Kayla Norris is the recipient of the 2022 Boost the Boro Scholarship award and a 2022 graduate of West Bladen High School. She will be attending North Carolina State University in the Fall to pursue a degree in Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine.
"My life's purpose is to work hard, succeed, and give back. My ultimate career goals are to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and to open and manage a successful practice in the field. I plan to return to my rural community to provide large breed veterinary services."
Kayla excelled at West Bladen, graduating with a GPA of 4.54. She served as a Junior Marshall and was in BETA all four years. Kayla made the Bladen Community College President's List, served as her Student Government Class Vice President and President of the West Bladen FFA. She was a West Bladen 2021 Peer Group Connections Leader and played on the West Bladen Volleyball team all four years. She is also a Small Business Owner and a member of the 4-H Club.
Kayla is the daughter of Michelle and Keith Norris.
Hannah Hester is the recipient of the 2022 Boost the Boro Scholarship award and a 2022 graduate of West Bladen High School. Hannah has also received Dual Enrollment Associate degrees in both Science and Art. She will attend East Carolina University in the Fall to obtain her degree in Communications Sciences & Disorders in pursuit of her career as a Speech and Communications Pathologist.
"College has always been a crucial element of my future plans. My mother always stressed the importance of obtaining a good education and I have always strived to do my best. I know my advanced education plays an integral part of my career choice and would love to be a part of our small town progress by returning home to offer my services to others."
At West Bladen, Hannah successfully maintained at least a 4.3 GPA and excelled in all of her classes. She was on the Varsity Cheer squad all four years and received the co-Captain title her sophomore year and Captain both her Junior and Senior years. Hannah played Varsity Soccer all four years at West Bladen. She served as a Junior Marshall and has been in BETA all four years. Hannah is also an active student member of Boost the Boro and has contributed many hours of Community service with Boost the Boro over the past 4 years.
Hannah is the daughter of Tammie and Rodney Hester and the late Dewayne Hester.
Class of 2020
2021 Recipient
Cara Beth Lewis
Cierra Byrd graduated from West Bladen High School with a cumulative GPA of 4.0 and is attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a major in Biology-Pre. She plans to enter medical school with a focus aimed at Pediatric Cardiology.
She was active at West Bladen High School and participated in several clubs. She served as Vice President of the Student Government and Secretary of the Beta Club, was both a JV and Varsity Cheerleader and graduated from Bladen Community College with two Associate Degrees.
In her free time, Cierra is very involved in both her Community and her Church, having participated in the Savannah Mission Project and Coloring for a Cure with the UNC Children’s Hospital.
“My passion to study medicine came about from a personal knee injury I received as a Cheerleader during my sophomore year. Through the surgery, pain and physical therapy, I saw first-hand how important it is for physicians to be both caring and compassionate. My goal, at the end of my educational experience, is to bring specialized medical services back to the community that has meant so much to me.”
Cierra is the daughter of Jessica Byrd and the Granddaughter of Billy and Linda Parnell.
If you would like to help us with future Scholarship Awards by making a donation, any amount will be greatly appreciated and will go directly into our Scholarship Fund Account.
For more information, please send a message to Boostheboro@gmail.com
or
Send your check to the following address
Boost the Boro, Inc.
P.O. Box 771
Bladenboro, NC 28320
Attention: Boost the Boro Scholarship Fund
Boost the Boro, Inc. Is an all-volunteer, Non Profit Corporation under Section 501 (c) (3) and was formed in 2007 by interested citizens of the community.
Abigail McLaughlin is the recipient of the 2022 Boost the Boro Scholarship award. Abigail is a 2022 graduate of West Bladen High School and will attend Bladen Community College in the Fall to pursue a degree in Music or Art
"College is necessary for me to reach my goals. I want to major in Music-Art Therapy. When I get my degree, I hope to go to nursing facilities, hospitals, and church to help the residents and members. So many people never have a visitor in a facility, and I feel that music and art therapy will provide some entertainment and be helpful to them."
Abigail spends a good deal of her time involved at her church. She works with her Galeed Baptist Church Awana Group and is also the pianist in her church youth band, "Home by 9".
Abigail excelled in high school at West Bladen finishing with a 4.2 GPA. She received many written accolades and praise from her teachers, most notably her outstanding work ethic and desire to achieve. She served as a Junior Marshall and was in BETA all four years. She was a member of the History Club, Art Club and FFA. She was in the West Bladen Band and a dual enrollee at Bladen Community College. She also made the honor roll or Superintendent's List every 9 weeks of High School.
Abigail is the daughter of Christopher McLaughlin
Kasee Lynae Singletary graduated from West Bladen High School with a cumulative GPA of 4.15. Kasee describes herself as being one who likes to help people and has been motivated to pursue her career in the health care field as a result of a positive experience when she was younger observing nurses help her Grandfather.
" I will begin my college studies this Fall at N.C. A&T State University and will pursue a degree in Nursing. My career goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist."
During high school, Kasee also feels the part-time jobs she had in high school taught her the importance of working under pressure, effective customer interaction and helped her develop her interpersonal skills. Kasee was also a member of the Beta Club, Knights College Ambassadors, Key Club and HOSA and was Vice President of the Student Government Association during her senior year. She also played both basketball and softball throughout high school years. During her free time, Kasee likes to read, go to the beach, binge watch Netflix and visit with her Grandmother in the nursing home.
Kasee is the daughter of Bridgette and Borisce Singletary.
Kailey M. Gause graduated from West Bladen High School with a cumulative GPA of 3.9.
"I will begin my college studies this Fall by attending Bladen Community College to receive my Associate’s Degree in Nursing and will continue at UNC-Pembroke to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. My career goal is to obtain a Masters in Nurse Midwifery."
Kailey feels her college experience will provide her with the educational requirements for her career choice, but also assist her in communication, leadership and problem solving skills, all necessary and important skills to make a positive contribution within her chosen profession and back to her community. During high school, Kailey was a member of the Beta Club, National Technical Honor Society, HOSA, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Government, Youth Legislative Assembly and was a West Bladen cheerleader. Kailey also started “Kailey’s Kloset” at West Bladen High School during her senior year that provided students access to school supplies and other personal products they may need on a grab and go procedure.
Kailey is the daughter of Tammy and Jeff Gause.
2022 Recipient
Hannah Hester
Alana Nichole King is a 2019 graduate of West Bladen High School with a cumulative GPA of 4.09 and has also received an Associate’s of Arts Degree from Bladen Community College as a dual enrollee. Alana is attending the University of North Carolina at Pembroke to pursue a degree in Education.
"My goal is to obtain a degree in Education and pursue a career as an Elementary School teacher".
Alana was a member of the Glee Club, FCA and Beta Club, where she competed on two separate occasions in special talent events at the annual Convention. Alana was also a member of the Yearbook staff all four years of high school and earned the title of Ads and Events section leader. She was a member of the West Bladen Volleyball team, played softball and was a member of the track team. Alana's favorite hobby is singing and is very active in her church youth group at New Light Church. She is a member of the Praise and Worship team and media team and also frequently volunteers at the local food pantry.
Alana is the daughter of Shelley and Allan King
2019 Recipient
Alana King
2018 Recipient
Elizabeth Allbright
Class of 2021
Elizabeth Allbright graduated from West Bladen High School with a cumulative GPA of 4.5. She is attending the University of North Carolina at Pembroke pursuing a major in Biology-Exercise Physiology and plans to continue her educational efforts and pursue a career in Physical Therapy with a concentration in injury recovery. She was very active at West Bladen and participated in several clubs, including the National Technical Honor Society, FFA, Dream Team, Beta Club and was elected as Treasurer of the Student Government her Senior year.
“Athletics and sports are my passion and I played volleyball, basketball and softball during my four years of High School. I want to help athletes and other with injuries be able to get back to the things they enjoy and are important to them. I have always wanted to help people in whatever career field I decided on and I know physical therapy is the right career path for me”.
Elizabeth is the daughter of Donald Allbright and the late Laura Albright.
2022 Recipient
Kayla Norris
Cara Beth Lewis is the recipient of the 2021 Boost the Boro Scholarship award. Cara Beth is a 2021 graduate of West Bladen High School and will attend Paul Mitchell the School in Fayetteville, North Carolina to pursue a career in cosmetology. After obtaining her license, she plans to open a salon in downtown Bladenboro. Paul Mitchell the School in Fayetteville is a prestigious Cosmetology School.
“I feel I have an opportunity to obtain the highest quality education in my field so I can be the best that I can possibly be. My community is so important to me, and I love Bladenboro. I am so excited at the prospects of becoming a business owner here and I hope I am able to make a positive difference in our town”
At West Bladen High School, Cara Beth was very active and involved in several clubs, organizations and extracurricular activities. She served as the North Carolina State Beta Club Secretary from 2020-2021 having been elected to this position by her fellow Beta members from across the state. She also won first place in the North Carolina Press Association 2020 news, editorial, and photojournalism contest in the category of Religion & Faith Reporting.
Cara Beth is also an active student member of Boost the Boro, and plans to continue her service in the organization for years to come.
Cara Beth is the daughter of Sheila and Terry Nance.
2018 Recipient
Cierra Byrd
2019 Recipient
Haley Hester
Haley Brooke Hester is a 2019 graduate of West Bladen High School with a cumulative GPA of 3.83 and has received Associate’s Degrees from Bladen Community College in both Arts and Science as a dual enrollee. Haley is attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington pursuing a degree in biology.
"I plan to continue my career as a Physician’s Assistant and return to Bladen County to provide affordable, quality health care".
Haley was a member of Beta Club, National Technical Honor Society, HOSA, FFA and Varsity Clubs. She was a Varsity cheerleader, studied dance with Dance Infinity and is active in the Foundation Bible Church. Haley is also a student member of Boost the Boro and contributed many hours of her free time in the downtown cleanup efforts after recent storms that devastated the Bladenboro area.
Haley is the daughter of Tammie and Rodney Hester and the late Dewayne Hester.
2020 Recipient
Kailey Gause
Class of 2022
Class of 2019
Class of 2018
Boost the ‘Boro, Inc.
Past Scholarship Award Winners
2022 Recipient
Abigail McLaughlin
2020 Recipient
Kasee Singletary