Brevard College’s Gabriel Covington and Kyle Williams have been named as two of 25 college students statewide to receive the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina scholarship for the 2020-21 academic year. The scholarships, in the amount of $3,333.34, were distributed by the Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC) and are part of a three-year, $250,000 pledge from Blue Cross NC.
Covington is a senior at Brevard College set to graduate in May with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Business. Hailing from West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, Covington is a member of the BC Track & Field team, competing in shot put and discus. On campus, he is the Vice President of BC’s Black Student Union, a past representative for SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) and an active member in the college’s weightlifting club.
Following graduation, Covington plans to pursue post-graduate studies and a career in either physical therapy or chiropractic therapy. He is currently interning with Dr. Margaret Newton of ChiropracticAlways in downtown Brevard.
“It is truly an honor and a blessing to receive this scholarship,” said Covington. “It is very much appreciated and will help me push on in my academic career.”
Williams, a local product from Brevard High School, is on pace to graduate from BC in December of 2021 with a degree in Health Science. A Dean’s List student, Williams is pursuing a career in dentistry and plans to attend graduate dental school. He is currently completing an internship at Carolina Smiles in Brevard with another internship with nearby Blue Ridge Orthodontics to follow.
“It is very rewarding to be recognized with this scholarship,” said Williams. “I thank my parents and all who have helped me along the way.”
Both scholarship recipients also thanked Brevard College and their professors for the experience the college has provided through its experiential educational philosophy.
“Brevard College has been the home of opportunity for me being a teen-aged kid coming from the inner city in Charlotte,” said Covington. “I give thanks to Dr. Kristen Hewitt, Dr. Stephen Knott and Dr. Jennifer Frick-Rupert and all the professors I have had along with the way. Without them, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in right now.”
“Being from Brevard, to come to my local college has been a rewarding experience,” said Williams. “I give special thanks to Chemistry professor Dr. Hernan Biava who I had for FYE (First-Year Experience) and several classes at BC.”
The 25 Blue Cross NC scholarship recipients are students from North Carolina who are first generation, underrepresented or from families who demonstrate financial need. The recipients must be a junior or senior with a minimum grade point average of 2.50.