The Kevin Wayne Triplett Memorial Scholarship Recipients

Rylee Madison Howell - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2024 - $1,000

"I have always dreamed of becoming a nurse for as long as I can remember, but it was truly solidified when I had brain surgery at the age of twelve. The nurse who took care of me became my hero. This terrifying experience has driven me to work so hard to get where I am today." –Rylee Howell

Rylee has been accepted into the National Accredited Nursing Program at Wilkes Community College (AA degree in Nursing). She plans to transfer to Appalachian State University (Bachelor’s degree in Nursing), and then work locally as a nurse in the ICU.

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Wayne - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2023 - $1,000

"I have worked hard to balance school, a job, an internship at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health-Wilkes Medical Center, two sports, and my community involvement to best prepare for my future. I didn’t always have the opportunity to see how my efforts impacted others. Still, the knowledge that somewhere someone may be smiling because I was able to do something to bring them joy will forever mean more to me than seeing it firsthand." –Kaitlyn Wayne

Kaitlyn plans to attend Caldwell Community College, obtain an AA degree in nuclear medicine technology with CT and MRI certifications, and become an MRI technologist.

Katelin Cheyenne Brown - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2022 - $1,000

"I have wanted to be a nurse my whole life because my mother is a nurse, and I have grown up watching her help those in need. My passion has always been to take care of people and help those in need. Not only are you helping a family bring a child into life but also making sure the baby and mother are safe." -Katelin Brown

Katelin's career goal is to obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing from Appalachian State University and become a labor and delivery nurse.

Dacey Danielle Triplett - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2020 - $1,000

"I have been blessed with an amazing life, but I have had to face some hardships. The older I get the more I realize being different is not as bad as people make it out to be. I LOVE being a little person. I love the person God created me to be." –Dacey Triplett

Dacey's career goal is to obtain a degree in nutrition from Appalachian State University and become a dietician.

Megan Makaley Vannoy - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2019 - $1,000

"I have always had a desire to help those that are less fortunate. I think my biggest influence has been my struggle. I have been going to Brenner Children's Hospital since I was two. I have always felt welcomed there, so I want to one day return the favor and work there." –Megan Vannoy

Megan's career goal is to graduate from college with a degree in nursing.

Emma Presley Sheets - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2018 - $1,000

"I want to change the world, and everyone knows that about me. I want to make a difference and be a voice for those that cannot or will not speak up for themselves. One day, I hope to start a nonprofit for women's rights." –Emma Sheets

Emma will be attending Wake Forest University majoring in politics and international affairs with postgraduate plans to obtain a law degree.

Sydney Grace Bell - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2017 - $1,000

"I want to work in the nursing field so I can help people as they encounter health issues. I have seen firsthand the difference nurses make in someone’s recovery. I will do what it takes to be successful and accomplish my goals." –Sydney Bell

Sydney plans to attend UNC Charlotte, graduate with a nursing degree, and become a nurse practitioner.

Abby Kristina Dawson - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2016 - $1,000

"It is my dream to become a nurse and help others as they have helped me. I fell in love with the pediatric oncology unit (kids with cancer unit) at the Brenner Children's Hospital at WFU Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. My heart ached to see those young people and children going through such serious illnesses. Yet, I was amazed to see that they had such positive attitudes and could still find a reason to smile and laugh every day." -Abby Dawson  

Abby will be majoring in nursing at Liberty University and plans to become a nurse.

Maty Evelyn Brannock - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2015 - $1,500

"Caring for others and their needs has become my mission, showing people love with no conditions not only in my career but in life as well. Traveling to other countries and helping others medically and spiritually is what I feel lead to do."  –Maty Brannock

Maty will be majoring in nursing at Liberty University and plans to become a missionary nurse.

Savannah Grace Ellis - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2014 - $1,500

"I have always been taught to love others over all else, even when you feel you have no love left to give. I have been taught that I can always reach my dreams, so I should always dream big. I have been taught that God has a special purpose for each person, and that we are to give Him praise in all circumstances. I pray that my life will be a testimony of His love, faith, and hope."  –Savannah Ellis

Savannah will be studying Communication Sciences and Disorders

at Appalachian State University.

Adrianna Nicole Rowland - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2013 - $1,500

"It is because of my mother's struggle that I am the person I am today. I have a dream. I hope to help others more than I seek to help myself. I have developed a passion for other people. I want to touch lives and hearts through my career. This scholarship will help me leave a lasting impact on our community and on each patient I have the privilege to care for."  -Adrianna Rowland

Adrianna's career goal is to become a registered nurse.

Cory William Church - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2012 - $1,500

"I watched Kevin and admired him for his strength to follow his dreams. This not only allowed me to do my best but also taught me that no matter what life throws at you, dreams can become reality if you are determined to make them happen."  -Cory Church

Cory plans to major in computer software engineering, obtain a master’s degree in computer software, and become a corporate officer in a major corporation.

Anna Elizabeth Bishop - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2011 - $1,500

"The death of my mother has made me the person I am today. I live each and every day hoping my actions please and satisfy her. She is truly my role model and someone who influences my life daily. I know she would not want me to give up just because life might get hard but to strive to achieve success."  -Anna Bishop

"I want to learn as much as I can about cancer. I want to know what my mother went through, exactly what was happening in her body and the treatments that she had to endure. I want to devote my life to researching all possible cures for cancer in honor of my mother."  -Anna Bishop

Anna's career goal is to graduate from college with a biology or pre-med degree and go into the medical field.

Hannah Blair Sheets - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2010 - $1,500

"My experience with cancer has opened my eyes and made me realize my purpose in life. I want to devote my life to helping people feel better, especially children, and change someone's life or help improve someone's quality of life. I could not ask for more."  -Hannah Sheets

Hannah's career goal is to obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing from Appalachian State University and specialize in pediatric oncology.

Sarah Elise Taylor - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2009 - $1,500

"Facing an adversity (epilepsy) has helped me realize not to take life and good health for granted. Life is the most valuable possession."  -Sarah Taylor

Sarah's career goals are to make her parents proud of her, to be as successful as possible in life, and to major in music (piano) which she has studied for eleven years.

Brittany Michelle Blankenship - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2008 - $1,250

"Even after multiple knee surgeries due to my rheumatoid arthritis, I am determined to never give up on my dream of going to college."  -Brittany Blankenship

Brittany's career goal is to become a radiologic technologist.

Tommy Lee Testerman - West Wilkes High School - Class of 2007 - $1,000

"Looking back, I think my heart condition has made me a stronger person. Knowing that everyday we have is so precious, and we should not waste them, is why my education is important to me. Receiving this scholarship is the greatest honor of my life."  -Tommy Testerman

Tommy's career goal is to become a respiratory therapist. 

Donations are greatly appreciated so additional students may be helped!

The Kevin Wayne Triplett Memorial Scholarship Fund

c/o State Employees' Credit Union

PO Box 700

Wilkesboro, NC 28697

Acct. #G7296774