Every year, one deserving student is honored with Wake Tech’s most prestigious distinction — the Stephen C. Scott Presidential Scholarship. The program, named in honor of President Stephen Scott, is a merit-based scholarship, providing leadership development opportunities plus up to $3,500 for tuition, fees and books, a laptop computer, a summer internship placement, and a mentor from senior administration. The program launched in 2012 with an endowment from Wake Tech alumni Mark and Rachel Selisker.
We decided to check in with the first six Wake Tech Scott Scholars. Here’s where they are now:
Candis Parker, 2012 Scott Scholar
“Wake Tech helped me figure what I wanted to do!”
Candis was an event planner and interior designer when she came to Wake Tech to explore her interests. She was drawn to the field of construction, earning a degree in Construction Management. A summer internship at Balfour Beatty turned into a job offer and she’s been there ever since! Candis now works in Preconstruction Services, developing business strategies and developing relationships with clients.
Dana Elhertani, 2013 Scott Scholar
“Having the mentorship of Wake Tech’s president was a real gift.”
After graduating in 2014, Dana transferred to UNC Chapel Hill to pursue a degree in Computer Science. While at UNC, she interned at SAS was offered employment upon graduation. She is now an Associate Technical Consultant and works with a variety of clients to assess their technical needs.
Latesha Sharpe, 2015 Scott Scholar
“Being a Scott Scholar taught me many things, including how to network, make connections, and make good decisions to benefit my career.”
Latesha was a stay-at-home mom when she decided to go back to school to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. An internship helped get her foot in the door at UNC Rex Healthcare, where she now works as a Clinical Support Technician. She has recently been accepted to UNC’s School of Nursing, and plans to continue her studies with the goal of earning her PhD.
Rye Robinson, 2014 Scott Scholar
“Wake Tech changed my life.”
Rye graduated from Wake Tech with two associate degrees and transferred to NC State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration/Information Technology. His first job out of college took him to New York, where he now works as an Associate Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services. He credits Wake Tech with opening his eyes to the world of IT.
Hannah Moyles, 2016 Scott Scholar
“My mentor provided an added layer of support that really made a difference.”
A high school valedictorian, Hannah went to Duke University to study neuroscience but quickly realized that wasn’t for her. She came to Wake Tech to pursue her true passion: cooking! While earning degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts, the Scott Scholarship program helped her land a coveted internship at the Angus Barn in Raleigh. She now plans to attend East Carolina University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, possibly an MBA, and one day own her own food service business.
Aaron Ruff, 2017 Scott Scholar
“The Scott Scholarship program helped relieve the financial burdens that come with investing in my future.”
Aaron was trying to settle on a major at UNC Greensboro when he realized he wanted to work on cars. He came to Wake Tech and earned a degree in Automotive Technology. Aaron also works part-time as a services officer for the Garner Police Department. He plans to enroll in Basic Law Enforcement Training and become a sworn officer.
You can support the Stephen C. Scott Presidential Scholarship program. Visit scottscholars.waketech.edu.
