Scholarships Help High School Grads Pursue Skilled Trades Careers

A local high school alumni group is paying it forward by investing in the next generation of students.

The Freedom High School Class of 1974 donated $1,500 to the Western Piedmont Foundation to offer three $500 scholarships to graduates of Freedom High School who enroll in skilled trades programs at Western Piedmont Community College.

Carol Ervin, a member of the 1974 class, recalled how she and her fellow students became a significant part of Burke County history.

“We were the first senior class to graduate from Freedom,” Ervin said. “We recalled the challenges of bringing four schools together, with our class having only a year to gel and develop relationships.”

The group came up with the idea of providing scholarships last year as part of its milestone 50-year reunion celebration.

“We felt this one should be special, so we decided to move forward with a renewed focus on the school and the current students,” Ervin said. “We bounced around several ideas on how best to honor them in ways that would have a more lasting impact. We decided on the scholarship early on. It seemed a logical step to honor FHS graduates and show our continued support of the school.”

The scholarships are funded solely through class member donations. The group decided to focus support on skilled trades students training in building construction technology, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work and welding.

“We saw it as a great opportunity not only to support Freedom, but to help launch individuals into much needed skills in our community,” Ervin said. “A lot of our class members no longer live here. Doing something that could possibly benefit the growth and progress in our community was important to us all.”

She invited FHS grads who have been thinking about going into skilled trades to apply for the scholarship so they can help rebuild the Burke County area post-Hurricane Helene.

“Though progress has been made, the damage from last fall’s hurricane is still evident in our community,” Ervin said. “There is great potential for change, restoration and growth. The skills and talents needed to make this happen can surely be found here at home. I would encourage any FHS graduate who has dreamed of developing or perfecting their skills to consider this opportunity.”

She added that she hopes the scholarship initiative “will inspire other alumni to follow our lead in supporting the students and the school.”

Michael Daniels, WPCC dean of applied technologies, expressed appreciation for the class members’ support of WPCC students.

“Western Piedmont Community College and the building construction trades program are deeply appreciative of the Freedom High School Class of 1974’s generous donations of three one-time $500 scholarships to Freedom High School graduates who enroll in skilled trades programs at WPCC. WPCC and Freedom High School have enjoyed a long and positive partnership in the trades, and these scholarships take that partnership to the next level. Burke County remains in desperate need of skilled trades graduates from our now expanded and improved programs. These scholarships will help ensure that three more Freedom High School students are able to continue their academic and professional trades careers.”

Mackenzie Bostian Adams, executive director of the Western Piedmont Foundation, agreed.

“We are deeply grateful for the generous donation made to establish a scholarship supporting Freedom High School graduates pursuing careers in the skilled trades,” Adams said. “This meaningful gift will provide critical financial assistance to individuals working hard to build bright futures in the skilled trades field. This scholarship opportunity is more than just a financial resource – it’s an investment in the future of our workforce and in the talents and dreams of those who keep our communities running strong.”

To apply for the scholarship, download an application at https://bit.ly/4dPORMB or scan the QR code.

To learn more about the Western Piedmont Foundation and how you can make a difference in the lives of students, visit wpcc.edu/foundation or call 828-448-3123.