Asheville – The Rotary Club of Asheville recently awarded 21 Tennent Scholarships to graduating seniors from nine high schools across Buncombe County, contributing to a total of $72,300 in scholarships for the year. The Tennent Scholarships, which range from $2,000 to $4,000, are awarded based on financial need and an interview process.
Scholarship Recipients from Local High Schools
The recipients of this year’s Tennent Scholarships include students from various high schools. From Asheville High School, awardees included Colton Pelzer Kelischek, Harmoni Alyse Jackson, Isaiah Wesley Huggins, Lila James Stevenson, Siena Kathleen Gentry, Sophia Bella Glover, and Zianthony Kenny Williams. Enka High School’s recipients were Alexander Santana-Delgado, Karen Uribe-Huizache, and Kyndall Morgan Rector. Erwin High School saw Ivy Liu Ward and Camilo Andres Urbina Mora receive scholarships, while Demarrion Terell Brown from Nesbitt Academy was also honored.
North Buncombe High School’s Ava Elizabeth Rendel and Kaitlyn Jaide Richards were recognized, along with Adelaide Milling from Odyssey School. Owen High School’s Ezzie Jaz Noteboom and Joshua Fredric Zeigler were awarded scholarships, and Jayden Rose Thomas from Reynolds High School also received support. Finally, Aiden Patrick Bell Short and Sydney Desiree Dickson from SILSA were among the honored students.
History and Impact of the Tennent Scholarships
The Tennent Scholarship program was established in 1998 after the Rotary Club identified a need for scholarships that consider both financial need and academic merit. Named in honor of Buzz Tennent, a former president of Rotary International and a dedicated member of the club, the program has evolved significantly over the years.
In 2017, the club initiated the “Songwriters in the Round” fundraising event to enhance the scholarship offerings. This initiative has allowed the program to grow substantially—from providing $10,000 for five scholarships in 2020 to an impressive $72,500 this year. In 2023, the eligibility criteria expanded beyond Asheville High School to include all high schools in Buncombe County.
The Tennent Scholarship program specifically targets students who may not qualify for traditional scholarships based solely on academic or athletic performance. “These students have overcome circumstances that were not of their own making,” noted a club representative, emphasizing the program’s commitment to supporting those who face unique challenges.
The Rotary Club of Asheville is a service organization comprised of over 165 members dedicated to community service and ethical leadership. The club engages in various projects that benefit local, national, and international communities. For more information about their initiatives and scholarship programs, visit their website at https://www.rotaryasheville.org/.