The Camden Kachilo scholarship is a heartfelt tribute to a life taken far too soon. Camden was an extraordinary young man- a dedicated teammate on both the football field and the wrestling mat, but an even more exceptional friend. To know Camden was to love him. His infectious belly laugh could light up even the darkest room, and his genuine kindness and humor brought joy to everyone around him.
Camden’s impact on those who knew him continues to be felt every day. With this scholarship, we honor his memory and ensure that his remarkable spirit lives on. Camden had friends from every corner of the community, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life was one of his greatest gifts.
The Camden Kachilo Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to four Henderson County students (one from each of the four traditional county high schools) who embody Camden’s passion, dedication, and love for others- student athletes who will continue his legacy by pursuing football or wrestling at the next level. The annual one-year, nonrenewable scholarship amount to be awarded to each recipient shall be $1,000 and may be used to cover tuition, fees, books, and other approved college/university costs.
Through this scholarship, Camden’s light will continue to shine, inspiring others just as he inspired all of us.
Qualifications:
The Coach Eddie Reneau Memorial Scholarship has been established to assist an East Henderson High School senior athlete pursuing a degree in education. The Reneau Family has established this scholarship in memory of Coach Reneau, who was the head football coach at East until his sudden death in 2002. He supported the East Henderson community on many levels and was dedicated to the students he coached. Coach Reneau was a man of integrity and strong moral beliefs. He put God first and his faith would shine through in his daily life. He was a role model to his students and peers and still is today. This is a one-year, non-renewable scholarship for $1000.
Qualifications:
– Be a graduate of East Henderson High School.
– Preference shall be given to athletes majoring in Education.
– The recipient shall attend a college or university.
– The recipient shall have participated in extracurricular and community activities.
– The recipient shall demonstrate good character.
Requirements While in School:
– The recipient(s) shall maintain regular contact with the scholarship committee and/or HCEF officials, including providing proof of progress, grades, or other eligibility requirements.
The Coach Rick Wood Scholarship, a non-renewable $1,200 award, is granted annually to a West Henderson High School graduate, who will be pursuing a degree in Education at a two-year or four-year college or university. Preference will be given to a student that has participated in at least one sport.
Qualifications:
– Graduate from West Henderson High School.
– Be pursuing a degree in Education at a two-year or four-year college or university.
– Have a good behavior record.
– Have a minimum “C” academic average.
Preference will be given to a student that has participated in at least one sport.
Requirements While in School:
– The student will provide the Foundation with information about their enrollment, grades and academic status.
The Community Tennis Association is awarded to four students graduating from a Henderson County High School. It was started in 2018 by the Community Tennis Association and is intended to help a student that has participated in a varsity tennis program through their high school. The non-renewable scholarships will be for $1,000 each, awarded for one year, and can be used to cover supplemental college tuition and/or fees.
Qualifications:
– Be a graduating senior from a public, private, or home school in Henderson County.
– Have participated in a varsity tennis program through their high school.
– Be accepted at a 2- or 4-year accredited college or university.
– Participated in community service.
– Have a positive attitude toward peers and administration.
– Be actively involved in extracurricular and volunteer activities.
Requirements While in School:
– Maintain a full-course load (12 credits per semester) or get approval from the Foundation.
– Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
– Provide the Foundation with information about their enrollment, grades and academic status in a timely manner.
This is a one-year, non-renewable scholarship for $1000. One scholarship is awarded to a student from each of the schools: East Henderson, North Henderson, West Henderson, and Hendersonville High Schools.
You can choose to make a direct contribution to the Don Don Memorial Scholarship, honoring Donnie Burnett’s legacy by donating in his name. Your contribution will support this scholarship fund and assist in providing educational opportunities for children to attend college.
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Qualifications:
– Be a graduate of a Henderson County Public School.
– The recipient(s) shall have applied and been accepted into a technical/trade school, community college, or university.
– The recipient(s) must demonstrate good character.
– Preference of consideration shall be given to students who are members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Requirements While in School:
– The recipient(s) shall maintain regular contact with the scholarship committee and/or HCEF officials, including providing proof of progress, grades, or other eligibility requirements.
The Dr. Don Jones scholarship will be awarded annually to two graduating seniors from Henderson County planning to attend a four-year college. This is a one year, non-renewable scholarship for $500.
Qualifications:
– Be a graduating senior from a Henderson County Public High School.
– Attend a four-year college.
– Be in the top 10% of his/her class.
– Be well-rounded, excelling academically and involved in a number of school and/or community activities.
– Demonstrate financial need.
Requirements While in School:
– Keep the Foundation informed on enrollment, grades and academic status.
– Achieve at least a “C” average for the first semester.
The Drew Brannon State Championship Scholarship was created to pay tribute to both individual and team state champions at West Henderson High School. It also commemorates the remarkable achievements of the 1992 WHHS state basketball runner-up team, which boasted a 29-1 record, as well as the exceptional 2023 WHHS football team, hailed as the best in school history, reaching the 4th round of state playoffs with an impressive 13-1 record.
This is a one-year, non-renewable scholarship for $1000
Qualifications:
– One scholarship recipient shall be selected at the end of the school year.
– The recipient shall be a graduate of West Henderson High School during the current academic year.
– The scholarship recipient shall have a solid academic record with a minimum “C” average.
– The recipient shall have applied and been accepted into a 2 or 4 year technical school, community college or university.
– The recipient shall demonstrate good character.
– The scholarship recipient shall have participated in at least one sport.
Requirements While in School:
– Student will provide the foundation with information about their enrollment, grades and academic status.
The Emil F. Hager Scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from a Henderson County Public High School. This scholarship award will be in the amount of $1,000. This scholarship will be awarded based on financial need and academic record.
Qualifications:
– Be a graduating senior from a Henderson County Public High School.
– Be accepted into a 4-year or 2-year college.
– Demonstrate financial need.
Requirements While in School:
– Student will provide the Foundation with proof of enrollment, grades and academic status.
This scholarship supports individuals entering or currently serving in recognized service roles—such as the military, first responders, healthcare providers, educators, or other HCEF-approved public service positions. Awards are up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years with annual reapplication and review. Priority consideration is given to current or former Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) students.
Qualifications;
high school senior preparing to graduate or a graduate of Henderson County (NC) Public Schools
entering or currently serving in a recognized service role (e.g., military, first responders, healthcare providers, educators, or other HCEF-approved public service positions)
enrolled/planning to enroll in a military branch, community/technical college, college, university, trade school, or accredited training program
complete and submit all required documents and application
In order to support Henderson County Public Schools’ efforts to create a diverse educational workforce that reflects the student body, HCEF established the Grow Our Own Educational Assistance Fund in partnership with a community coalition and individual and corporate donors in the spring of 2021.
This scholarship is open to all applicants and is designed to encourage students (current and former) and HCPS staff members (teaching assistants, support personnel) who are interested in pursuing a career in education. The goal is to provide training, development, and support so they can return to Henderson County and contribute to the public school workforce.
Scholarship Amount & Appropriations
– Up to $3,000 per year; renewable for up to four years.
– The number of scholarships available each year will be based on the level of donor and grant support, and thus made through an annual appropriation from the HCEF Board of Directors.
Qualifications:
– High School senior preparing to graduate; former graduate of HCPS; or current HCPS staff member.
– Intentions to pursue a degree in education.
– Commitment to return, within two years post-college graduation, to teach at one of the 23 Henderson County Public Schools for at least three years.
– Demonstrate financial need.
– For graduates: minimum weighted GPA of 3.0 (preferred).
– For graduates: completion of Teaching as a Profession 1 (preferred).
Requirements While in School:
– Maintain a full-course load (12 credits per semester) or get approval from the Foundation.
– Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
– Provide the Foundation with information about their enrollment, grades and academic status in a timely manner.
– Regular contact with an Education Mentor provided through HCPS & HCEF (strongly encouraged)
Application & Selection Process:
Scholarships will be provided through a competitive application process consisting of:
1. Application and essays.
2. Official transcript (if currently enrolled).
3. Two letters of recommendation from persons who can assess the applicant’s potential capacity as a future teacher.
4. Interview with the Grow Our Own coalition (panel of educators and community members).
The Healthcare Fellowship Program supports Henderson County students pursuing careers in the healthcare field by providing up to $5,000 total to complete a healthcare program at Blue Ridge Community College. Funds may be used for tuition, fees, textbooks, technology, uniforms, and other approved educational expenses. Funded by AdventHealth and UNC Health Pardee and administered by the Henderson County Education Foundation, the fellowship also provides mentorship and career exposure, creating a strong local pathway for students preparing for in-demand healthcare roles. This partnership among HCEF, local hospitals, BRCC, and Henderson County Public Schools helps strengthen the future healthcare workforce in Henderson County.
The Hendersonville Lions Club has been serving Hendersonville since 1938. Each year, they provide 2 scholarships totaling $2000 each to Henderson County students.
Qualifications:
– The recipients shall be graduates from one of the Henderson County public High Schools: East Henderson High School, Hendersonville High School. North Henderson High School, West Henderson High School, HCPS Career Academy, or Hendersonville Early College High School.
– The recipients shall have a solid record in their academic studies with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0.
– The recipients shall have applied and been accepted into a community/technical college, college, or university and have plans to pursue studies toward eye care, eye research, hearing, or other health related areas.
Requirements While in School:
– The recipients shall maintain a “B” or better academic average while in pursuit of a college degree directed toward eye care, eye research, hearing, or other health related areas.
– The recipients shall maintain regular contact with the scholarship provider and inform the Foundation about enrollment, grades, and academic status.
The Historic Johnson Farm Scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from a Henderson County Public High School. This renewable scholarship award will be in the amount of $1,000 and will be renewable for up to four years at $1,000/year. This scholarship will be awarded based on financial need and academic record.
Qualifications:
– Graduate from a Henderson County Public High School.
– Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
– Demonstrate ability and interest in agriculture, education, natural resources, natural/environmental sciences or engineering.
– Be accepted into a 4-year or 2-year college.
– Major in agriculture, education, natural resources, natural/ environmental sciences, history or engineering.
– Demonstrate financial need.
Requirements While in School:
– Student will provide the Foundation with proof of enrollment, grades and academic status.
The John P. Wold College Scholarships will be awarded to one graduating senior student planning to attend a community or technical college from each of the following Henderson County public high schools: East Henderson High School, Hendersonville High School, North Henderson High School, and West Henderson High School. The total scholarship value is $5,000 and will be awarded over 2 years.
Qualifications:
The successful applicants will:
– Pursuing an Associate’s Degree or in a college transfer program.
– Have a minimum weighted GPA of 2.75.
– Demonstrate financial need.
Requirements While in School:
– Maintain a 2.5 (first semester) and 2.75 each semester thereafter while in pursuit of an Associate’s degree or in a college transfer program.
– Maintain regular contact with the scholarship committee and/or Foundation officials, including providing proof of progress, grades and other eligibility requirements.
– Have no criminal record and will certify abstinence from drug and alcohol use.
The Jones Family Scholarship is for a graduate of North Henderson High School focused on supporting a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) student. The scholarship will be for $1,000, awarded for one year and be used to cover the cost of tuition, books and fees.
Qualifications:
– Be a graduating senior from North Henderson High School.
– Be a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) student.
– Demonstrate financial need.
– Have a weighted GPA of 2.75 or greater.
– Plan to attend a 2 or 4 year college.
Requirements While in School:
– Recipient will provide the Foundation with information about their enrollment, grades and academic status.
The Lisa Jo Mummert Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to one graduate of West Henderson High School who has been a member of the WHHS band and will be attending Western Carolina University. Preference will be given to students planning to major in social work, nursing, or physical therapy, but all students who meet the band membership and WCU attendance requirements are encouraged to apply. This scholarship is for $500 for 1 year and is nonrenewable.
Qualifications:
– Graduate from West Henderson High School.
– Will attend Western Carolina University.
– Demonstrate the academic skills necessary to succeed in college studies.
– Demonstrate volunteer service work.
– Complete the online Application in full no later than the stated deadline.
– Have participated in school and or community activities.
Requirements While in School:
– Student will provide the Foundation with information about enrollment, grades and academic status.
The scholarship is in memory of Jessie Cassada and Michael McDowell, both graduates of East Henderson High School. The scholarship is for $1,000 and nonrenewable.
Qualifications:
– Graduate from Henderson County Public High School.
– Have been/be active in JROTC.
– Apply and be accepted into an accredited college or university.
– Demonstrate participation and leadership in school and community activities.
Requirements While in School:
– Student will provide the Foundation with proof of enrollment, grades and academic status.
The Meredith Lauren Vaughn Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to one graduating senior from any of the four Henderson County public high schools or Early College High School who will be majoring in elementary education. The scholarship will be awarded for one year for $500 and is not renewable.
Qualifications:
The successful applicant will:
– Have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0.
– Demonstrate good character.
– Have a commendable record of school and community activities.
– Be majoring in elementary education.
Requirements While Enrolled in School:
– Provide the Foundation with information about enrollment, grades and academic status.
The Smith Family Scholarship will be awarded to three graduates from Henderson County Public Schools. The non-renewable scholarships will be for $1,000 each, awarded for one year, and can be used to cover tuition, fees, books and other approved college/university costs. Two scholarships will be awarded to students planning to attend a two- or four-year college or university. One scholarship will be awarded to a student planning to attend a trade school and pursue a trade certification.
Qualifications:
– Graduate from a Henderson County Public High School. Preference given to students who have attended Henderson County Public Schools all four years of high school.
– Have a 3.4 or higher unweighted GPA.
– Accepted and enrolled in a North Carolina college or university.
– Involved in school activities.
– Participated in a minimum of 20 hours of community services during high school.
– No disciplinary offenses during high school.
Requirements While in School:
– The recipient shall be considered a full time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours in a 16 week semester.
– The recipient(s) shall maintain regular contact with the scholarship committee and/or HCEF officials, including providing proof of progress, grades, or other eligibility requirements.
The Stohl and Pearce Dental Scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from a Henderson County Public High School. This renewable scholarship award will be in the amount of $1,000 and will be renewable for up to four years at $1,000/year.
Qualifications:
– Graduate from a Henderson County Public High School.
– Have a C average.
– Accepted into a 2-year or 4-year college.
– Major in any health related field.
– Write an essay about what drives you to further your education in the healthcare field.
– Involved in extracurricular activities.
Requirements While in School:
– Recipient shall be considered a full time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours in a 16 week semester.
– Recipient(s) shall maintain regular contact with the scholarship committee and/or HCEF officials, including providing proof of progress, grades, or other eligibility requirements.
– Maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA
The Tammy Belcher Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from a Henderson County Public High School. This scholarship is for $1,500 for 1 year and is not renewable.
Qualifications:
– Graduate from a Henderson County Public High School. Preference given to a graduate from East Henderson High School.
– Have demonstrated a level of academic achievement that would predict success in college studies.
– Apply and be accepted into a 4-year college or university.
– Major in the performing arts.
– Demonstrate participation in school and/or community activities.
– Show involvement in diverse interests and activities (well-rounded).
Requirements While in School:
– Student will maintain regular contact with the Foundation, providing enrollment, academic progress and grade information.