An Opportunity for a Brighter Future
July 9, 2021
Union Power Awards College Scholarships to Local High School Students
At Union Power, we believe in making an impact in our communities and we are committed to creating a brighter future for our members – that’s why each year, we award graduating high school seniors with scholarships to North Carolina accredited universities and community colleges.
With an emphasis on financial need, academic achievement, and volunteer/extracurricular experience, we’re awarding those students who are making a big impact in their schools and local communities.
This year, we are awarding 10 $1,000 scholarships to the following students for the 2021-2022 academic year:
Adelie Barbee, Stanly County
Adelie is a graduate of West Stanly High School, with a 4.2 GPA. She will attend North Carolina State University to study Sports Management. She was a four-year varsity volleyball and basketball player, and was a member of the National Honors Society and National Beta Club. Adelie dreams of returning to her community to further the advancement of recreational programs and activities for other young women that “promote problem-solving and communication skills, self-confidence, and self-acceptance.”
Chase Belk, Union County
Chase is a graduate of Parkwood High School, with a 4.4 GPA, who will attend The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He plans to study Civil Engineering, with hopes of obtaining his Master’s degree upon graduating college. Chase is a member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, Future Farmers of America, and Youth Christian Athletic. He was also a dedicated baseball player at Parkwood throughout all four years.
Sarah Bristle, Union County
Sarah is a graduate of Parkwood High School, with a 4.4 GPA. She will attend North Carolina State University to study Criminology. She has dreams of becoming a Forensic Scientist and is deeply passionate about bringing justice to victims and closure to their families. Sarah is a member of the National Honors Society, the Senior Beta Club, and has received the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards.
Abby Furr, Stanly County
Abby is a Graduate of Stanly Early College, with a 4.0 GPA. She will attend Appalachian State University to study Nutrition and Food Dietetics. Abby has had long-time aspirations of working in the health and wellness field but it was last year, during the pandemic, when she gained clarity of her purpose and developed a new-found love for the science of nutrition. Upon receiving her high school diploma, Abby will also have an Associate of Science and Business Administration certificate. She is a member of the National Honors Society, Melissa Kathleen’s School of Dance Performance, and the secretary/public relations officer of Phi Beta Kappa.
Hannah McCain, Union County
Hannah is a graduate of Piedmont High School, with a 4.6 GPA— ranking 4 out of 312 students in her senior class. She will attend North Carolina State University to study Civil Engineering so that she can pursue a career in construction and design of commercial real estate. She has served in various leadership roles in student government, Leo Club, and Unified Champion Schools.
Lucas McCain, Union County
Lucas is a graduate of Piedmont High School, with a 4.7 GPA— ranking 1 out of 312 students in his senior class. He will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study Biology, and then pursue a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. Lucas is a dedicated member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, and Leo Club among other extracurricular roles including playing on the Men’s Varsity Basketball team.
Haley Overcash, Rowan County
Haley is a graduate of East Rowan High School, with a 4.3 GPA, who will attend Johnson & Wales University. She will major in Entrepreneurship with a focus in Baking & Pastry Arts. Haley has participated in several extracurricular and academic clubs including the Spanish Club, Sigma Phi Gamma, The National Technical Honor Society, and Student Council.
Ella Sepesi, Cabarrus County
Ella is a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, with a 4.7 GPA—ranking 1 out of 200 students. She will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she will major in Marketing and minor in Public Health, combining her skills and passions of problem solving with marketing strategies and making the world a better place with the resources provided in Public Health. Ella has been a dedicated member of Student Council, the Varsity Football and Basketball cheer team, among other academic and extracurricular achievements.
Marissa Stephens, Cabarrus County
Marissa is a graduate of Carolina International School, with a 4.4 GPA— ranking 3 out of 59 students. Marissa will attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to study Business Administration. She is dually enrolled in the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in the Career and College Promise Program. Her goal is to own a cosmetics and skincare company; hoping to provide employment for as many people as possible and give back to her community by supporting various charities and community organizations.
Daniel Taldo, Union County
Daniel is a graduate of Central Academy of Technology & Arts, with a 4.3 GPA. He will attend North Carolina State University to study Computer Engineering. Daniel dedicated his time to playing two varsity sports, being a member of The National Honors Society and the Beta Club, and playing in the symphonic band. He also participated in several extracurricular activities while maintaining his commitment to his studies and other community service endeavors.
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients!