Contributed
The Tin Whistles, America’s oldest golfing society, recently announced its 2025 scholarship recipients. This year, the organization selected six students who will be attending four-year universities, and three students bound for the nursing program at Sandhills Community College.
Since 1978, the Tin Whistles have promoted education and aided Moore County’s college-bound students. This was formalized with the establishment of the Tin Whistles Scholarship Foundation, which has been providing scholarships for new graduates, ensuring that the pursuit of higher education is within reach for all.
In the nearly 50 years since, the organization and its endowments have made post-secondary education possible for 174 students, with over $2 million bestowed on graduates of area high schools.
This year’s scholarship recipients:
Mason Broadaway, Union Pines High School
Broadaway has been part of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program for four years at Union Pines, where he was described as “a phenomenal CTE student,” making sure he is there when anything is needed. He has also participated in several FFA competitions outside of school and is a member of the National Honor Society.
“When I entered high school, I was presented with opportunities my family never had access to, so I took everything I possibly could to better myself and make my family proud, completing multiple AP classes. My aim is to take a hands-on approach to environmental and wildlife protection and take a direct role in education.”
He plans to attend North Carolina State University.
Ceilidh Clendenin, Union Pines High School
Clendenin demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact on all she undertakes and has already packed a great deal into her young life: Ranked first out of 387 in the class of 2025 at Union Pines, she is president of the Viking Chapter of the National Honor Society, a prosecutor for Moore County Teen Court, a youth leader at Sacred Heart Church, a participant in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards conference and the MCEC global summit in Washington, D.C., and earned Best Attorney Award in Moore County’s Mock Trial Team.
“Ultimately, I have found that when I use my gifts for the good of others, I feel fulfilled, and when researching the Tin Whistles scholarship program, it was evident that this was a core value to you as well. I want to fuel this passion for helping others and apply it to my future goals.”
She plans to attend UNC- Chapel Hill
Keegan Cole-Bryan, Pinecrest High School
Known for his ever-present smile, Cole-Bryan excels both in the classroom and on the football field, where he was voted team captain by his peers. He sets high goals for himself and works hard to achieve them. He has studied how injury, burnout and outside factors can affect sport performance to help athletes overcome mental struggles. Cole-Bryan is heavily committed to his church’s youth group and takes leadership roles in mission projects away from home each summer. He is a leader by word and by example.
His focus is on the future: “To be able to further your education, to earn a bachelor’s degree, to be able to play your sport, you have to have good grades. These are the things I live by.”
He plans to attend Wingate University.
Allyson Flewwellin, Union Pines High School
Flewwellin is described as “a dedicated and well-rounded student who has demonstrated outstanding academic ability, leadership and service.” A natural leader, she is vice president of the Tri-M music program and a committed member of the National Honor Society, where she has volunteered at a STEM camp among numerous service projects, and even finds time to volunteer at Caring Hearts for Canines, looking after rescued dogs.
She is dedicated to education and has her career goal firmly in mind: “I believe the place I will have the largest positive impact is in the school system.”
She plans to attend Mars Hill University.
Aaron Garner, North Moore High School
Garner is an impressive young man. He has had many obstacles to overcome, but he has passed every test. Always ready to grow and learn, he is dependable and only too happy to help others. He loves science, is an excellent student, and excels at acting, where he has won numerous theater awards both at regional and state levels.
“Finding my way in life hasn’t always been easy, though I’ve found that a good education makes it worthwhile,” he wrote. “From exploring the depths of knowledge to spreading new ideas, I’ve found freedom and solace in thought.”
He plans to study at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Miranda Waggoner, Pinecrest High School
Waggoner is a hardworking student who gives 100 percent to everything she is involved with, holding herself and those around her to high standards. To make the most of herself, she packs a lot in with volunteering and AP classes while excelling as a musician. Initially reserved, she rose to be orchestra concertmaster, playing solos without fear in front of her peers. Her hallmarks are maturity, independence and passion.
“My journey has been defined by breaking stereotypes and embracing challenges in a world where the representation of Hispanic women in STEM fields is growing. My success is not only personal but a beacon for others.”
She plans to study at North Carolina State University.
NURSING SCHOLARS
Madison Dills, North Moore High School
Dills is enrolled in the Sandhills Community College Promise Program. She has taken every health science class at North Moore and is currently studying Nursing Fundamentals and Pharmacy Technician.
Dills sets goals and goes after them, has a quiet but determined demeanor, and is mature beyond her years. She volunteers at First Baptist Church in Robbins, packing meals to send overseas, and assists with church fund-raising for activities, all while holding down a job, which requires her to train new hires, developing leadership skills.
She has chosen nursing because “it will give me purpose, allow me to stay humble and keep me on my toes.”
Kaylee Smith, Pinecrest High School
Smith is passionate about nursing. She has been studying the Nursing Fundamentals program at Pinecrest in order to earn her Nurse Aide 1 certification and is going on to earn her associate degree in nursing at Sandhills Community College.
Leadership is extremely important to Smith, and maturity and leadership skills shine through in all aspects of her life, whether it’s practicing her C.N.A skills, organizing wrestling tournaments (she managed the Pinecrest men’s varsity wrestling program for two years), training new staff or supporting her younger sister at home, she approaches every opportunity with a sense of responsibility and desire to make a positive impact.
“We don’t realize how much of an effect we truly have on other people, especially in simple day-to-day interactions, but they can play a huge role in someone’s life, a reason to treat each interaction as a chance to display leadership.”
Grace Queen, Union Pines High School
Following in the footsteps of her mom and grandma into the medical field, Queen’s future plans include working for FirstHealth in ICU and enrolling at UNC Greensboro to earn her doctorate and become a certified nurse anesthetist.
Outside of nursing, Queen is a true all-rounder. Among other things, she is a member of the Leo Club and Spirit Club, has captained varsity soccer for several years, organized pep rallies and spirit weeks, helped with Cameron’s beautification efforts and with Special Olympics.
“I genuinely enjoy helping others. Ever since I was little, I’ve been interested in medicine, where my mom and grandma have excelled, and that is my goal.”
The Tin Whistles held its annual celebratory luncheon for scholarship recipients on May 21 at the Pinehurst No. 9 clubhouse.
