GASTONIA, NC— CaroMont Health Foundation has announced that Tom “David”
Efird, a senior at Gaston Day School, is the 2020 recipient of the Wayne
F. Shovelin Scholarship. Following an extensive application and interview
process, the CaroMont Health Foundation Scholarship Committee recently
notified Efird that he will receive the most significant educational contribution
of any scholarship award in Gaston County: up to $20,000 each academic
year toward undergraduate studies in a healthcare-related field.
“David is an incredibly well-rounded individual and fully embodies
the qualities the Scholarship Committee seeks in a Shovelin Scholar,”
said Shelley F. Collins, CaroMont Health Foundation Board Member and Chair
of the Scholarship Committee. “In addition to his exceptional academic
performance, David’s exemplary leadership, community service and
commitment to learning demonstrates great promise for his future plans
in medicine.”
Born and raised in Gastonia, Efird has committed himself to excellence
in academics, but he also has a passion for helping others. Efird is very
active in his church’s Youth Leadership Committee and organizations
such as Stop Hunger Now, Habitat for Humanity, Samaritan’s Feet
and Family Promise. With a servant’s heart and an intense interest
in science, particularly human biology, Efird plans to pursue in a career
in medicine. Understanding the academic rigor that lies ahead, he has
undertaken the most advanced academic schedule at Gaston Day School to
ensure he is always challenged to learn and is prepared to attend Davidson
College in the fall.
Efird’s achievements do not stop in the classroom. He participates
in three varsity level sports: basketball, golf and soccer, serving as
captain for the golf and soccer teams. In 2019, it was Elfird’s
winning goal that led Gaston Day’s varsity men’s soccer team
to a NCISAA championship. Elfird has also achieved the title of Eagle
Scout and is an active member of the National Science Honor Society and
Mu Alpha Theta, a national mathematics honor society. He also excels in
the arts, winning an Honorable Mention in this year’s Gaston County
Senior Art Show.
The Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship, made possible by a generous donation
from the Duke Kimbrell family in honor of long-time CaroMont Health CEO,
Wayne Shovelin, is highly competitive for local high school students.
In addition to the up to $20,000 each year in support for tuition and
fees that Efird will receive, the scholarship encourages three, paid summer
internships at CaroMont Health. These internships offer scholarship recipients
the opportunity to learn from healthcare professionals within their specific
interest areas and gain early exposure to the wide range of careers available
in healthcare.
“All applicants are so accomplished, making our decision extremely
difficult,” said Collins. “David stood out because of his
strong character and compassion, both qualities that will be assets to
the field of medicine. We are proud to support David in his path to medicine,
and we look forward to welcoming him to CaroMont Health each summer for
experiential learning opportunities to help support his undergraduate
studies.”
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.