Lilly Hampton has loved theater since elementary school. But it wasn’t until she spent a semester serving as a student teacher for beginning theater students at Watauga High School that she realized she wanted to teach it herself.

That dream became more difficult after Hurricane Helene destroyed her family’s home. The financial and personal challenges that followed nearly convinced Lilly to put college on hold.

Despite those setbacks, Lilly remained active in Watauga High’s theater program, appearing in 10 productions over four years while also singing in the honors choir. She continued working part time and volunteered in her community following Hurricane Helene.

This fall, Lilly will begin pursuing an associate degree in arts at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute before a planned transfer to Appalachian State University to study theater education. Support from NCCF’s Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship will help keep that plan within reach despite the ongoing financial strain on her family caused by Helene.

“This scholarship allows me to concentrate on my studies without the extra burden of figuring out how to pay for my education,” Lilly said. “I hope to inspire generations of students to work together, be creative and discover a love for theater.”
— Lilly Hampton, 2026 NCCF Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholar