Contributed
In celebration of 10 years of honoring local students with college scholarships, Seven Lakes Family Dentistry awarded five scholarships this year totaling $6,000 in scholarship money.
Forty Moore County seniors applied for the scholarships and, according to Dr. Jennifer Massey and the scholarship committee, the applicants were the most competitive they have seen.
“There were so many outstanding students that it was impossible to narrow it down to just three, so we decided to award five scholarships this year,” she said.
The recipients of the $1,500 awards were Kenan Van Scoyoc from Pinecrest High school and Ceilidh Clendenin, from Union Pines High School. Three $1,000 awards were given to Bailea Marley, from North Moore High School; Ellie Chapin, from Union Pines; and Carson Pusser, from The O’Neal School.
Van Scoyoc, of Pinehurst, is the son of Keri and Steven Van Scoyoc. He is ranked first in his class at Pinecrest High School, where he is dually enrolled with online classes at the NC School of Science and Math. Kenan is a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball and tennis. He is the tennis team captain and has been twice named conference player of the year. Kenan is Student Government Executive Board Vice President and serves as a leader in Young Life. His numerous community activities include serving as a youth basketball coach and as a private tutor.
In the fall, Kenan will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he plans to pursue a major in business and a career as a stockbroker. As was noted by one of his references, “The legacy Kenan is creating now will be felt for generations to come. He has challenged me to be a better leader.”
Ceilidh Clendenin, daughter of Andrew and Cyndy Clendenin, is ranked first in her class at Union Pines High School and is also completing her associate in arts degree at Sandhills Community College. The oldest of six children, she is president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter and is an officer for LEO club and StAY Youth Group. She is active in band and Moore County Teen Court. She was named All-Conference for both swimming and tennis and participates in track/field. She balances all these activities while working at Food Lion and worked as a poll worker for the 2024 election.
Her references noted that Ceilidh has “empathy, ease with people and the ability to get things done.” She will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall, where she plans to major in political science and public policy and pursue a career as an attorney.
Bailea Marley, daughter of Dawn Marley, is ranked first in her class at North Moore High School. She is the team captain for both the basketball and tennis teams and has received numerous tennis awards including all conference, best all around and MVP. Bailea is a section leader and a member of the all-county band. She has balanced her academic and extracurricular roles at North Moore while working several jobs, including at Food Lion in Carthage.
According to references, “Bailea has an intrinsic motivation that is contagious, and she is loved and respected by her peers.” She will attend Liberty University, where she will pursue a degree in nursing and a minor in youth ministry. She plans to pursue a career as a missionary nurse.
Ellie Chapin, daughter of Jesse and Molly Chapin, is in the top 5 percent of her class at Union Pines High School. She is Senior Class President and the Cadet Executive Officer and Cadet Commanding Officer of the JROTC program. She is a three-sport athlete playing lacrosse, track/field and volleyball, where she is team captain and is a three-time all-conference athlete.
Ellie’s references praise her motivation to exceed expectations and her dedication to academic excellence, leadership and service. Ellie has received an appointment to West Point Military Academy, where she will major in life science and pursue a career as a military dentist.
Carson Pusser, son of Christy and Patrick Pusser, is graduating from The O’Neal School, where he is also dually enrolled at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. During his time at O’Neal, Carson has served as president of Key Club, captain of the swim team, president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, co-president of the International Club, and First Delegate for Model United Nations.
One of Carson’s references proclaimed that he is “ethical, gracious and humble and has made a large positive impact on The O’Neal School community.” Carson plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in chemistry and pursuing a career in pediatric medicine.
The Seven Lakes Family Dentistry Scholarship is open to any senior at any high school in Moore County, and applications were received this spring. The Scholarship Committee is composed of retired educators, school administrators and business professionals. The applicants were evaluated based on academic performance, moral character, letters of recommendation, community involvement and personal statement. According to the scholarship committee, the quality of the applicants was outstanding, and the personal statements were inspiring.
Massey, owner of Seven Lakes Family Dentistry, sponsors this scholarship to give back to the Moore County community.
“I remember how important the scholarships were that I received,” she said. “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 receive a record number of applications this year and to increase our award amounts. I look forward to continuing this scholarship each year and helping Moore County’s brightest and most accomplished students reach their educational goals.”
