Ensures Healthy, Productive, and Sustainable Forests

NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2024 FOREST EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

 NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2024 FOREST EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RALEIGH, NC (MAY 30, 2024) – The North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Forest Education and Conservation Fund (FECF) Scholarship:

Gray Tyrey, North Carolina State University ($2,000)

(Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment)

Noah Shumway, North Carolina State University ($2,000)

Garrett Wilson, Wayne Community College ($1,000)

Since he was old enough to walk, Gray Tyrey has felt most at home outdoors, which has fostered his connection to the natural world. “It has always been my goal to gain the skills necessary to pursue a career focused on conserving and managing our state’s natural resources,” said Gray.

Noah Shumway is pursuing a double major in forest management with a concentration in ecology and natural resources with a concentration in policy and administration. “I’m currently working towards securing a career at the U.S. Forest Service or the N.C. Forest Service,” said Noah.

Garrett Wilson has always loved being outside, and his career path is inspired by his father, who owns a successful sawmill business. “I hope to continue working with my father and one day continue his business or start one of my own,” he said.

“On behalf of the North Carolina Forestry Association and the Forest Education and Conservation Fund, I’d like to congratulate this year’s scholarship recipients,” said John Hatcher, PhD, executive director, North Carolina Forestry Association. “Our organization’s mission is to ensure healthy, productive, and sustainable forests, and that starts with fostering the next generation of forestry professionals who will contribute to this mission. We wish the best of luck as [these students] continue in their academic endeavors.”

About the FECF Scholarship Program

To be eligible for the FECF scholarship program, students must be residents of North Carolina enrolled in one of the following institutions: North Carolina State University (NCSU), Haywood Community College, Montgomery Community College, or Wayne Community College. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, pursuing a degree in forest management or paper science and engineering in the College of Natural Resources at NCSU, or forest management technology at one of the aforementioned community colleges.

The Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment was recently established to honor the late Nicholas Maxwell Curtis, a U.S. Army veteran who lived a life committed to sustainable forestry and helping others. His memory is honored by this Endowment through the FECF. The goal of the scholarship is to help ease the financial burdens of NCSU students who are pursuing a degree in forest management.

ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION (NCFA)

The North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) is a private, non-profit partnership of approximately 4,000 forest managers, landowners, mill operators, loggers, furniture manufacturers, educators, and others concerned about the long-term health and productivity of the state’s forest resources and the industries they support. Established in 1911, the NCFA is the state’s oldest forest conservation organization, with a mission to ensure healthy, productive, and sustainable forests. Learn more: www.ncforestry.org

ABOUT THE FOREST EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION FUND (FECF)

The Forest Education and Conservation Fund (FECF) was founded in 1965 as an extension of the NCFA. The FECF was established to receive gifts for the educational, scientific, and technological advancement of forestry. Though recognized as separate entities, both the FECF and NCFA are adjoined in the goal of conducting coordinated programs and activities that amplify the voice of forestry across North Carolina.

Media Contact:

Jeanne Harmor, Director of Communications

North Carolina Forestry Association

jharmor@ncforestry.org

(919) 834-3943 ext. 5