Gregory Norris Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Criteria

Graduating seniors from Watauga High School who plan to pursue a degree in a health-related field at a two or four-year college or university, and exhibit financial need, good character, and strong academics, in that order. The scholarship shall be renewable for up to three additional years as long as the recipient remains in good academic standing with the college or university and is progressing towards completion of a health-related degree.

About Gregory Newton Norris

At age 12, Gregory Newton Norris was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and the operation to treat it negatively impacted his physical health. He was an outgoing and active person who loved exploring the outdoors, new places and sports like football and baseball, so the physical impacts were difficult on him. Despite this, Norris had a “never say die” attitude and was known as a “living spirit.” Eventually, he became mobile again and graduated from Watauga High School in 1975. Sadly, the tumor returned but Norris never stopped going – he always wanted to see more and do more.

Norris died at the age of 21 after a long illness. He spent much of his life receiving health care from area hospitals and medical professionals, so his parents Eddie Paul Norris, an engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and Elizabeth “Lib” Clapp Norris, a teacher in Watauga County Schools, established this scholarship to aid Watauga High School students pursuing careers in health care.