Applications will be accepted through April 15 and may be accessed through area high school guidance offices.
As a catalyst for educational opportunity, the Ed and Charlie Shelton families of Shelton Vineyards converted The Shelton Foundation, Inc.’s grants to a character scholarship program in 2007. The scholarship program was established to enable graduates in Surry and Stokes counties an opportunity to attend Surry Community College, Forsyth Technical Community College and subsequently a public or private North Carolina four-year college or university.
“The generosity of the Shelton family is unprecedented,” said Dr. Ashley Hinson, superintendent of the Surry County School System. “To offer students hope of a college education is a gracious act of the Shelton family. Their emphasis on the importance of education will certainly enhance the quality of life of local students and their families for years to come.”
Approximately 75 students have benefited from the scholarship in the first two years of availability.
The goal of the Shelton Family Character Scholarship Program is to encourage students with financial need to reach their full potential by applying and conducting themselves responsibly during their high school career and continuing their education beyond high school while preparing for a world of work. The scholarship program will also enable graduates of Forsyth Technical Community College and Surry Community College who graduated from a secondary school in either Stokes or Surry counties to attend a public or private North Carolina four-year or private college or university.
“A quality education for students in Stokes and Surry counties is extremely important to the Shelton family,” said the Sheltons, co-owners of Shelton Vineyards. “We want to help make dreams a reality by offering the opportunity for students to continue their education after high school.”
2010 will include scholarships for returning, eligible students from the classes of 2008 and 2009, and for newly-selected students in the class of 2010.
The scholarship program has the potential for assuring that all graduates in Stokes and Surry acquire a post-secondary education.
“Ensuring more opportunities for education guarantees an improved quality of life for the future of Surry and Stokes counties,” said Dr. Deborah Friedman, president of Surry Community College. “The Shelton family’s focus on character, work ethic and education is certainly a recipe for success. They possess a deep commitment to helping provide a quality future for families and the local economy in Surry and Stokes counties.”
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