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HICKORY — The board of directors of the Patrick Beaver Scholarship Foundation announced its 2024 scholarship recipients.
The Patrick Beaver Scholarship Foundation is a private foundation that distributes four-year college scholarships to deserving students each spring. The foundation is named for Patrick Beaver, a Hickory native who attended Hickory Public Schools and was a rising senior at Christ School in Arden, North Carolina, when he died in 1997.
Patrick Beaver Scholars are required to possess strong character, solid academics and clear educational goals. Applications are accepted each spring from local high school students. This year, each recipient receives a college scholarship totaling $20,000 over a four-year period.
The 2024 scholarship recipients are Britnee Bensinger, Ella Cecil, Amylyn De Paz-De Paz, Taylor Ramseur, and Candy Reyes-Monterossa.
• Britnee Bensinger, a Magna Cum Laude graduate, will be attending North Carolina State University and plans to major in microbiology. Britnee has received several honors and recognitions, including completion of the North Carolina Govenor’s School of Natural Science program and being named to the president’s list at Catawba Valley Community College. Britnee has served as the president of the CVCC Science Club, a member of the Hickory Youth Council, Black Experience Club, Greater Hickory International Council, STEM Club, student government and yearbook committee. Britnee is the daughter of Margret Harmon and William Bensinger.
• Ella Cecil, a Summa Cum Laude graduate, will be attending Appalachian State University and plans to major in business. Ella served as a junior marshal, was named Internship Honors Student of the Year, Spanish 2 Student of the Year, and named a CVAC All-Conference tennis player. In addition to her academics, Ella volunteered and held an internship at The Corner Table Community Kitchen. Ella was an active member of Student Council, National Technical Honor Society, co-vice-president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the Juniorettes, and the public relations officer for the Catawba County Youth Council. She was also a member of the school’s golf and tennis teams and served as a camp counselor at Camp Linn Haven. Ella is the daughter of Jody and Matt Cecil.
• Amylyn De Paz-De Paz, a Summa Cum Laude graduate, will be attending Duke University. Amylyn has received several honors and recognitions including being named to the Catawba Valley Community College president’s list as well as junior marshal. In addition to her academics, Amylyn has served as a member of the BETA Club, Yearbook Club, Dream Reader’s Program Manager, violinist with the Western Piedmont Symphony and Rio Poderoso Church children’s ministry lead teacher. Additionally, Amylyn has written and directed three plays for the children at her church. Amylyn is the daughter of Esthela De Paz and Jose Blanco.
• Taylor Ramseur, will be attending East Carolina University and plans to major in nursing. Taylor was a member of the BETA Club, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. In addition to her academics, Taylor was a member of the school volleyball, basketball and softball teams. She served as a Women’s Huddle Leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a member of the Charity Club and Scrub Club.
• Candy Reyes-Monterrosa, a Cum Laude graduate, will be attending North Carolina State University to major in social work. Candy was the editor-in-chief of the yearbook, student government member, Homework Helpers tutor and a member of the St. Luke’s Choir. In addition to her academics, Candy completed an internship at the Council on Adolescents. Candy is the daughter of Magdalena Monterroza.
The board of directors of the Patrick Beaver Scholarship Foundation offers its congratulations to the 2024 Patrick Beaver Scholars.
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