CaroMont Health Foundation Announces 2020 Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship Winner
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.