Maren Rose East, senior at Forestview High School, received the surprise
of a lifetime earlier this year. Greeted with smiles and high-fives, Ms.
East was presented with a framed certificate signifying her designation
as the 2017 Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship recipient. On March 14, CaroMont
Health Foundation representatives, along with her principal, teachers
and classmates, were there to congratulate Ms. East with the scholarship
announcement that will provide up to $20,000 each academic year toward
her undergraduate studies in a healthcare-related field.
This highly-competitive scholarship is made possible by a generous donation
from the Duke Kimbrell family in honor of long-time CaroMont Health CEO,
Wayne Shovelin’s retirement. In addition to the up to $20,000 each
year in support for tuition and fees, the scholarship provides recipients
with three, paid summer internships at CaroMont. These internships providethe
opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals within their specific interest
areas, as well as other departments, to gain exposure to the wide rangeof
careers available in healthcare.
“We are very proud of Ms. East and all of the talented scholarship
applicants,” said Janie Peak, CaroMont Health Foundation Board member
and Chair of the Scholarship Committee. “Ms. East, as well as past
Shovelin scholarship recipients, exemplified the specific qualities of
leadership, community involvement and academic excellence that our committee
looks for when selecting a recipient each year. "The CaroMont Health
Foundation and Scholarship Committee look forward to following these young
people and their continued success as they pursue their educational dreams
and (hopefully) return to this community to serve in health-related careers."
Ms. East plans to attend the University of South Carolina to earn an undergraduate
degree that will prepare her for graduate studies in medical school. Ranked
second in her class of 270 at Forestview, East’s academic excellence
is unparalleled graduating with an impressive 5.2 (weighted) GPA. In addition
to excelling in her studies, she plays volleyball and swims for the school
team. East is involved with the Jag Pals club that assists incoming freshmen
and the Junior Civitans club and is also a member of Concert Choir.
Outside of her extracurricular activities, East is actively involved with
her church, Holy Trinity Lutheran, where her father is the Lead pastor.
For six years, she has served and worked with children through the Casa
Bernabé Orphanage in Guatemala on annual week-long trips. East
is also a part of a weekend retreat ministry called Teens Encounter Christ
(TEC). Through these ministry opportunities, East says her Christian faith
has been strengthened and has discovered a passion for serving others.
Music has also played a big part in East’s life. For fourteen years,
she has dedicated her time and talent to playing the violin and has played
in the Gaston Strings Orchestra since she was in middle school. Undoubtedly,
East is musical; however, she hopes to continue playing for her enjoyment
so she can focus her attention on her medical studies.
The CaroMont Health Foundation received applications through early December
2016 and the Scholarship Committee carefully assessed each application
and met multiple times to review the credentials of each student. Semifinalists
were selected in early 2017 with each student undergoing a rigorous interview
process with the Scholarship Committee.
Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship requirements include:
- Residency in Gaston County or the child of a CaroMont Health employee
- Status as a senior in high school
- Scholastic achievement with a minimum GPA of at least 3.75 (un-weighted)
- Applicant’s interest in pursuing a degree in a healthcare-related
profession
- Applicant’s acceptance into an accredited college or university
- Demonstration of strong community involvement through volunteering
The Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship is one of seven scholarship funds made
possible by generous donors to the CaroMont Health Foundation. To learn
more about the programs and services offered through the Foundation and
how you can help, please call 704.834.4034.