R. Flake Shaw Scholarship Recipients Ready to Learn

Eight high school graduates are bound for institutions of higher learning this fall with some help from the R. Flake Shaw Scholarship – North Carolina Farm Bureau’s top academic award.

The scholarship program assists 24 college-level students each year. For the six new four-year college or university students, the renewable scholarship is valued at $3,000 per year and provides each recipient $12,000 over four years for tuition, books and other expenses.

Scholarships were also awarded to two students who will attend community college to study toward an associate’s degree in an agriculturally-related field or to prepare to transfer to a four-year institution.

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The renewable scholarship provides each recipient with $2,000 over two years for tuition, books and other expenses.

The R. Flake Shaw Scholarship Program has awarded more than $3 million to agriculture students since it was founded in 1967.

Scott C. Amoriello

Scott C. Amoriello, a graduate of Clover Garden School in Guilford County, plans to pursue a degree in animal science at N.C. State University in Raleigh in hopes of launching a career in the food animal medicine field. Amoriello works on his family’s dairy farm and with a veterinarian. He also trains and shows dairy cattle and teaches others to train, groom and show dairy cattle.

“I feel we should take every opportunity to educate the public about agriculture because our future depends on it.”

Adam M. Canal

Adam M. Canal, a graduate of Charles D. Owen High School in Buncombe County, plans to pursue a degree in horticultural science at N.C. State University to prepare for a career in agricultural research. Canal was an intern at the Mountain Horticultural Research Center and worked on a project testing disease resistance in a tomato.

“Our society depends on advancements in agricultural research. I want to be a part of that research field, and I want to make a difference.”

Alexandra K. Winter Brown

Alexandra K. Winter Brown, of Union County, is enrolled in Sure Foundation Classical Christian School, South Piedmont Community College and Brunswick Community College and is pursuing an aquaculture technology degree. Brown helps manage her family’s tilapia hatchery. She is focusing her studies on developing a 100,000-pound tilapia farm to be used for food production training for foreign nationals, particularly from third-world countries.

“Through my studies at a community college, I hope to gain the knowledge to support my family in this endeavor.”

Zechariah L. Davis

Zechariah L. Davis, a graduate of Brevard High School in Transylvania County, plans to attend N.C. State University. Davis says he learned about hard work and the value of making your best effort while growing up on his small family farm. In the past year and a half, he has begun purchasing, breeding and processing his own hogs.

As I look toward my future and begin the process of considering an agriculturally related career, I know that my success is dependent on hard work and personal integrity.”

John ‘Caleb’ Hilliard Jr.

John “Caleb” Hilliard Jr., a graduate of Louisburg High School in Franklin County, plans to attend N.C. State University. Hilliard says farming goes back many generations in his family, and he has learned much from working alongside his grandfather since childhood. He says he wants to share his passion for “country farming” while getting his education.

“I’ve had no doubt since I was approximately seven years old that agriculture would be my future.”

Austin E. Glann

Austin E. Glann, a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School in Mecklenburg County, plans to attend N.C. State University. Glann says he has had the opportunity to take several agricultural courses since middle school, and says he particularly enjoyed learning about horticulture. He has worked with gardens and plants on his own, as well as in a nursery.

“I want to develop my skills more efficiently and have more knowledge so that working with plants can become more than just a hobby,” he says.

Adam C. Lawing

Adam C. Lawing, a graduate of East Rutherford High School in Rutherford County, hopes to attend N.C. State University. Cable lives on a small sheep farm and has been showing lambs since he was five years old. He says he has considered careers as a farmer, veterinarian, extension agent, agriculture teacher and landscaper.

“Growing up on a farm has taught me the importance of agriculture in our lives.  I have learned that everything somehow has agriculture as its roots.”

Caraline N. Wright

Caraline N. Wright, a graduate of East Duplin High School in Duplin County, plans to attend Martin Community College and also hopes to study at N.C. State University. Wright, an Onslow County Farm Bureau member, says she has worked with horses for many years and plans to pursue her interest in poultry science, reproduction and embryology.

“My career choices will benefit agriculture because I will be able to contribute to the welfare of livestock. I will be able to encourage proper care, husbandry and the continuation of agricultural traditions.”