Beaver Creek High School Memorial Scholarship Fund

Criteria

Graduating seniors of Ashe County High School who have been admitted as full-time students to any accredited college or university. Eligible applicants shall have maintained an overall 3.0 grade point average from grades 10 through 12; demonstrated good character, and provide evidence of family financial need. Preference will be given to, but is not limited to, graduates who have not received other scholarships or grants. Evaluations shall include an essay to assess applicants’ communication skills.

About Beaver Creek High School

In 1953, three small high schools were consolidated to become Beaver Creek High School (BCHS) in southern Ashe County. BCHS graduated about 3,000 students in the 36 years before it was consolidated in 1999 with two other schools and became Ashe County High School. BCHS graduates have pursued careers in nursing, engineering, law and more, and have the faculty and teachers to thank for their success.

At the class of 1957 reunion in 2009, the idea of starting a scholarship in honor and memory of Beaver Creek High School was introduced. The class of 1957 reached out to the other classes, and support came from “eager beavers” everywhere.

The BCHS Memorial Scholarship, established at the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Ashe County affiliate, was then created to provide support for a deserving student at Ashe County High School to commemorate Beaver Creek High School.

The first award was given out in 2010. Over the years, the scholarship committee has steadily built the endowment and increased the scholarship amount as their investments have grown larger. Two $6,000 scholarships are now being awarded annually to deserving Ashe County High School graduates.

The committee aims to help as many students as possible, and there are now 14 Beaver Creek High School Memorial scholars who have received a total of $60,000 toward their college education. Many are already carrying on the Beaver legacy, contributing to their community — and some are adding their own contributions to the BCHS Memorial Scholarship fund.

The committee looks forward to the future of this “forever” scholarship – helping to keep the memory of BCHS alive.