A Union Pines High School student has been named the winner of the third annual Seven Lakes Family Dentistry Scholarship. Alana Harned, a senior at Union Pines, will receive a $1,000 college scholarship. Two other finalists will each be awarded $500 scholarships. These students are Lilian Hussey, from North Moore High School, and Paul Sartorelli, from Pinecrest High School.
Alana
Harned, of Carthage, daughter of Sara Seawell and Jim Harned, is ranked in the top 5% of her class at Union Pines. She is a three sport athlete, participating in soccer, track and field, and golf. She is an AP Scholar, member of the LEO and HOSA clubs, and received Excellence Performance Awards in Engineering and AP Biology. She is active in community service and mission work and is active in the Youth Group at Pinehurst United Methodist Church.
In the fall, Alana will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist. Her outstanding character was evident in her letters of reference. As was noted by her references, “Alana is a shining example to younger students.” and “Alana is easily one of the most impressive young people that I have ever known.”
Lilian
Lilian Hussey, daughter of Mark and Ann Hussey, of Robbins, is ranked in the top 10% of her class at North Moore. She is a member of the Beta Club, Key Club, Cross Country Team, wrestling team manager, and Captain of the Varsity Softball Team. She is an FFA officer and earned her Greenhand Certification and Chapter Degree. Lilian worked at Purvis Farms to support her goal of becoming a veterinarian and attended Sandhills Community College, where she already has 24 college credit hours. Described by a teacher as “determined, passionate, a wonderful person and superior student”, she plans to complete her associate degree in Biology at Sandhills. She then plans to transfer to North Carolina State University, where she will pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine.
Paul
Paul Sartorelli, son of Tom and Molly Sartorelli, is ranked second in his class at Pinecrest. He is a National AP Scholar, and Captain of the Science Olympiad where he received multiple medals. He is also captain of the Math Club and member of the National Honor Society and Pinecrest Robotics. He received the Catalyst Award for Innovative Research at Appalachian State University, and participated in wrestling, baseball, and track/field. Paul plans to attend NC State University where he will major in engineering. According to a teacher, “Paul ranks among the very best of any of the students who I have had the pleasure of instructing in my 14 plus years as an educator.”
The Seven Lakes Family Dentistry Scholarship is open to any senior at any high school in Moore County, and applications were received this spring. With 21 applications received, the Independent Scholarship Committee had a very difficult decision. The Scholarship Committee is comprised of retired educators, school administrators, and business professionals. The applicants were evaluated on the basis of academic performance, moral character, letters of recommendation, community involvement, and their personal statement. According to the scholarship committee, the quality of the applicants was outstanding and the personal statements were inspiring.
Dr. Jennifer S. Massey, owner of Seven Lakes Family Dentistry, sponsors this scholarship as a way to give back to the Moore County community. She stated, “I remember how important the scholarships were that I received. They allowed me the opportunity to complete my undergraduate education debt free. I am honored to be a part of assisting other students in fulfilling their college and career aspirations. We were excited to have such a great response again this year and I look forward to continuing this scholarship next year.”
