Over 300 individual donors and Transylvania County businesses dug deep in the midst of the ongoing pandemic and contributed to the Connestee Falls Student Scholarship Program (CFSSP). In December 2021, Bruce Winfield, CFSSP chair, awarded a record $126,000 in scholarship funds to Transylvania County high schools (Brevard, Rosman and Davidson River), Blue Ridge Community College and Brevard College. These funds were distributed equally among the institutions. “In 2020, we raised $99,000 for the CFSSP, which translated to 40 scholarship awards,” Winfield said. “This year, we had the honor of presenting $126,000, guaranteeing that even more Transylvania County students will receive scholarships in the 2022 calendar year.”
In the 35 years since the formation of the CFSSP, individual and business contributions have totaled over $1.2 million, enabling more than 700 students to further their education in universities and trade schools. These scholarships have provided help to Transylvania County residents at various stages of life, including high school seniors, veterans, and single parents, all with diverse backgrounds and career aspirations.
“The Connestee Falls Student Scholarship Program continues to make dreams a reality for students,” said Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff McDaris. “The loving spirit and generosity of the Connestee community are both remarkable and emotional. We have young people who are future leaders that the world might never know except for the opportunity they provide. Each year they are a shining example of what leadership, determination and kindness are all about. Transylvania County Schools is grateful and proud to have a wonderful partnership with the Connestee Falls Student Scholarship Program and the Connestee Falls community”.
According to Dr. Laura Leatherwood, Blue Ridge Community College president, “Connestee Falls has been a proud supporter of Blue Ridge Community College for many years, but they’ve truly outdone themselves this year. Their generosity is a shining example of community relationships at work. We are so grateful for this incredible gift for student scholarships.”
Connestee Falls has been “a pivotal piece of our campus and community,” said Jeff Joyce, interim vice president of alumni affairs and development at Brevard College. “For over three decades, the Connestee Falls Student Scholarship Program has faithfully invested in students from Transylvania County to make a Brevard College education affordable and attainable for them. We look forward to continuing this community partnership for years to come”.
The scholarship application process is open February through March. Application forms are available in the guidance offices at Transylvania County high schools and the financial offices at Brevard and Blue Ridge Community colleges. For more information about the student scholarship program and how to make a donation, visit the CFSSP website at www.cfscholarships.org.