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By Jeanna Baxter White

For the Davie

Community Foundation

Nathan Andrews wants to be a law enforcement officer.

The 2020 Davie High graduate is pursuing an associates’s degree in criminal justice at Davidson-Davie Community College and plans to complete the basic law enforcement training program as soon as he meets the age requirement.

Thanks to Ignite Davie, Andrews will be able to complete his degree free of charge.

Ignite Davie is a college promise program that pays tuition and fees with a stipend for books for graduates to attend Davidson-Davie Community College full time in a certificate, diploma, or associate/transfer program at either campus. Students must live in and attend school in Davie County. The funds kick in after any other scholarships or federal student aid have been applied.

All eligible high school graduates, regardless of financial need or academic ability, can continue their education and training.

Andrews learned about Ignite Davie through an informational meeting with Davidson-Davie Community College during his senior year.

“I  was already planning on taking classes at DCCC, and after hearing about Ignite Davie and all it had to offer, I knew I had to apply. It’s been a huge help to me and my family. I’ve only  had to pay for a couple of books that exceeded the allowance for the semester.”

He says he has always thought that being in law enforcement would be a humbling and noble career. “It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I truly decided to take criminal justice and pursue a law enforcement career. I would love to be able to be a part of the Davie County Sheriff’s Office upon finishing my basic law enforcement training (BLET) and turning 21. I have to be 20 years old to attend BLET and 21 years old to become a deputy sheriff. I would love to eventually become a wildlife resource officer.”

Andrews earned the rank of Eagle Scout at 14 and was the youngest in his Boy Scout Troop ever to do so. An honor roll student at Davie, he graduated a year early due to extra credits earned through JROTC and taking a fifth-period class for a semester. Last year he was invited to join the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Now, at only 18 years old, he is halfway through his associate’s degree.

Andrews has completed one year of DDCC through Ignite Davie and has taken a combination of general education and criminal justice classes. “It was a really good school year and different from high school which made it enjoyable. Most of my classes so far have been online which works out great for me.

“This year will be a little more difficult as far as homework and classwork. I am still taking some general education classes but also a lot more criminal justice classes.”

He works for BeauBuilt Construction in addition to being a full-time student. “I work every day and half a day on days I have class.”

Andrews encourages other students to take advantage of Ignite Davie.

“I absolutely love everything that Ignite Davie has done for my parents and me.  It’s truly helped me make it through my first and now my second year of college without having to worry about paying for anything. I know my parents enjoy it very much.

“If anyone is thinking about doing Ignite Davie, I’d tell them to do it and they won’t regret it because it’s two years of college you don’t have to worry about.”

“Ignite Davie is an extraordinary promise and we invite you to join us,” said Carolyn McManamy, director of Davie CONNECT and one of the driving forces behind Ignite Davie. “We currently have commitments for $2 million of the $3 million needed to endow the program for our students and our community, but we need your help to make the promise permanent. Together, we can create a bright and prosperous future for everyone.”

Visit  IGNITEDAVIE.com to make a donation or to learn more about the program.  Specific questions may be directed to Carolyn McManamy at cmcmanamy@daviecounty.com or (336) 753-6670.