WNC Communities is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the George H.V. Cecil Journey Scholarship. The scholarship program, which is made possible by a $3.1 million donation by the estate of George H.V. Cecil, provides renewable four-year scholarships to deserving high school seniors in Western North Carolina. The scholarship is available exclusively to high school seniors who live in or participate with a community involved in the WNC Honors Program through WNC Communities.
This year’s recipients are:
- Abigail Huter of Cedar Mountain in Transylvania County
- Addyson Sutherland of Big Ivy in Madison County
- Aubriana Hytner of Peak Creek in Ashe County
- Caroline Jenkins of Cedar Mountain in Transylvania County
- Eleura Clark of Center in Madison County
- Graham Caldwell of Upper Cartoogechaye in Macon County
- Hunter Garland of Buladean in Mitchell County
- Lucy Soucek of Foscoe in Watauga County
The 2025 scholars represent some of the best and brightest of Western North Carolina. Students are evaluated based on their character, academic potential, dedication to community service, and leadership. This year’s application cycle was one of the most competitive to date, and WNC Communities is proud to have these students represent the program.
This year’s students faced a challenging senior year, as Hurricane Helene affected not only Asheville but many surrounding rural communities. In some areas, schools were out of session for up to a month due to the storm. The young people receiving this scholarship were already dedicated to community service, whether by helping out at their local community center, participating in service clubs at school, or volunteering through places of worship. When the storm hit, they put their time and abilities towards disaster recovery.
“This year’s recipients stepped up for their communities during one of the most challenging times in recent memory,” said Jennifer Ferre, executive director of WNC Communities. “From clearing storm debris to helping with relief efforts, their commitment to service shines. Their resilience and heart embody the spirit of our mountain communities, and we are incredibly proud to support them on their journey”.
“I missed about a month of school but it felt like much more than that,” said Hunter Garland. A dedicated volunteer at the Buladean Community Center, Garland is this year’s recipient of the Premier scholarship. The Premier is the highest award level, which is given to a student who strongly embodies the core values of the scholarship. “…After the storm, I spent most of my time helping anyone that I could whether it was clearing brush or helping lift stuff,” said Garland. “When I wasn’t out helping people, I was at my community center volunteering.”
Addyson Sutherland, a volunteer at the Big Ivy Community Center, is this year’s recipient of the Pat Brinkley Shumlison Memorial Scholarship. This additional one-time award is given to a student for exceptional leadership, and honors another past leader of WNC Communities.
“Giving back to those living in western North Carolina was important to my father, and it’s an honor to continue his legacy through this program,” said Edie Cecil, WNC Communities’ Board of Directors member and George H.V. Cecil’s daughter. The scholarship program continues the storied legacy of Mr. Cecil and his family, who were dedicated to supporting the rural communities of western North Carolina. One of the founders of the WNC Honors program, Mr. Cecil served the program for 71 years, remaining an active member of the scholarship committee throughout his lifetime.