Introducing the 2026 Class of Centennial Scholars

By Mary Giuffrida

The 2026 class of Centennial Scholars were selected based on academic achievement in high school, proven and potential leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and unique life experiences. They represent the next generation of leaders and artists in the textile industry. 

Thanks to the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF), each of the scholars will receive a minimum of $15,000 per year for the duration of their four years at the Wilson College of Textiles. They will also each receive $7,500 in enrichment funds which will give them the opportunity to expand their education outside the classroom through study abroad, leadership programs or other supplemental activities. 

Below, meet the new class and learn what their plans are for their time at NC State.

Idhalys Berrum

Jeter P. and Phyllis K. Brawley Centennial Scholarship
Hometown: Mount Airy, North Carolina
Major: Polymer and Color Chemistry

Idhalys Berrum knew as soon as she learned about the polymer and color chemistry program that it was the major for her. She was drawn to the diversity and real-world applications that made it stand out from other chemistry programs. 

“Incorporating chemistry along with textiles really fascinated me,” Berrum says. “This degree is not like any other chemistry degree. It’s more advanced and more focused.”

Why did you decide to enroll at the NC State Wilson College of Textiles?

I decided to enroll at NC State because of my experience while touring and the diversity the university is known for. After touring NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles I gained a better understanding of the programs and faculty. I was able to see some of the many laboratories at the Wilson College and was fascinated. I also felt very welcomed at the university, which I appreciated. I could envision myself at this campus enjoying the many things the university has to offer, like the polymer and color chemistry program.

What are you interested in becoming involved in through NC State or the Wilson College and why?

I am interested in becoming involved in research through the Wilson College and NC State. Research is very beneficial, and I believe there will be a lot to learn from it. I am hopeful to discover new answers or information through the advanced research at NC State while applying myself in my specific field of study.

How will being a Centennial Scholar impact your college experience?

While being a scholar I will be surrounded by other scholars who will create a community of support. Having a community of support while in college is very helpful, especially as an incoming student. I am hopeful and happy to learn from others and their experiences. I am also thankful for this aid that will provide my family with an enormous amount of help. I always questioned college due to the amount of money it would eventually cost my parents. However, with this help I know my parents will not have too much to stress about, which is very relieving.

Katherine Charrier

McMichael Family Centennial Scholarship
Hometown: Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Major: Textiles Undeclared

For Katherine Charrier, a degree in textiles is all about mixing the old with the new to create something unique. While she is still exploring her specific path within textiles, she plans to use her degree to turn her passion for creating new things into a career. 

“I think it is so cool when you can say you’ve made something, especially when it’s clothing,” Charrier says. “You get to show off your work in real life!”

Why did you decide to enroll at the NC State Wilson College of Textiles?

I decided to enroll at the Wilson College of Textiles because of the resources and connections the school has to offer. When I was touring the Wilson College, I enjoyed seeing all the completed projects prior students participated in and realizing the impact that students can have on the industry even when they are still attending school. I also loved the staff and how welcoming everyone was. Being an out-of-state student and knowing no one was frightening, but having strangers know my name and say hello with a smile on their face really made NC State feel like a safe place for me.

What is a unique trait that you have that you believe will benefit you the most while in college?

I think my most unique trait is I can find happiness in where and what ever I am doing. Yes, I do struggle sometimes but I don’t let that define my attitude and how I treat others. I have an outlook on life that is very different and makes me myself. I think why be upset and frustrated when you can make someone else’s day, and in the process help yourself out too?

How will being a Centennial Scholar impact your college experience?

Being a Centennial Scholar has given me the courage to take this leap of faith and move states, explore a new city and be completely independent (while meeting and finding lifelong friends of course)! I could not be more excited for the future and what it has in store for me. I am looking forward to exploring the world with my enrichment funds and learning from hands-on experiences.

Hannah Horwitz

Jacques Weber Centennial Scholarship
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina
Major: Textile Technology

Hannah Horwitz first learned about the Wilson College of Textiles from her apparel teacher in high school who is an alumna of Wilson College. Now Horwitz is following in her footsteps and plans to use her degree to create a more sustainable future for the textile industry. 

What kinds of activities did you do in high school that were most impactful to you?

One of the most impactful activities that I did in high school was leading the recycling program at my school. At our school the custodians are in charge of doing regular housekeeping and waste disposal, while my club, the environmental club, takes care of recycling. This leadership position taught me a lot about time management, flexibility, compassion and what it takes to be a leader. I’ve learned along the way that to be a transformational leader you don’t solely get your strength and courage from yourself, but from those you lead. The people you lead are the ones who invigorate you and uplift you when times are tough and remind you that leadership is relationship-based.

Why did you choose your major? What are you most excited to learn about?

I chose to major in textile technology because of my curiosity. I love to see what happens below the surface of marketing and see the different processes that happen to make the garments we hang up in our closets. I liked textile technology the most out of all the other majors because of its equal focus on business and on the sciences. I believe that having a balance of both business and science would be the best opportunity for me to learn more about the textile industry as a whole because it’s important to know how your industry functions.

How will being a Centennial Scholar impact your college experience?

Being a Centennial Scholar will impact my college experience because I will be surrounded by people who are just as passionate as I am about textiles. I think being in a community like that will definitely encourage me to do my best in my studies at NC State, and it will also make it easier for me to reach out to them because we’re in the same boat.

Kaylee Jacobs

WestPoint Pepperell Centennial Scholarship
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Major: Fashion and Textile Management

For Kaylee Jacobs, the Wilson College of Textiles is the perfect place to push herself to continue learning and growing every day. This growth-oriented environment is one of the many reasons she chose the Wilson College to pursue her undergraduate degree.

“I am very curious,” Jacobs says. “I like challenging myself and looking for new subjects and areas to explore.”

Why did you decide to enroll at the NC State Wilson College of Textiles?

I chose the Wilson College of Textiles for countless reasons. I grew up in Raleigh and have gone to multiple events on and around NC State’s campus throughout the years, and I always loved the university’s environment and atmosphere. Once I found out about the Wilson College in high school, I applied for the Summer Textile Exploration Program and participated in the apparel design group. After the program, I knew I definitely wanted to apply to the Wilson College but in the fashion and textile management program because I particularly enjoy the business, marketing and brand development aspects of the industry.

Why did you choose your major? What are you most excited to learn about?

I always knew I wanted to be a part of the fashion industry, and I have an interest in brands, business, marketing, advertising and all those kinds of things rather than the design aspect. Throughout my senior year I took courses that allowed me to create my own jewelry brand. I developed a brand style guide and various advertisements, and acquired certifications in Adobe programs. Being a part of those courses showed me that I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes processes that you do not always think about. I am most excited to learn about all the opportunities that are possible with a fashion and textile management degree. 

How will being a Centennial Scholar impact your college experience?

Being a recipient of such a generous scholarship has made my dreams and goals feel so much more personal and possible. Being a Centennial Scholar will allow me to focus on my educational experience with less concern about the cost. Study abroad opportunities were also a huge part of my decision in the college application process. With the support of the scholarship, I definitely hope that I will be able to study abroad during my time at NC State!

Nikolas Karabinos

ITT/Roger Milliken Centennial Scholarship
Hometown: Apex, North Carolina
Major: Textile Technology

Nikolas Karabinos plans to use his time at the Wilson College of Textiles and his textile technology education to make positive changes in the world around him.

“I chose textile technology as my major because I believe that textiles are what will continue to change the entrepreneurial industry. I want to design composites and use materials to make a difference in the world,” Karabinos says.

How do you plan to use your textiles degree?

I aim to use this degree to pursue a career in entrepreneurial venturing. I aim to design a patent while at school and create new composites in the future to change the industry.

Why did you decide to enroll at the NC State Wilson College of Textiles?

I decided to enroll after hearing the Wilson College of Textiles was ranked first in the nation in the textile industry. Another major influence was experiencing the incredible environment and community that has been built around the college while touring, as finding the right people to work with and around is extremely important for me. Receiving the ITT Centennial Scholarship has obviously reinforced this decision which I am extremely grateful for.

How will being a Centennial Scholar impact your college experience?

Receiving the ITT Centennial Scholarship has been incredible for me and my family, and I am extremely honored to be the recipient. I will carry the title with pride and use my leverage to help others out while at NC State. With the scholarship money, I will be able to fund personal venturing projects and leave college debt free.

Guadalupe Martinez-Hilario

Jerry D. and Olivia Rowland Centennial Scholarship
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
Major: Fashion and Textile Design

Guadalupe Martinez-Hilario has never faltered in her belief that she will achieve all her goals; now she’s trusting the Wilson College of Textiles to provide her with the skillset she needs to do just that.

“I trust my ability to work hard and my sense of responsibility,” she says.

Why did you choose your major? What are you most excited to learn about?

I chose the fashion and textile design major – I plan on having a fashion concentration – because I have a strong interest in fashion. I have wanted to be a fashion designer since I was young; it is one of my biggest dreams. Fashion is something that really inspires and motivates me. I’m very excited that I will be going to college to learn more about it. I am most excited to learn about the creation of garments and learning more about yarn textiles, because my main hobby is crocheting. 

What kinds of activities did you do in high school that were most impactful to you?

I’ve been very involved in my high school. I have had a wonderful high school experience. Something that impacted me greatly is being co-founder and co-president of the UNIDOS: Hispanic Students Against Discrimination. UNIDOS is a student-led club that centers around supporting Hispanic students and providing a safe and encouraging environment in which we can share our struggles, traditions and lifestyles. Leading a group of students that look like me after being so used to being the only Hispanic student in a class has been so overwhelmingly inspiring and meaningful. The club members are all leaders and so strong, intelligent and creative. It has been such an honor to advocate for them and my people. Leading the club has really helped me develop my leadership skills and has allowed me to create beautiful friendships. 

Something else that has been very impactful was being part of AVID. AVID really motivated and helped me get to college, as well as giving me so many great opportunities. AVID has always been part of my academic education, it’s bittersweet to have to graduate from it. It has taught me so many things and has given me wonderful friendships.

How will being a Centennial Scholar impact your college experience?

Being a Centennial Scholar has already impacted my college experience by giving me the opportunity to go to college without much financial worry. It has given me the honor of going to NC State University on a full-ride, which I am so grateful for and proud of. I am looking forward to creating a bond with other scholars and mentors. 

Cooper Putnam

G. Allen Mebane Centennial Scholarship
Hometown: Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Major: Textile Engineering

Cooper Putnam was put on the path to the Wilson College of Textiles by his high school chemistry teacher, a Wilson College alumna who motivated him to explore the different programs he could participate in. Now he’s studying textile engineering with the goal of eventually working in medical textiles.

Why did you choose your major? What are you most excited to learn about?

I have a passion for designing and bringing ideas to fruition. Through school I learned about textile engineering and decided that I would love to pursue a field of design where I can learn to create the very products that make up a large part of our lives. 

How do you plan to use your textiles degree?

I plan to use my textile engineering degree to possibly continue my education with a master’s of biomedical engineering. I would love to work for a medical textile company designing medical grade fabrics and different biocompatible materials. 

How will being a Centennial Scholar impact your college experience?

Being a Centennial Scholar will allow me to surround myself with individuals who will help me grow. Being part of a close-knit community within the Wilson College will motivate me and drive me to succeed in my academics and career goals. 

Andrew Sarnowski

Webster Kametches Centennial Scholarship
Hometown: Currituck, North Carolina
Major: Textile Engineering

After hearing about the Wilson College of Textiles from his cousin who was also a Centennial Scholar, Andrew Sarnowski decided to do his own research into Wilson College. Now, he’s following in his cousin’s footsteps as a textile engineering student who hopes to move the textile industry to a more sustainable future.

Why did you choose your major? What are you most excited to learn about?

I knew I wanted to pursue engineering due to my interest in science, math and athletics, but the diversity of opportunities and disciplines within textile engineering led me to the decision of the major. Similarly, I define a fulfilling career as enjoying my job, stimulating my mind in different ways, working in many different disciplines and learning more each day to be more effective at my job. A career in textile engineering would check all of those boxes and more. Each day I would know that I am making an impact on the world, whether that’s creating sustainable materials for apparel, designing a new swimsuit material to make competitive swimming more equitable or if I’m designing a new material for artificial arteries; making a difference also contributes to a fulfilling career. An impactful life coincides with a fulfilling career; the career made possible by the Wilson College would add tools to my toolbox of knowledge and educate me to make a difference in the world around me. The difference I make with the knowledge and experience I gain from the program will define the impact I make.

What is a unique trait that you have that you believe will benefit you the most while in college?

I believe a unique trait I have that will benefit me the most in college is persistence. I never accept no as an answer and I’m always willing to find a way for things to happen and find new solutions to problems by looking at things from a different point of view. I will exhaust every option possible to try and make something happen, whether that’s an event for a club, a math problem or trying a new technique while fishing, I won’t stop until something works, which I think will be very valuable in college. 

How will being a Centennial Scholar impact your college experience?

Being a Centennial Scholar will impact my college experience by allowing me access to a tight-knit, like-minded group of individuals who all want to be pioneers in the textile industry. Additionally, being a scholar will allow me to learn about the impact of the textile industry on other cultures and in other places around the world with the study abroad funds and the frequent textile conferences. 

Abigail Stuart

W. Duke Kimbrell Centennial Scholarship
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina
Major: Fashion and Textile Management

For Abigail Stuart, coming to the Wilson College of Textiles felt like coming home. She knew the Wilson College was the place for her after experiencing the community and atmosphere.

“Everyone I met at the Wilson College was extremely kind,” Stuart says. “It genuinely felt like a close-knit community.”

Why did you choose your major? What are you most excited to learn about?

During STEP, I had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Matthews and work with a team to create a  mock sub-brand for American Eagle. We implemented key marketing strategies to target millennial women who required affordable professional clothing that could be worn by women of all body types. I enjoyed the research about the consumers and their lifestyles that increased the popularity of a brand and its products. I knew that I wanted this to be my everyday job.

What is a unique trait that you have that you believe will benefit you the most while in college?

I am a leader in the classroom and the community and I feel that this attribute will help me tremendously in college. I like to take charge in group projects, but I also know when it is necessary to take a step back and give others a chance. I want to become friends with the people I am learning with, but I also aim to complete tasks efficiently.

How will being a Centennial Scholar impact your college experience?

I plan to use my enrichment funds to study abroad for a semester in Europe and I also hope to complete a short-term marketing program in Argentina. I will also have the opportunity to complete my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years without the concern of the costs of an additional year.

Lainey Volz

Hayes Endowed Centennial Scholarship
Hometown: Concord, Massachusetts
Major: Fashion and Textile Design

Lainey Volz has known since she was in second grade that she wants to be a fashion designer, and the Wilson College of Textiles is the first step on her journey to making those dreams a reality. 

“It’s a step toward the future I have dreamed of for myself since I was a little kid,” Volz says. 

She plans on using her education from Wilson College to be a driving force for inclusivity within the fashion industry.

How did you first learn about the Wilson College of Textiles?

My interests in fashion design led me to the Youtuber Kiana Bonollo, a Wilson College alumna. I became a huge fan of her videos as I was amazed by her talent and creativity. In every video of hers, I always found myself thinking, “I want to have the skillset to do that!” Only a couple of days into watching her channel I was so curious to know where she got her fashion education. I discovered that she was an NC State alumna, which led me to research the school that her videos had already made me so passionate about. In videos on her channel, she shows the projects she created in college and talks about the opportunities available at NC State to her viewers. I wouldn’t have found this college of my dreams without her, so I’m incredibly grateful for her videos! 

Why did you decide to enroll at the NC State Wilson College of Textiles?

Since the second grade I have known that I want to be a fashion designer, and I know I will gain the skillset I need to become one through the Wilson College of Textiles’ fashion and textile design program. 

My love of fashion has evolved from loving not only the craft, but also what can be done with fashion. I want to answer questions such as: how can I make a fabric out of waste from other materials? How can I design more inclusive sizing that fits a variety of body types? I know my future at NC State will answer these questions because of the wide range of fashion and textile courses offered. One course in particular immediately jumped out at me – FTD 200. My fashion design process has always started at the fabric store,  but as an NC State student I will get to develop fabric that I then incorporate into my designs. 

Learning about this program has made me realize that fashion design has been around for centuries, but a careful consideration of the materials going into the designs is new. This really struck me because I believe the future of fashion is not only the design, but also the materials and their positive impact on our world. It is a true honor to be a recipient of the Hayes Endowed Centennial Scholarship because it is giving me the ability to attend this incredible program and take advantage of all of the amazing opportunities that will prepare me for my future!

How will being a Centennial Scholar impact your college experience?

I am so incredibly grateful for this scholarship as it enables me to come to this program that has facilities rich with machines and materials that I don’t understand yet but cannot wait to discover. For my whole life sewing has only been me, my sewing machine and my mannequin. Now the machinery and materials I have access to at NC State are so vast; it is truly a dream come true. 

I determined during the college’s interview scholarship weekend that NC State was where I saw my future. My parents took a picture of me — without me noticing — walking out of my interview, and even though I am wearing a mask, you can see in my eyes how big I was smiling. I knew this was the school for me. Additionally, the opportunity to study abroad is incredible. I’ve taken a language for seven years and I have never left the United States, so I know the opportunity to see somewhere completely new will be life changing.

To learn more about supporting the Centennial Scholarship program, please contact the North Carolina Textile Foundation, at nctextilefoundation@ncsu.edu or 919.515.3878.