Centennial Scholarship Program 

The Program

Introduced by the North Carolina Textile Foundation in 1999 as a part of the College of Textiles' Centennial Celebration, Centennial Scholarships carry the greatest value among all scholarships at the College of Textiles. Furthermore, the Centennial Scholarship is among the highest valued scholarships offered at North Carolina State University.

Approximately ten $47,500 Centennial Scholarships will be awarded to the top applicants, and selection will be based upon demonstrated high academic achievement throughout high school with proven and potential leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and unique life experiences. Students must be nominated by his/her high school or home school for this award, or self-nominate between October 1st and the end of November.

This scholarship covers approximately 55% of expenses to attend NC State, and on-campus housing (or a stipend for an equal amount) and a meal plan (or predetermined allowance), with any remaining funds to be used as a stipend for books and travel expenses (for up to eight semesters). In addition, each Centennial Scholar will have access to a $7,500 enrichment fund that will allow him/her to participate in a variety of leadership, language immersion and international studies programs, attend international textile shows and benefit from other approved textile enrichment opportunities.

New for 2013

Thanks to the generosity of the Institute of Textile Technology (ITT), the College of Textiles will now be offered one full Centennial Scholarship* each year.

The Institute of Textile Technology continues to provide its "tradition of excellence" to the textile industry through its alliance with the College of Textiles and the NC Textile Foundation by funding the ITT Centennial Scholarship. The Institute's Mission is to provide leaders for the textile industry through education; therefore helping the textile industry meet today's challenges and to remain competitive. The Institute continues to serve the role originally assigned by its founding members by offering the ITT Centennial Scholarship to students majoring in Textiles at NCSU.

Following the interview process for the normal Centennial Scholarship program, one candidate out of the top ten highest ranked applicants will be chosen to receive the ITT Centennial Scholarship. The value of this scholarship is $20,000 per year (in-state or out-of-state), plus the additional $7,500 in enrichment funds available to all Centennial Scholars, bringing the total value of the ITT Centennial Scholarship to $87,500 over four years. To be considered, students need only apply for the Centennial Scholarship through the normal process.

*Full for in-state students

The Process

Each academic year, the College of Textiles will solicit every North Carolina high school, and selected out-of-state high schools for applicant nominations. Every high school and home school can nominate up to two candidates for the Centennial Scholars Program . All high school nominations are due to the College of Textiles by November 1st. Full instructions will be emailed to every nominee. Between October 1st and December 1st*, any student, not already nominated, who feels he/she meets or exceeds the selection criteria may nominate themselves by writing or e-mailing the College of Textiles to request access to the online application. Telephone calls will not constitute a self-nomination. There is no limit to the number of self-nominees coming from any one high school or home school. Self nominees should email Kent_Hester@ncsu.edu for more information.

All complete Centennial Scholarship applications should be submitted online(or by hard copy) to the College of Textiles by 5:00 p.m. EST on December 1st*.

Following an exhaustive selection process, finalists will be notified and invited to attend the Centennial Scholars weekend and interviews (typically in late January). The top ranked candidates from the interview process will be offered Centennial Scholarships . The next highest ranked candidates will be offered NCTF Scholarships, and the next, NCTF Prestige Scholarships.

*When December 1st falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline for Centennial Scholarship Applications will be 5:00 p.m. EST on the Monday following December 1st.

2012-2013 Centennial Scholars

Kelly Marie Bates

Kelly Marie Bates - from Apex, NC, graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Math. While in high school, Kelly was an active member of Girl Scouts, Troop 1842, and recently completed the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts. During high school, Kelly has been involved with Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) and played saxophone in the pep band. She has also served as captain of her Varsity Softball team. She also attended the College of Textiles' Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) prior to her senior year in high school. Kelly is very interested in new materials for military combat and plans to pursue a degree in Textile Engineering.

Christina Malene Blair

Christina Malene Blair - from Sanford, NC, graduated from Lee County High School. Christina maintained an outstanding GPA while being involved in various activities in her high school and in the community, along with taking AP courses to prepare her for college. Christina was a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Key Club, and the Mock United Nations Steering Committee where she has held various office positions. Christina was also a member of the Varsity Golf Club where she was captain, received a Coach's Award, and Most Valuable Player Award. Christina also created the Brave Bags service project. She plans to pursue a degree in Polymer and Color Chemistry.

Renee Eileen Graff

Renee Eileen Graff - from York, PA, graduated from York Suburban High School. Throughout high school, Renee excelled academically and was awarded both Honor Roll and Distinguished Honor Roll awards. Additionally, she was very active with music, serving as Flute Section Leader in 2010 and Drum Major in 2011 of the high school Marching Band. Renee is a member of the National English Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, National French Honor Society, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. In addition to these accomplishments, Renee loved to volunteer at the Village Library in Jacobus and participated as a small group leader at her church. Renee plans to pursue a degree in Fashion & Textile Design.

Samuel "Hunter" Hendrick

Samuel "Hunter" Hendrick - from Holly Springs, NC graduated from Wake Early College of Health and Sciences. He volunteers at his community church where he also plays drums in the praise band and also plays guitar. He has traveled to India with his church group on a mission trip to help the less fortunate. He has earned his EMT certification and has interned at Wake Med Hospital, and continues to work with the EMS as a volunteer EMT. Hunter eventually plans to become an Emergency Room Physician and plans to double major in Textile Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.

Brian Christopher Iezzi

Brian Christopher Iezzi - from Gastonia, NC, graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). During high school, he focused on his research at the University of NC at Charlotte and the NCSSM and was a Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award Finalist. Brian completed a comprehensive energy audit on two separate buildings on the NCSSM campus and he was also a member of the Model UN. Outside of class, Brian played varsity tennis, varsity basketball and enjoyed being the mascot. In his spare time, he volunteered at a special needs school and with Habitat for Humanity. He also enjoys scuba diving and playing the didgeridoo. Brian plans to pursue a double degree in Textile Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering or Business.

Robert "Bobby" William Keefe

Robert "Bobby" William Keefe - from Raleigh, NC, graduated from William G. Enloe High School. Bobby was named an AP Scholar with Distinction, has been on the Honor Roll throughout high school, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Bobby has also been very involved with choir and theatre, participating in the Raleigh Boychoir and multiple Community Theatre productions. He attended the College of Textiles Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP), and plans to pursue a degree in Textile Technology.

Emily Kathryn McGuinness

Emily Kathryn McGuinness - from Lewis Center, OH, graduated from Olentangy High School. Emily is a violinist and served as president of her high school's orchestra program. She was also very involved in the theatre program as a dedicated member of the crew. She served a head of the theater crew for a multitude of shows and was inducted into the International Thespian Society where she served as Publicity Chair. In addition to these accomplishments, Emily was a Scholar Athlete, National Merit Commended Scholar, and a National AP Scholar. She was a recipient of the Honda-Ohio State University Partnership Math Medal and she will also be a Park Scholar at NC State. Emily plans to major in Textile Engineering.

Sarah Anne Paluskiewicz

Sarah Anne Paluskiewicz - from Rochester, NY, graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School. Sarah was a member of the National Honor Society, Campus Ministry Board, and DECA. She placed 5th at the 2011 DECA International Competition in the area of Business Services Marketing and served as president of her chapter for the 2011-2012 year. Sarah was also a recipient of the Rochester Institute of Technology Creativity and Innovation Scholarship, which is based on achievements in innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, and was selected to intern in the MRI lab to work with a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Machine at the institution. This research was presented at the Rochester Academy of Sciences with her partner and advising professor. Moreover, with 389 essay entries, she was a Cornell Essay Finalist with only 6 finishing above her level. Sarah held the highest New York State title (State Champion) in her archery division between 2005 and 2009, and participated in the Junior Olympic Archer Division. Sarah will be a Park Scholar at NC State and plans to pursue a double degree in Polymer and Color Chemistry and Textile Engineering.

Emily Susan Price

Emily Susan Price - from New Bern, NC, graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Math. Emily was a 2011 National Merit Finalist, scoring in the top 1% of students who took the PSAT. She was also one of fifty students chosen to do research and participate in the NCSSM Mentorship Program. Emily was a member of Girl Scouts for several years, where she earned the Gold Award. She was also an active member of her youth group, participating in several mission trips and service projects. Emily played on her high school's varsity soccer team as a goalkeeper and has been certified by the U.S. Soccer Federation as a referee since 2008. Emily attended the College of Textiles Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) and plans to major in Textile Engineering with a concentration in Chemical Processing.

Shannon Darcey Tart

Shannon Darcey Tart - from Benson, NC, graduated from South Johnston High School. Shannon's dedication to excelling in academics led her to receive the Skills USA State Leadership Award, as well as the Quintiles Women in Science Award. She was also the first junior in her high school to ever receive the AP Calculus Highest Average Award. Shannon was captain of the JV Volleyball team, captain of the Varsity Volleyball team, and received the Coach's Award. She was also a member of the track team and earned All-Academic and All-Conference Awards all four years of high school. Shannon not only volunteered with Special Olympics, but has completed mission work in Atlanta and Asheville. Shannon received the Women's Scholar Athlete Award through her high school and she attended both Summer Ventures in Science & Mathematics and Governor's School. Shannon plans to pursue a degree in Textile Engineering.

Caroline "Nicole" Trader

Caroline "Nicole" Trader - from Lake Junaluska, NC, graduated from Tuscola High School where she was Valedictorian of her graduating class. Nicole's academic dedication earned her straight A's throughout high school and recognition as the 2011 Most Outstanding AP English Student by the College Board. She has held leadership positions in a broad range of organizations including the National Honor Society, International Club, and the Ecology Club. Furthermore, she was captain of the Junior Varsity Cheerleading Team, and earned the JV Cheerleading Excellence in Leadership Award. Nicole was also highly involved in her church. As a member of the First United Methodist Church Youth Group, she took part in many community mission and outreach programs, such as "Day of Caring," "Fishes and Loaves," "Young at Heart Luncheon," and "The Pumpkin Patch." She also attended Governor's School. Nicole intends to pursue a degree in Polymer and Color Chemistry.

Previous Recipients of the Centennial Scholarship