at Concord High School.

• Adrianna Baron plans to attend Western Carolina University.
• Maria Rodamontes plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Albert and Bill Funderburk Fund

Supports graduates of Morehead High School in Eden (Rockingham County).

• Levi Brady plans to continue his studies at Liberty University, where he is involved with the Brazillian Jujistu club and serves as a resident shepherd in his dorm building.