2026 Tommy Woods Memorial Scholarship awarded to Brock Blizzard
Morehead High School graduate Brock Blizzard was awarded the 2026 Tommy Woods Memorial Scholarship which this year awarded $2,500.
Blizzard was an award-winning athlete and earned National Honors society while a student at Morehead High School. A member of the football and wrestling teams, he was named “All Conference” for four years in wrestling and for two years in football. Blizzard plans to attend Chowan University in the fall and study business and sports science. He will also continue playing football and hopes to one day coach it.
“I know that the lessons I’ve learned through sports go far beyond the field,” said Blizzard. “Sports can teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience, and I want to be someone who helps young athletes experience those benefits. […] Whether in the classroom, the weight room, or on the football field, I want to make a lasting impact by helping others grow, compete, and believe in themselves—just as my coaches have done for me.”
The Tommy Woods Memorial Scholarship is administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation and is annually awarded to a graduating senior from Morehead High School, located in Eden, North Carolina. The recipient must be a member of one the school’s athletic team, have exemplary moral character, and exhibit the same kind of spirit and dedication to their team as Tommy Woods.
The scholarship is named for former Morehead High School second baseman Tommy Woods, who dreamed of playing in the major leagues. He was one of the first Morehead High School baseball players scouted by pro teams and was evaluated by the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets his junior year in 1965. His dreams came to a halt when he was injured playing football for Morehead High School football team, suffering a broken neck and paralysis. With the help of the Morehead High School staff, teachers and students, Woods continued his coursework from his hospital bed and graduated with his classmates in June 1966. Although his dream of playing major league baseball was over, Woods believe that “God had other plans.” He lived a full life for another 44 years, inspiring those around him and being a role model through his work, church and community.
To learn more about the scholarship and the more than 130 other scholarships administered by NCCF, visit nccommunityfoundation.org/Scholarships.
About the North Carolina Community Foundation
The North Carolina Community Foundation transforms the collective generosity of our donors into a permanent source of community support, with a focus on the state’s rural areas.
NCCF partners with donors and a network of affiliates to sustain over 1,300 endowments totaling over $600 million in assets. More than $360 million has been awarded as grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students, creating stronger communities for generations to come.
To learn more about how we turn generosity into impact, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.