CaroMont Health Foundation today announced that Sophi Jolley, a senior
at Ashbrook High School in Gastonia, has been awarded the 2021 Wayne F.
Shovelin Scholarship. Following an extensive application and interview
process, Jolley was chosen to receive a four-year scholarship, worth up
to $20,000 each academic year, for undergraduate studies in a healthcare-related field.
“The Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship is most significant educational
contribution of any scholarship provided in Gaston County,” explained
Katie Wayne, Director of Development for the CaroMont Health Foundation.
“All the applicants are so accomplished and deserving, but Sophi’s
passion for caring for others is incredible. She demonstrates the empathy
and dedication needed to pursue her dreams of becoming a nurse, and the
CaroMont Health Foundation is proud to support her in that journey.”
Jolley will graduate in May as a Certified Nursing Assistant with more
than 20 college credit hours earned through the Gaston College Career
and College Promise program. In addition to her strong academic record,
Jolley is a member of the Mayors Youth Leadership Council and Episcopal
Youth Diocese of Western North Carolina. She is a YMCA lifeguard, swim
coach and member of the swim team, and also excels in theater, music and
dance. Following graduation, Jolley plans to attend the University of
South Carolina.
“Members of the Scholarship Advisory Board were struck by Sophi’s
academic record, extracurricular activities and her drive to care for
others,” said Shelley F. Collins, Chair of the CaroMont Health Foundation
Scholarship Advisory Board. “She has proactively sought out opportunities
to enrich her experience and serve others. It is that balance of motivation
and compassion that demonstrates her great promise as a future nurse.”
Jolley’s desire to become a nurse is also driven by the experience
of sustaining a career-ending volleyball injury. While the news was devastating,
Jolley saw an opportunity to support other student athletes by volunteering
as an Athletic Training Student Aide. Accumulating more than 500 volunteer
hours working with Ashbrook’s Athletic Training team, she is now
Lead Athletic Training Student Aide at Ashbrook High School.
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The Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship is made possible by a generous donation
from the Duke Kimbrell family in honor of long-time CaroMont Health CEO,
Wayne Shovelin. In addition to the up to $20,000 each year in support
for tuition and fees that Jolley will receive, she will also have the
opportunity to participate in three paid summer internships at CaroMont
Health. These internships offer Shovelin Scholars 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.
To learn more about the programs and services offered through the CaroMont
Health Foundation and how you can help, please visit caromonthealth.org.