RALEIGH, N.C. — The NCRLA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA), proudly announces the recipients of its 2024–2025 scholarships. Thirteen students across North Carolina have been selected for their dedication to pursuing post-secondary studies in culinary arts, restaurant management, or related fields. These scholarships, totaling $38,500, support the next generation of hospitality professionals and were presented at the virtual 2024 NCRLA Foundation Excellence in Education Awards on June 26, 2024.
“We are thrilled to support these outstanding students who represent the future of our industry,” said NCRLA President & CEO Lynn Minges. “Their commitment to excellence and passion for hospitality inspires us, and we are proud to invest in their education and career development.”
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
- Davidson & Jones Hotel Corporation Scholarship
- Jaden Cross (Cary, NC) Attending NC State University
- Mary Margaret Traxler Scholarship
- Eja Robinson (Charlotte, NC) Attending Johnson & Wales University Charlotte
- William F. Carl Scholarship
- Cassidy Grubb (Winston-Salem, NC) Attending UNC Greensboro
- Haylee Gerard (Bryson City, NC) Attending Western Carolina University
- Jordan Howard (Denver, NC) Attending Johnson & Wales University Charlotte
- Emerson Hayes (Wake Forest, NC) Attending Emory and Henry College
- Vickie Clark-Flaherty Scholarship
- Georgia Kidd (Walnut Cove, NC) Attending Johnson & Wales University Charlotte
- Jimmy Alfano Scholarship
- Victoria Williams (Hawkinsville, GA) Attending Johnson & Wales University Charlotte
- Riley Tulppo (Wilson, NC) Attending Nash Community College
- Joshua Thornton (Greensboro, NC) Attending Johnson & Wales University Charlotte
- Pepsi “Service that Sells” Scholarship
- Cadence Coyne (Sneads Ferry, NC) Attending Cape Fear Community College
- LM Restaurants’ Family Scholarship
- Isabella Edwards (Wilmington, NC) Attending NC State University
- Sandra Dunn (Sanford, NC) Attending Wake Technical Community College
“These scholarships not only provide financial support but also recognize the hard work and dedication of students who aspire to make a difference in the hospitality industry,” added Minges. “We look forward to seeing their continued growth and contributions to our community.”
For more information on scholarships or grants distributed by the NCRLA Foundation, click here.
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About NCRLA Foundation
The NCRLA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, helping to enhance the hospitality industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The Foundation works to attract, develop, and retain a career-oriented professional workforce for the hospitality industry. For more information, please visit: https://www.ncrla.org/foundation.
NCRLA Foundation awards scholarships in partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. For more information, please visit www.nraef.org.
