Scholarship, support from school leads to success

Published 10:49 am Tuesday, August 13, 2024

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Zayne Smith, a 2023 graduate of Davie County High School, has been awarded the N.C. Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation Scholarship for the 2024-2025academic year.

In addition to the scholarship, his bio and photo will be included in N.C. Builder Magazine.

“It is an honor to be chosen to receive this special scholarship,” said Smith. “It’s a big deal, especially to be recognized at this level within the state, and I am so thankful.”

Smith is a full-time student at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College where he is on the honors list studying construction management technology. He also works full-time with Shelton Construction in Mocksville.

Smith wanted to acknowledge his support from Davie County Schools for helping with this opportunity. He was active in the CTE department at Davie High where he graduated with honors and participated in the internship program, which led to his current job.

He also earned certifications in welding while dual enrolled at Davidson-Davie Community College his senior year.

“I’d like to thank Ms. Alyse Wooldridge for encouraging me to apply for the internship and letting me know about the scholarship opportunity,” said Smith. “I also want to thank the Davie High CTE Department, especially Mr. Matt McKnight and Mr. Matt Cartner, who both prepared me well for working in the construction industry. The experiences in those classes helped me discover and build skills that set me up for a successful career. I also want to take this opportunity thank Mr. Cartner for writing a very nice essay on my behalf to the scholarship committee

“I am very thankful for this scholarship and all the support and opportunities I have received. Thanks to Shelton Construction for the opportunities to learn on the job and for working with me with my school schedule. Finally, I want to thank the Board of Directors of the N.C. Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation for this generous award.”

In 2023 Smith was awarded the following scholarships from The Davie Community Foundation: B. Edwin & Nell Boger Family, Dianne & Allen Snipes Family, Homer Crotts, and Miller Building & Remodeling.

“There are a lot of great programs and people to help students like me, and I am so grateful for all of them who have supported me along the way,” he said.