Welcome to the Davidson County Education Foundation

The Davidson County Education Foundation awards each year over $35,000 in scholarships to qualifying seniors enrolled in Davidson County Schools. Selection criteria, values, and deadlines vary. DCEF scholarships are intended recipients to reach their full potential by continuing their education beyond high school.

• Applications for scholarships may be completed by submitting this form no later than April 1.  
• Be sure that you click the check box for ONLY the scholarship(s) for which you wish to apply.
• Students may apply for more than one scholarship without submitting the scholarship application form multiple times. One form submission per student, please. 
• Please note the scholarship descriptions/restrictions listed on this web page.
• Applicants will need to visit your school counselor before completing/submitting the application form and ask your school counselor to email you a PDF copy of your most recent transcript. Uploading your transcript is required. You should save that transcript on the device you plan to use to complete this form so that you will have it available to upload.
• Applicants are required to have two online recommendations in order for your application to be considered. Recommenders that you choose will complete an online form for you (letters of recommendation are not accepted). Applicants should not ask immediate family members to complete the recommendation. Send this link to your two recommenders: https://bit.ly/DCEF-Scholarship-Recommendation  
• Applications that are incomplete or missing information will not be considered.
• If you have additional questions, please visit your school counselor.

These scholarships are available to seniors attending any Davidson County Schools high school:

• Peggy Barnhardt Scholarship was established for a student who plans to enter a four-year degree program pursuing a career in the field of music.  One time award of $1,000.00
• Brighter Future Scholarship was established to assist a deserving senior in Davidson County Schools who plans to attend a two-year college and who demonstrates financial need, academic achievement, leadership skills and good morals.  One time award of $1,000.00
• E. Lawson Brown Scholarship was established for student who is in need of financial assistance and plans to enter a four-year degree program pursuing a career as a teacher in the public schools.  One time award of $1,000.00
• Thad Hartley Scholarship was established to assist a deserving senior in the Davidson County Schools who is in need of financial assistance and who plans to enter a four-year degree program pursuing a career in the field of business or business education.  One time award of $500.00
• Clate Huffman Scholarship was established to assist a deserving senior in the Davidson County Schools in need of financial assistance and plans to enter a four-year degree program pursuing a career as a teacher in the public schools. One time award of $600.00
• Janice Rogers Kruer Scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing a degree in the fine arts (visual art, music, theatre, or dance). The scholarship is given in memory of Ms. Kruer’s tireless dedication to developing students’ love and appreciation for art throughout her 30+ years of teaching art in public schools.  One time award of $500.00
• Wayne Shoaf/Home Trust Bank Scholarship was established to assist a deserving senior in the Davidson County Schools who is in need of financial assistance and plans to enter a two or four-year degree program pursuing a career in business. Selection will be based upon financial need, school and community service, and the desire to pursue a career in business. One time award of $500.00
• DCEF Scholarship (Two-Year School) established to assist a deserving senior in the Davidson County Schools who needs financial assistance and plans to enter a two degree program. Selection will be based upon depth of character, academic potential, school/community service, and financial need. One time award of $1,000.00
• DCEF Scholarship (Four-Year School) was established to assist a deserving senior in the Davidson County Schools who needs financial assistance and plans to enter a four-year degree program. Selection will be based upon depth of character, academic potential, school/community service, and financial need. One time award of $1,000.00
• The Carol Fritts Brinkley Scholarship is available for teacher assistants employed by Davidson County Schools who are pursuing a 4 year degree in education as well as Davidson County residents who are graduating in the two-year college transfer program from DDCC and have been accepted at a four-year college pursuing teaching degree. Applications are available from school principals beginning February 15, or by request from dcefnc@gmail.com. One time award of $1,000.00
• The Thomas Mathews Scholarship is available to children of employees of SII Dry Kilns awarded annually in an amount up to $1,000.00. Any qualified employee’s child who is graduating from high school or has graduated and is under the age of 21 and plans to attend an accredited community college or four year college or university in an undergraduate program will be eligible to compete for the scholarship. Additional information regarding employee requirements is available from the company’s Human Resource Department.

Scholarships available to seniors at Central Davidson High School

• Robin Waitman Fulp Scholarship established by her family to assist a deserving senior at Central Davidson High School who plans to further his/her education. The student should exhibit high academic standards, show intellectual curiosity, be of good character, have participated in school and community activities and have financial need. A $2000.00 award for the 2025-2026 school year renewable up to four years
• Jerry Hampton Scholarship established for Central Davidson High School senior athletes. Jerry Hampton was the wrestling and football coach at Central during 1967 until 1977. He firmly believed that his players must not only play well, but also achieve academically. The Jerry Hampton Memorial Scholarship has been established to assist a deserving Central Davidson senior athlete who plans to enter a two-year or a four-year degree program, with preference given to athletes who have maintained a B average or better. Selection will be based upon good citizenship, team-school involvement, and desire for further learning beyond high school.  One time award of $1,000.00
• Thomas Huss Scholarship established established in 1993 to assist a deserving senior at Central, South, or West Davidson High School who is a leader among his/her peers and who plans to enter a degree program, preferably in the area of math and/or science.  One time award of $500.00
• Barry and Kathy Weaver Scholarship (Contact your school counselor for more information)

Scholarships available to seniors at East Davidson High School

• Janet Atwood Scholarship established in 1989 by Ken Atwood in memory of his wife who was a Home Economics teacher at East Davidson for more than 20 years. This scholarship is open to East Davidson seniors who have had at least two courses in Family and Consumer Sciences or other vocational classes, plan to go to a community/technical college (not a four-year degree program) and have a positive academic attitude.  One time award of $1500.00 (or two $750 scholarships as determined by the scholarship committee)
• E. Tom Kearns Scholarship was established to assist a deserving senior at East Davidson High School in need of financial assistance and plans to enter a four-year degree program pursuing a career as a teacher in the public schools. One time award of $850.00
• Joseph Curry and Audrey Leonard Regan Scholarship Joseph Curry and Audrey Leonard Regan grew up in Davidson County and made Thomasville their lifetime home. They shared the commitment to help make this community a better place in which to live. With beliefs firmly grounded in traditional values that include a strong spiritual foundation, family unity, moral integrity and honest work, Mr. & Mrs. Regan had a positive influence on the many people their lives touched. It is hoped that the recipient of this scholarship will also exemplify these same values and make them guiding principles in their own life. The Joseph Curry & Audrey Leonard Regan Scholarship is established to assist a deserving senior at East Davidson High School who plans to further their education at a four-year institution.  One time award of $500.00
• Susan Clark Ryan Scholarship was established in 2016 by Ken Atwood in memory of his wife who was a Spanish teacher at East Davidson for 38 years followed by 5 years as an ESL teacher for Davidson County Schools. This scholarship is open to East Davidson Hispanic seniors who plan to further their education at a community, trade or four-year university/college, have a positive academic attitude and strong character, as well as having a financial need. One time award of $1,000.00
• SOAR Scholarship was established to assist a deserving senior from East Davidson High School who has overcome obstacles beyond his/her control. This student may have had reasons to leave school, but chose to persevere to graduation. The student must have a GPA of at least 2.0 and can be furthering their education at a community college, trade school, or four-year institution. One time award of $1,000.00

Scholarships available to seniors at Ledford High School

• Jamie Berrier Crutchfield Scholarship was established in memory of Jamie Berrier Crutchfield by her family. She was a daughter, sister, wife and new mother when she was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma at the age of 25. Jamie fought hard to win her battle, but passed away in November 2011 at the age of 27. She was a wonderful hairdresser and loved what she did. Ledford and North Davidson High School seniors desiring to go into the cosmetology field or wish to further their education at a community college or trade school are invited to apply. This scholarship will be awarded to an individual that demonstrates strong perseverance in facing challenges and who has a financial need. One time award of $1,000.00
• Berry and Kathy Weaver Scholarship (Contact your school counselor for more information)

Scholarships available to seniors at North Davidson High School

• Jamie Berrier Crutchfield Scholarship was established in memory of Jamie Berrier Crutchfield by her family. She was a daughter, sister, wife and new mother when she was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma at the age of 25. Jamie fought hard to win her battle, but passed away in November 2011 at the age of 27. She was a wonderful hairdresser and loved what she did. Ledford and North Davidson High School seniors desiring to go into the cosmetology field or wish to further their education at a community college or trade school are invited to apply. This scholarship will be awarded to an individual that demonstrates strong perseverance in facing challenges and who has a financial need.  One time award of $1,000.00
• Denny Fordham Scholarship was established to assist a deserving senior at North Davidson High School who plans to enter a four-year degree program pursuing a career in the field of music. One time award of $1,000.00
• Rebecca Hartman Scholarship was established to assist a deserving senior at North Davidson High School who needs financial assistance and plans to enter a four-year degree program pursuing a career as a public school teacher. One time award of $1,000.00
• Nicholas Vincent Melomo Scholarship This scholarship honors a young man who bravely fought his battle against a rare bone cancer, and seeks to award a North Davidson senior who has shown great courage, resilience and determination against a challenging life event.  (Contact your school counselor for application information and click here for additional information)
• Mike Lambros Scholarship was established to honor the memory of the late Mike Lambros, softball coach at North Davidson High School. Applicants must have at least 3.5 weighted GPA, have participated in varsity sports for at least one year, have community and extracurricular involvement, exhibit leadership, sportsmanship, a positive attitude, perseverance, self- motivation, and a determination to succeed. One time award of $1,000.00
• Don Palmer Scholarship was established in 2008 by his family and friends to assist a deserving senior at North Davidson High School who is interested in teaching and/or coaching students. Mr. Palmer served as coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal, and central coordinator and director in the Davidson County School System. He also served on the Davidson County Board of Education as vice-chairman and chairman. One time award of $1,000.00

Scholarships available to seniors at South Davidson High School

• Jack Briggs Scholarship was established to assist a deserving senior at South Davidson High School who demonstrates solid personal character, need for financial assistance and plans to attend a community college or university. This scholarship is in memory of Jack Briggs who served on the Davidson County Board of Education, serving many years as Chairman of the Board.  One time award of $1,000.00
• Charles and Ruth Hoover Scholarship was established in the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Hoover. Mr. Hoover was a native of Denton who followed in his father’s footsteps by continuing the family furniture and funeral business. The Charles C. and Ruth J. Hoover Scholarship recognizes a South Davidson student who plans to further his/her education. The selection process is based on interest, financial need, academic achievement, and community or civic involvement. One time award of $500.00
• Thomas Huss Scholarship was established established in 1993 to assist a deserving senior at Central, South, or West Davidson High School who is a leader among his/her peers and who plans to enter a degree program, preferably in the area of math and/or science.  One time award of $500.00
• Wildcat Pride Scholarship was awarded to a member of the senior class of South Davidson High School who has overcome obstacles created by himself/herself and/or obstacles beyond his/her control. This student had reasons and situations that could have caused them to give up and quit school, but he/she chose to stay and is now graduating. The student can be planning to attend a community college, trade school, or four-year institution and should have a GPA of at least 2.0. One time award of $500.00

Scholarships available to seniors at West Davidson High School

• Jim Hunt Scholarship was established to assist a deserving senior athlete at West Davidson High School who needs financial assistance and plans to enter a degree program to further his/her education. One time award of $350.00
• Thomas Huss Scholarship was established in 1993 to assist a deserving senior at Central, South, or West Davidson High School who is a leader among his/her peers and who plans to enter a degree program, preferably in the area of math and/or science.  One time award of $500.00
• Horace and Lucille Myers Scholarship (Two-Year School) was established to assist a deserving senior at West Davidson High School who plans to attend a community college and has exhibited potential for future achievement. One year award of $1,000.00
• Horace and Lucille Myers Scholarship (Four-Year School) was established to assist a deserving senior at West Davidson High School who plans to pursue a four-year degree and who has exhibited the potential for future achievement. One time award of $2,500.00