By Jeff Mault, Old Ford Ruritan Club president

The Old Ford Ruritan Club recently awarded scholarships to six deserving area students: Amy Arnold, Alex Bowen, Hunter Nichols, Hollyanne Rogers, Dylan Tripp and Will Phelps.

Each student was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $500 to help further their education. Recipients are chosen based on their connection to the Old Ford Community, academic achievement and community service.

Misty Walker, principal of Washington High School addressed the students concerning their “inner compass.” She emphasized the importance of adhering to family values such as honesty, integrity and community service that have been instilled in each of us by our parents and community members.

Amy Arnold is the daughter of Melinda and Andrew Arnold of Washington and is planning to attend N.C. State University and major in horticulture. She hopes to return to Beaufort County and contribute to educating the public about agriculture and improve the community’s agricultural awareness.

Alex Bowen is the son of Kathy and Eddie Bowen of Washington. Alex will be attending East Carolina University and studying to be a health and fitness specialist.  He plans to continue his education by pursuing a degree in physical therapy.

Hunter Nichols is the son of Susan and Mike Nichols of Washington and plans to attend Beaufort County Community College and later transfer to a N.C. State or ECU to pursue a degree in business.

Hollyanne Rogers is the daughter of Diane and Thomas Rogers of Washington and will attend Martin Community College where she will pursue a degree as a physical therapy assistant. She then plans to pursue a bachelor’s of exercise science and a doctorate in physical therapy at ECU.

Dylan Tripp is the son of Sharon and Errol Tripp of Chocowinity and is currently pursuing a degree in chemical engineering at N.C. State University. Upon graduation, he plans to return to Beaufort County and contribute to making it a better place to work and live.

Will Phelps is the son of Brenda and Joey Phelps of Washington and is attending N.C. State University and working towards a four-year degree in agriculture. In the future, he hopes to make an impact in the agriculture industry.

The Old Ford Ruritan Club is proud to have served the Old Ford and surrounding communities for 65 years. Ruritan clubs are comprised of community people helping to meet community needs. The Ruritan motto is “Fellowship, Goodwill and Community Service.”  The Old Ford Ruritan Club meets every first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the club house at 48 N.C. Highway 171 North in the Old Ford Community. Anyone interested in Ruritan and serving the community is welcomed to attend. For more information, contact Jeff Mault at 252-946-3388.