Rotary Club of Newton Conover announces scholarship winners
Since 1949, the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover has served the community. A standing mission of Rotary clubs all over the world is to take action to enhance basic education and literacy in local communities. One way the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover addresses this mission is through local scholarships. The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover presented the Dr. John F. Sinnett Scholarship to a deserving student, Allison Meadows. This year a new scholarship was initiated in honor of Rotarian Pat Gibson, the Patricia F. Gibson Education Scholarship. This scholarship was awarded to Grayson Creekmore, a student dedicated to music education.
The Dr. John F. Sinnett Scholarship, through the Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) Foundation, was established by the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover to honor Dr. John F. Sinnett for his contributions to Rotary as a member of the Rotary Club of NewtonConover in all capacities of leadership
including Rotary District 7670 Governor. Dr. Sinnett exemplified “Service Above Self”, the basis for which Rotary International was organized. A scholarship in his memory enables and encourages a deserving CVCC student to develop their leadership potential as exhibited by their present and future contributions to the community entering one of CVCC’s Health and Human Resources Programs.
The 2022 Recipient of the Dr. John F. Sinnett Scholarship, Allison Meadows, plans a career in Nursing. Meadows has been accepted into CVCC’s Nursing Program in Fall of 2021 and into LenoirRhyne University’s (LRU) Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nursing (RIBN) program. Upon graduation from CVCC in Spring 2021, Meadows plans to work as a Dermatologist Nurse with a goal of completing her bachelors degree at LRU in 2024.
Meadows is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Youth Group. She volunteers at local nursing homes and the Christian Crisis Center. Meadows looks forward to a career helping people and is already grounded in ‘service above self’.
The Patricia F. Gibson Education Scholarship was established this year to honor Pat Gibson for her contributions as a life-long educator, Rotarian, community supporter, mentor, and friend. As the first female Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover, there were hurdles to jump. Gibson also forged new ground as principal of the new middle school concept and later Assistant Superintendent of Newton-Conover City Schools. In addition, Gibson was one of the first recipients of the Red Blazer Award from the NewtonConover School System and after retirement went on to mentor and supervise student teachers through Appalachian State University. Gibson’s amazing drive does not stop with her love for education; she is passionate about church and many community organizations such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, ECCCM, Nu Chapter Delta Kamma Gamma, and more. Gibson is the backbone of her family and a dear friend to many.
The Patricia F. Gibson Education Scholarship sponsored by the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover was awarded to Grayson Creekmore. A member of the National Honors Society and first in his class at Newton-Conover High School, Creekmore plans to attend James Madison University for Music Education. Creekmore has been a percussion section leader in the Newton-Conover High School band, given private lessons, and participated in local, regional, and state bands plus Governor’s School West. A testament to his character was summed up in a reference letter, “natural leader amongst his peers – gentle spirit and warm compassion.”
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Anyone interested in being involved in the international organization, may contact Joy Cline at 464-0311 ext. 276.