Investing in a Brighter Future for Local Students
July 10, 2022
Each year, Union Power works to support and strengthen the areas we serve while building a brighter future for our members. We do this through educational programs such as Bright Ideas, Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships, College Scholarships, and other community-focused efforts. This year, we awarded a one-time $1,000 scholarship to 10 well-deserving high school seniors to help with the cost of attending a North Carolina accredited university or community college. The following students have met the criteria and have made an exceptional impact in their schools and local communities.
Alicia Barrier
Alicia is a Forest Hills High School graduate with a 4.6 GPA. She plans to attend North Carolina State University to study Social Work with hopes of becoming a high school guidance counselor so that she can work directly with the youth “to help make their lives better and establish a support system for them.”
Lacy Brooks
Lacy is a graduate of Queen’s Grant High School, with a 4.2 GPA, who will attend Gardner-Webb University or Elon University to study Exercise Science. She was involved in various academic clubs throughout high school, including the National Honor Society and Beta Club, where she served as vice president and secretary, respectively. She was also a leader for the school’s Youth Commission International Club and captain of the varsity tennis team.
Leah Burleson
Leah is a graduate of West Stanly High School, with a 4.1 GPA. She plans to attend Stanly Community College to study Arts and later transfer to Wingate to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. It is her hope to, one day, return to Stanly County and teach the youth in the community where she lives.
Eden Campos
Eden is a graduate of West Stanly High School, with a 4.5 GPA, who plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study Political Science or Pre-Law and Spanish. Eden’s goal is to become an immigration attorney and hopes to, one day, give back to her community by helping those in the pursuit of a better life obtain their citizenship and live the life they deserve.
Hunter Dunbar
Hunter is a Central Academy of Arts and Technology graduate with a 3.6 GPA. He plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in the fall to study Digital Animation. Among many of his achievements during high school, Hunter received the Adobe Professional Certification in Video Design, played on the Symphonic Honor Band, and was a member of the National Honor Society.
Ashten Hansley
Ashten is a graduate of Parkwood High School, with a 4.2 GPA. He plans to attend Belmont Abbey College to study Business Administration and Management. Ashten’s motto is: “do your best and nothing less,” which has encouraged him throughout his high school career as a student-athlete. Ashten participated in the College Career Promise Program at South Piedmont Community College. He also served on the Youth Council of Union County NAACP as assistant secretary, the National Honors Society, and the local and state Superintendent’s Advisory Council.
Elizabeth Helms
Elizabeth is a graduate of Porter Ridge High School, with a 4.5 GPA, who will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study Psychology. Her goal is to become a clinical psychologist to help people, specifically young children. She served as student body president, National Art Honors Society president, and a Superintendent’s Council member. She also played on the varsity softball team.
Nathan Ladimir
Nathan is a graduate of Porter Ridge High School, with a 4.7 GPA. He plans to attend North Carolina State University to study Statistics. Nathan played and served as captian of the varsity tennis and soccer teams. He also serves on the Union County Superintendent Advisory Board, among several other honors, extra-curricular activities, and achievements.
Abigail Lukac
Abigail is a graduate of Piedmont High School with a 4.3 GPA who will attend Western Carolina University to study Mathematics. Abigail plans to use her degree to help others by either following in her parent’s footsteps and becoming a teacher or in business by helping people create more financial stability. Abigail was a member of the marching band, the National Honors Society, and the school’s Journalism Club.
Ashton Plyler
Ashton is a graduate of Parkwood High School, with a 3.4 GPA. He has plans to attend Wingate University to study Sports Marketing or Management in hopes of continuing his love for baseball and helping others. Ashton’s motto is: “Think it! Believe it! Live it!” and he is a firm believer in his ability to use the game of baseball to reach people. Ashton is a well-rounded student who has shown dedication to both academic and athletic achievement throughout his time in high school.