Asheboro City Schools Education Foundation applications will open again in 2027 (The 2026 Application cycle is closed). - Students will complete an online application
- Some scholarships require letter(s) of recommendation. It is suggested that ALL students provide letters of recommendation to increase opportunities for scholarships awarded to him/her. Letters of recommendation were due in to Student Services by April 1, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
- All applicants will be required to attend in-person interviews with the Asheboro City Schools Education Foundation Board of Directors.
The following scholarships are available to qualifying seniors from Asheboro High School.
Cone Health Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a senior who is pursuing a degree in a healthcare related field. The recipient demonstrates good moral character, is involved in extra-curricular activities, demonstrates service to the community, and must be accepted to an accredited two or four-year college, university, or community college.
Katie Bunch Servant Leadership Scholarship: was established in memory of Asheboro High School alumni, teacher, mentor, and friend, Katie Bunch. Two scholarships will be awarded to students (one male and one female) who have demonstrated capacity to serve in a leadership role at Asheboro High School (Student Council participant, preferred).
Ruby B. Smith Memorial Scholarship: Ruby Bass Smith was a beloved math teacher at AHS. Former students, family and friends established this scholarship to pay tribute to her legacy. It is awarded to a senior in the top 25 percent of the class who has taken AP Calculus or College Calculus. Preference is given to a student pursuing a degree in the math or science field.
- Along with the completed scholarship application, the student must submit a statement outlining college and career aspirations.
- A letter of recommendation is required from a math or science teacher from the student's junior or senior year.
Lee J. Stone Scholarship: Lee J. Stone coached at AHS from 1949-1065, winning three state championships. This scholarship is awarded to a student participating in more than one North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSSA)-sanctioned sport who exhibits sportsmanship, is involved in community service projects or volunteer clubs, and has been accepted to a two or four-year college or university. Preference is given to football players, in the top 25% of class, and with demonstrated financial need.
The Diane L. Frost Centennial Scholarship: Former ACS superintendent, Dr. Diane Frost, spearheaded efforts to raise funds during the ACS 100th Birthday in 2005. It is awarded to a student who excels in all aspects of student life: classroom, community, athletics and extracurricular activities. Preference is given to students who have shown excellence and/or a desire to have a career connected to math, music, education, and/or leadership.
The Derek Kesler Scholarship: Derek Kesler, an 1998 AHS graduate, was a student-athlete, was tragically killed in an automobile accident, along with his father. Applicants must have a sound academic record (in the top 25% of their class), with preference given to financial need and good character.
- Three recommendations, including one from a current teacher, are required for this scholarship.
Laura Lisk Memorial Scholarship: established in memory of Asheboro High School alumni, Ms. Laura Lisk. Laura embodied the Blue Comet spirit and was kind, intelligent, and a joy to be around. Her parents, Reynolds and Mary Lisk, established this scholarship for a senior female athlete (preference to a soccer player), who exhibited sportsmanship throughout the entire athletic career. Criteria also includes involvement in community service projects or volunteer clubs.
Shann Redding Scholarship for Excellence: This is the oldest scholarship of the ACS Education Foundation. It is awarded to one student who has been accepted into college and has been involved in extra-curricular activities while at Asheboro High School.
Lisa Robertson Memorial Scholarship: Ms. Lisa Robertson was a former ACS PE teacher and softball coach. This scholarship is awarded to a student participating in a North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSSA)-sanctioned sport who exhibits sportsmanship (preference to a female softball player), is involved in community service projects or volunteer clubs, and has been accepted to a two or four-year college or university. Preference is also given to students with demonstrated financial need.
The Brooke Upchurch Phillips Scholarship: Brooke Upchurch Phillips was a graduate of Asheboro High School who lost her life in a car accident. The scholarship is given to a senior ranking in the top 25% of the class who is a North Carolina Scholar, enrolled in honors/AP courses, and has demonstrated effort in school, community, and employment activities.
The Dr. Bob W. Gordon Scholarship: This is given in honor of Dr. Gordon, who served as superintendent for Asheboro City Schools. Applicants must have a 'B' average or better and pursuing a career in the field of education or a related field (social work, school counselor) at a four-year university. Preference is given to those with financial need and good character.
The Richard Harrington Scholarship: This scholarship is given in memory of Richard Harrington, a former Asheboro educator, to a senior who plans to pursue a career in education or a related field. The students should be in the top 20% of their class, with preference given to financial need and good character.
The Lee Phoenix Scholarship: The Lee Phoenix Scholarship was established by Anita Phoenix in honor of her husband's service in education, including time as principal of AHS and superintendent of ACS. It is awarded to a student interested in a career in education who demonstrates financial need and is in the top 25% of the class. The student must demonstrate good moral character and be involved in extra-curricular activities.
Curt Lorimer Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship in memory of former Asheboro City Schools administrator, Mr. Curt Lorimer, who had a long ACS career as an assistant principal, principal, and Central Office director. This scholarship is awarded to a student in the top 20% of the class, involved in extracurricular activities, and planning to attend Randolph Community College.
Diana Burge Scholarship Award in English: This was established in honor of Asheboro High School English teacher, yearbook advisor, and AHS alumna, Diana Johnson Burge. Recipient must be a top literary student, in the top 25% of their class, and display a heart for serving others. This scholarship is awarded annually based on a nomination from the AHS English Department faculty. The recipient must be accepted to an accredited two or four-year college or University, with preference given to females demonstrating financial need.
Ida Ruth Alman Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of Ms. Ida Ruth Alman, a retired teacher from Charles W. McCrary Elementary School. This scholarship is awarded to a senior considering a career in education (preferably elementary education) who is in the top 25% of their class and demonstrated financial need.
The Sam Ramsey Chick-fil-A Legacy Scholarship: This scholarship was established under the leadership of Foundation current trustee Sam Ramsey and former trustee David Cross. It is awarded to a senior who has excelled academically at Asheboro High School, is involved in extracurricular activities, and maintains a part-time job in the community. Preference is given to students interested in going into a business/financial related field; are (or were) employed in good standing with Chick-Fil-A; demonstrate financial need; and are known for their good character.
The J.B. and Claire Davis Scholarship of Excellence: This scholarship recognizes a student who has excelled academically at AHS. The student must be accepted to an accredited two or four-year college or university and be in the top 25 percent of the class. The student must demonstrate good moral character and be involved in a variety of extracurricular activities - school or community. Preference areas: planning to attend ECU or RCC, baseball player, member of the golf team, or someone going into a business-related field.
- This scholarship requires two letters of recommendation (can be from a teacher, coach, employer, etc.)
Christine Fennell Scholarship: Established in loving memory of retired Asheboro City Schools educator, Christine Fennell. It is awarded to someone going into the education field (preference to a female, financial need, student-athlete, and/or musician).The student should be in the top 25% of their class, with demonstrated good character.
B. Frank Barham Scholarship: The B. Frank Barham Excellence in Mathematic Award is presented to a member of the senior class who has completed AP Calculus, or College Calculus, is ranked in the Top 20% of the class, going into a math/science related field. The recipient must be accepted into college and have displayed skill and enthusiasm for the study of mathematics.
Richard Morgan Scholarship: The Mr. Richard Morgan was established for longtime AHS choral director, Richard Morgan. This scholarship is awarded based on a nomination from the current chorus teacher at AHS to a standout choral student.
C. Reitzel Smith Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a student in the top 20 percent of the class and preference is given to a student entering the field of business, finance, or marketing. The recipient demonstrates good moral character, is involved extra-curricular activities, demonstrates service to the community, and must be accepted to an accredited two or four-year college or university. Preference goes to any student with financial need and good character.
Pam Hill Scholarship: This scholarship was established by the Hill family in honor of Pam Hill's service to the Asheboro City Board of Education and her lifelong commitment to public service. It is awarded to a student who is planning a civic-minded career. Preference is given to any students with financial need and good character.
The Dr. Gurdial and Mrs. Surinder Walha: This scholarship was established by Dr. Sue Walha in honor of her in-laws and their love for education. It is awarded to a female student ranking in the top 10% of the graduating class, who has successfully completed courses in advanced math and/or science, and plans to pursue a career in the medical field.
Class of 1972 Memorial Scholarship: Created in memory of classmates, by classmates, at the time of their 50th Class Reunion, this scholarship is awarded to a senior who has been accepted to a college, university, or community college in North Carolina. The recipient should be of good moral character, and be in the top 25% of their class academically. They should be involved in extra-curricular activities, or maintain a part-time job in the community. Preference given to financial need.
- Applicants must provide two recommendations, one from a current teacher, and one from a community member.
Eddie Luck Memorial Scholarship: The scholarship was established by the Luck family in memory of 1978 graduate, Mr. Robert Edward "Eddie" Luck, Jr., an standout wrestler. This scholarship is awarded to an avid student-athlete who demonstrates sportsmanship and has excelled in the classroom.
The Mildred Chriscoe Scholarship: The scholarship is awarded in memory of Mildred Chriscoe, who gave 45 years of service to Asheboro City Schools. The scholarship is awarded to female going into a business/financial-related field. Preference is given to any students with financial need and good character.
Kathryn Cherry Needham Memorial Scholarship: It was established in 2022 in memory of Asheboro High School alumni, Kathryn Cherry Needham. This scholarship is to be awarded to a female in the Top 25% of their class and planning to pursue a career in the medical field upon graduation from a college or university. Preference is given to students with financial need and good character.
Joyce Harrington Scholarship of Excellence: Established in honor of 34-year veteran of the Asheboro City Board of Education, Mrs. Joyce Harrington, this scholarship is awarded to a student who has excelled in the classroom and been involved in community service, athletics, and/or extracurricular activities. Preference given to financial need, good character, community service, or a student who excelled in English studies.
The Charles Spivey Memorial Scholarship: Charles Spivey was a member of the ACS family for many years before he passed away in 2011. This scholarship is awarded to a senior who is ranked in the top 25% of the class, with preference given to financial need and good character.
The Betty Wilson Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established in 2025 by long-standing Board of Education member, Gidget Kidd, in honor of her mother, Betty Wilson, a longtime health care professional. This should be awarded to a senior who is ranked in the top 25% of the class, with preference given to financial need, good character, and females going into nursing or other medical fields.
The Zack Thornburg Memorial Scholarship: Zack Thornburg graduated from AHS in 1977. After college, he returned to AHS and served as a math teacher and coach, and later as an assistant principal. This scholarship is awarded to one student who has been in good standing on the wrestling or football team. Preference is given to students going to a community college, with financial need, and exhibiting good character.
The T. Henry Redding Scholarship for Achievement: The T. Henry Redding Scholarship is awarded to a senior who is ranked in the top 20 percent of the class, and plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall. It is in honor of Mr. Redding by his family and the Foundation. It is renewable, provided the student maintains a 2.75 GPA. It is the student's responsibility to reach out to the ACS Education Foundation, treasurer, Ms. Kristen Wright, each year with a copy of their transcript.
The William H. Redding Scholarship for Excellence: The William H. Redding Scholarship was established by Acme-McCrary and the Sapona Foundation in honor of Mr. Redding's service to the Asheboro Community. The recipient must be ranked in the top 10 percent of the class, planning to attend UNC-Chapel Hill, and has been active in extracurricular activities.
Allen Tate Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to one student who has been accepted into college.
Braxton Montgomery Scholarships: There are two scholarships established in memory of Braxton Montgomery, a 2021 graduate of AHS. One was developed by Braxton's mother, Melissa Koskelowski, and the other by Braxton's grandmother, Pattie Stepbach. Scholarships are awarded to students who plan to attend a NC community college. Preference is given to a male with financial need.