Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Club awards leadership scholarships – The Mountaineer
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS — Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Club recipients of the Servant Leadership Scholarship are Nylie Roberts (Tuscola High School), Scout Messer (Pisgah High School and Haywood Early College) and Isaiah Vanoordt (Pisgah High School).
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS — Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Club recipients of the Servant Leadership Scholarship are Nylie Roberts (Tuscola High School), Scout Messer (Pisgah High School and Haywood Early College) and Isaiah Vanoordt (Pisgah High School).
The Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Club has named three students for its 2025 Servant Leadership Scholarships, awarded to students who demonstrate academic promise, a commitment to service, and a desire to lead with purpose.
The scholarship is designed to recognize and empower young servant leaders who are preparing to make meaningful contributions to their communities through education and action.
“These young leaders embody the Rotary ideal of ‘Service Above Self,’” said Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Club member Lane Perry. “We are honored to invest in their journeys and confident they will make lasting impacts in their communities and beyond.”
Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward their pursuit of a two- or four-year degree. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, totaling a potential $4,000 in support.
• Nylie Roberts, Tuscola High School
Roberts plans to attend Western Carolina University. In addition to her work in customer service and as an HR intern, Nylie has long been committed to service through her church, particularly at local soup kitchens and the First United Methodist Church annual pancake breakfast.
“There’s no better feeling than helping feed the community,” she shared, reflecting on her experience of serving and receiving support during times of need.
• Scout Messer, Pisgah High School and Haywood Early College
Messer is pursuing a career in nursing. Her volunteer work through the National Honor Society and with Operation Christmas Child has deepened her commitment to health care and her desire to serve others with compassion.
“This scholarship will allow me to focus on my education and become a nurse who can truly make a difference,” she said.
• Isaiah Vanoordt, Pisgah High School
Vanoordt plans to study computer science and astronomy at UNC Asheville. His passion for citizen science through his astronomy study and service to his community has been clear through his involvement with Wreaths Across America, where he honored veterans by placing wreaths at their gravesites.
“It was a powerful way to give back and show respect to those who served,” he reflected.
In addition, Ashley Rathbone has successfully completed her first year on the scholarship and has renewed for a second year after her success at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College during the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Club scholarships are awarded annually through the Haywood County Schools Foundation.
The Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Club, part of Rotary International — a global network of over 1.2 million members — continues its mission to support local youth through leadership development, service and education. Funds for the Servant Leadership Scholarship are raised through the club’s annual 5K Turkey Trot, a community event that brings people together to promote health, service and opportunity.
For more information, contact Lane Perry at lanegravesperry@gmail.com.
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