{"id":15660,"date":"2020-09-25T11:24:09","date_gmt":"2020-09-25T15:24:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=15660"},"modified":"2024-04-10T16:30:35","modified_gmt":"2024-04-10T20:30:35","slug":"welcome-to-the-pack-2024-class-of-centennial-scholars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/2020\/09\/welcome-to-the-pack-2024-class-of-centennial-scholars\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome to the Pack, 2024 Class of Centennial Scholars!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
By Devayani Taywade Patil<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are excited to introduce you to the 2024 Class of <\/span>Centennial Scholarship<\/span><\/a> recipients. The Centennial Scholarship program was established by the <\/span>North Carolina Textile Foundation<\/span><\/a> (NCTF) in 1999 as a part of the <\/span>Wilson College of Textiles<\/span><\/a> Centennial Celebration. The Centennial Scholarship provides each student a minimum of $15,000 per year for four years. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n These scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students majoring in one of the college\u2019s five unique degree programs in both the <\/span>Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management<\/span><\/a> (TATM) and the <\/span>Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science<\/span><\/a> (TECS). Scholarship recipients are required to submit an application that is read by Wilson College faculty and staff, Centennial alumni, NCTF Board Members and other textile industry members. Fifty-four finalists were invited to campus for on-campus interviews in which all finalists were awarded a scholarship. Centennial awards are based on their academic achievement in high school, proven and potential leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and unique life experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The scholarship also provides $7,500 in enrichment funds that can be used for study abroad, leadership programs, career explorations or other approved enrichment activities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n This year\u2019s class of scholars have all worked extremely hard to get where they are, and every one of them hopes to make the world a better place. Join us in welcoming them to the Wilson College of Textiles family.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wilson College of Textiles is proud to say we have the largest per-student college-based scholarship program at <\/span>NC State<\/span><\/a>. Learn more about the Centennial Scholarship program and all of our <\/span>scholarship opportunities<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Logan Adkins<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Logan Adkins is from Wilson, North Carolina, where she attended Ralph L. Fike High School and has been awarded the Dunlap – Floopy \/ Beaunit Centennial Scholarship. She plans to study <\/span>Fashion and Textile Management<\/span><\/a> (FTM) with a concentration in brand management and marketing because she has a passion for the<\/span> apparel and textile industry and its corresponding entrepreneurial spirit<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Combining both aspects of the fashion and textile industry with business skills, the FTM major was the perfect match. \u201c<\/span>I have always been captivated by the diligence and diversity of the business community,\u201d Adkins said. \u201cSimultaneously, I have also been enthralled by the empowerment that the creative fashion industry offers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a <\/span>Summer Textile Exploration Program<\/span><\/a> (STEP) attendee, she had quite an informative week where she learned about business management in the <\/span>fashion and textile industry<\/span>. \u201cD<\/span>uring STEP, I was enlightened with the vision of pursuing both of my passions and was introduced to a unique community of creative, collaborative scholars who not only shared and appreciated my passions but spoke my language.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coming from a rural area where fashion was not overwhelmingly appreciated as an art form, Adkins\u2019 interests were only shared among a small group. Attending STEP, however, she found other students who shared her same passions. \u201cThrough our common interests, I was able to establish multiple relationships built on the foundation of innovation and creativity,\u201d she said, reflecting on the experience. “The community created by the Wilson College of Textiles is inclusive, diverse and respected, and I am excited to be a part of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n A scholar-athlete, Adkins believes that her drive and desire to achieve greatness will take her far in her studies. \u201cAs a female who shares a great passion for the sports community, I am determined to shatter stereotypes and leave my mark on the industry,\u201dshe said. \u201cI trust that my competitiveness on the tennis court and in the classroom will translate into the business world, allowing me to compete for top positions within the industry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adkins held many leadership positions in high school including president of National Beta Club, legislative president of Youth and Government, president of the Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing, and social media manager of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, some of the most impactful experiences have been on the tennis court. A four-year varsity team member and three-time captain, Adkins has been able to connect and lead others in a competitive yet empowering atmosphere. With such a time commitment, the most rewarding part was to be a part of the team and see its growth <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTennis equipped me with time management skills that allowed me to manage both the rigorous course load of the International Baccalaureate Program as well as an intense athletic schedule,\u201d said Adkins. \u201cI have been able to instruct teammates while imparting lessons in sportsmanship and integrity, while also aiding the development of my high school and community programs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Four years from now, Adkins sees herself as a proud and well-prepared graduate of the Wilson College of Textiles. She\u2019s already thinking of pursuing a career with powerhouse brands like Nike, Lululemon or Sheri Hill \u2013 given their empowering company cultures and her passion for athletics company \u2013 or continuing her education through graduate school. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRegardless of where my career leads me, I hope to be able to leave my mark on the apparel <\/span>and fashion industry,<\/span>\u201c Adkins noted, \u201cand generously contribute back to Wilson College of Textiles to benefit students in ways like I am being supported thus far.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lilly Barozzini<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lilly Barozzini, originally from Glen Gardner, New Jersey where she attended Voorhees High School, now calls Holly Springs, North Carolina her home. Awarded the American & Efird Centennial Scholarship, she plans to study <\/span>Fashion and Textile Design<\/span><\/a> (FTD) to pursue her love for design and fashion \u2013and learn about the importance of design, the impact of textiles and how she can personally make a difference in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am excited to live and work with those that share this same passion,\u201d <\/span>Barozzini said. \u201c<\/span>I want to collaborate with others and take our individual strengths within <\/span>fashion and textiles<\/span> to learn, grow and accomplish amazing achievements together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Barozzini discovered the Wilson College of Textiles by researching its website where she learned that it offered one of the top <\/span>fashion and textiles <\/span>programs. Later, when she attended <\/span>Polymer Camp<\/span><\/a> during summer 2018 and then the <\/span>Summer Textile Exploration Program<\/span><\/a> (STEP) last year, she realized all the fantastic opportunities the college had to offer. After STEP, Lilly knew she wanted to be a part of the tight-knit community that the Wilson College of Textiles has successfully established. Plus, the wide ranging options offered through the FTD curriculum will help expand her knowledge <\/span>not only in fashion design but in sustainability, textiles and technology in the fashion industry.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am so excited to work alongside others who are just as motivated and passionate to make a difference in the world of fashion,\u201d said <\/span>Barozzini, <\/span>and I am confident that the Wilson College of Textiles is the perfect place for me to grow and develop over the next four years!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Barozzini <\/span>believes that her positive attitude and willingness to work with others will be an asset to the Wilson College, \u201cI plan to bring my love to serve others to college,\u201d she said. \u201c I want to grow as a leader and inspire others with my ideas to make a positive impact on NC State and our world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n That desire was evident in high school, where <\/span>Barozzini <\/span>was quite involved as president of Family, Career, Community and Leaders of America (FCCLA), captain of the volleyball team and member of both the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As FCCLA\u2019s president, she brought many organizations from all around the world and in her community to her high school including <\/span>Little Dresses for Africa<\/span><\/a> for which she created dresses using donated fabrics and materials. Additionally, she also worked with <\/span>Project Linus<\/span><\/a> to make fleece blankets for children in New Jersey foster care programs and hospitals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Community service is important to <\/span>Barozzini,<\/span> also collaborating with the local Meals on Wheels to make monthly centerpieces and goodie bags; with the <\/span>Woodland Wildlife Organization<\/span><\/a> to make stuffed animals for reduced wildlife; and with her school to help plan and organize a health and wellness fair.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Barozzini also cites <\/span>her involvement with the Unified Program as one of the most impactful experiences in high school, supporting special education students in gym class and cafeteria and assisting in their general school lessons. All of the students she interacted with changed her perspective for the better and showed her that every success, no matter how small, should be celebrated.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Building on all her high school experiences, <\/span>Barozzini Believes<\/span> that it is \u201conly the beginning of me using my passion for helping make the world a better place.\u201d She is excited for what the future holds in terms of her degree and her community. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI will be so appreciative of all the friendships I have made at NC State and all of those individuals who have made a positive impact on me and my development ,\u201d she said. \u201cI am confident that I will have grown my design skills and that I will have a clear vision of who I am as a designer and as a person.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Over these next four years, <\/span>Barozzini <\/span>hopes to grow as a designer, form strong friendships, travel abroad to immerse herself in various cultures, obtain an internship and most importantly, make a positive impact among her peers and professors. Knowing that life moves quickly, she is already thinking about life after graduation: a career that incorporates sustainability aspects, especially in upcycling fabrics and creating biodegradable textiles or adaptive apparel.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI want to reach out beyond the runway and make a positive impact on both our planet and those with disabilities,\u201d she said. The amount of waste we create from our desire to consume has created a problem that I want to help solve in my future.\u201d The Centennial Scholarship offers a huge opportunity and <\/span>Barozzini <\/span>is honored to receive one. . \u201cIt gives me the confidence and drives me to work harder and to set a positive example for my peers,\u201d she affirmed. \u201cI have a passion for service and I am privileged to be able to continue serving with like-minded peers at NC State.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Karina Bhatia<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Karina Bhatia hails from Morrisville, North Carolina, where she graduated from Enloe High School<\/span>. <\/span>She has been awarded the Jacques Weber Centennial Scholarship and is pursuing a degree in <\/span>Textile Technology<\/span><\/a> with a concentration in medical textiles leveraging the <\/span>interdisciplinary<\/span> nature of the major.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prior to learning about the textile industry, Bhatia dreamed of becoming a doctor. After attending the <\/span>Summer Textile Exploration Program<\/span><\/a>, she discovered that the medical textiles concentration is the perfect marriage between biology and technology \u2013 evident by seeing labs and interacting with professors. Most importantly, however, she noted that \u201cit was the students and hearing their experiences and advice that captured me.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bhatia wants to use her creative and technical skills in medicine so she can make a direct impact on humanity, and w<\/span>ith this major,she can<\/span> \u201ccreate devices and products that directly impact and improve bodily function <\/span>\u2013 <\/span>my dream career.\u201d. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from its plethora of resources, Bhatia chose the Wilson College of Textiles because it felt like home. It also challenged her to grow as a person and student. Drawn to the college by its emphasis on preparing students for industry and promoting community, she is excited to call herself a member of the Wilson College family.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBesides being the <\/span>No. 1 textiles institution in the world<\/span>, I believe that the Wilson College of Textiles will give me many opportunities and countless resources to help me achieve my career aspirations,\u201d she said.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a first-generation Indian-American, Bhatia believes she brings a unique and diverse background including her global experiences. Living in China for four years and becoming fluent in Mandarin has helped her become more knowledgeable about different cultures.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Actively involved in high school, Bhatia was a local changemaker. She was a part of the Enloe High School Equity Initiative, a team of eight students selected to develop solutions to socioeconomic and racial inequity within the school and community and ways to present them to district, regional and state-level educators.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bhatia also developed leadership skills and unique thinking capacities through conversations in Dialogue, a club committed to cultivating an appreciation for honest and empathetic dialogue among diverse voices. She was also the co-president of Enloe Dance pe Chance and the Bollywood Fusion Dance team. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese activities had a lasting impact on my character and worldview, and allowed me to grow as a thoughtful, effective, and diverse leader in the roles I fulfilled,\u201d said Bhatia, who, outside of high school, made time to earn a black belt<\/span> in <\/span>Tae Kwon Do.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Four years from now, Bhatia hopes to pursue a master’s degree or work at a global textile company. Ideally, she wants to work at a cutting-edge biotechnology company in research and development to create and innovate medical textiles. \u201cI hope that my dream of building textiles, whether it be creating masks to aid in a global pandemic, updating implantable devices or designing efficient products, truly produces a tangible, positive effect for people,\u201d she said. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Being named a Centennial scholar is a huge honor for Bhatia. \u201cIt relieves the financial responsibility for my parents, who also have my two siblings to put through college,\u201d she acknowledged. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n She knows that the scholarship and the Wilson College of Textiles will provide networking and leadership opportunities. \u201cKnowing that others have invested in my future and are willing to provide support for me to chase my dreams not only creates drive within me, but lets me know that the Wilson College of Textiles cares about my future,\u201d said Bhatia. In the future, she hopes to do her part in becoming a leader, giving back to the community and educating people about sustainability in textiles. She is incredibly thankful to have the chance and ability to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Alexandra (Rosie) Fisher<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rosie Fisher is from Alexandria, Virginia, where she attended TC Williams High School. Awarded the Jacques Weber Centennial Scholarship, plans on studying <\/span>Textile Engineering<\/span><\/a> motivated by her interest and passion for engineering which stems from robotics. The most appealing aspect of the major is the positive impact she can make on the environment. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c<\/span>Textiles are an essential part of everyday life and are a hugely profitable industry, but that profit is not without cost,\u201d Fisher said. She wants to put her knowledge to the test and develop industry solutions such as reducing the massive water usage required to make a single cotton t-shirt, the effect on soil due to the use of pesticides and insecticides.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fisher decided to join the Wilson College of Textiles after learning about it through alumni and experiencing the <\/span>Summer Textile Exploration Program<\/span><\/a> (STEP), in the textile engineering group, she saw the labs, learned about fabrics and was introduced to the field of wearable technology. Additionally, she was able to talk to Dr. Jess Jur about different sustainable projects in the textile industry such as <\/span>Nike Grind<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c<\/span>I selected the Wilson College of Textiles not only because it is the <\/span>No. 1 textile institution<\/span> in the world, but it will give me the best opportunity to make the textile industry more sustainable,\u201d Fisher said.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coming from a city public school that welcomes students from 114 countries, Fisher embraces the ethnic and cultural diversity of her community. \u201cI believe this upbringing has given me strength in accepting and working with people regardless of their background or perspective,\u201d she said. Understanding the importance of diversity and that various types of perspectives create the best solutions, Fisher will use her ability to work with different groups of people to contribute to solving global issues.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In high school, Fisher was involved with a variety of activities including the FIRST Robotics Competition team for which she served as community outreach team lead, chief operations officer and nontechnical vice president. Through these leadership positions, she organized and ran the team\u2019s first summer camp, planned various events and oversaw fundraising, marketing and community outreach.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to robotics, she founded the school\u2019s Students for Environmental Action club, spearheading the project that led to a switch from styrofoam trays to compostable trays \u2013 in addition to composting. \u201cThrough this club, I was able to create real change within my high school of approximately 4,000 students,\u201d Fisher noted. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Outside of school, Fisher was active in her church, where she designed and created costumes for musicals and participated in Appalachia Service Projects.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n After graduation, Fisher hopes to be working in the textile industry with a mission to be more sustainable by creating innovative products and practices. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am so grateful to receive the Centennial Scholarship because it allows me to attend an out-of-state school at a more affordable cost and major in something I am passionate about\u201d she said. \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meredith Gaskill<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meredith Gaskill is from Salisbury, North Carolina, where she attended Jesse C. Carson High School. She has been awarded the Park – Centennial Scholarship and plans to study <\/span>Fashion and Textile Management<\/span><\/a> combining her love for fashion, business, and passion for making people feel beautiful and empowered. She believes she can do this best by utilizing the textile industry and all it offers. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gaskill chose the Wilson College of Textiles for its many opportunities to learn in the classroom and gain industry experience. Attending the <\/span>Summer Textile Exploration Program<\/span><\/a> she was able to gauge what it felt like to be a student and she knew this was a place where she could thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a part of the incoming class, Gaskill will bring her enthusiasm, leadership and strong work ethic to the Wilson College of Textiles in hopes of encouraging her fellow classmates.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Involved with extracurricular activities in high school, Gaskill served in various leadership positions including President of Interact Club, a group focused on service in the community, founded the club HERoes, a women’s empowerment group. She cheered on the Varsity Cheerleading team for her junior and senior year and also was involved in Student Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes throughout the entirety of high school. She also served as Senior Advisor for the North Carolina State Board of Education. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In four years, Meredith sees herself applying a world-class education from the Wilson College of Textiles into a career in the fashion industry or pursuing further education. She hopes to work in marketing or branding with a small business and possibly become a buyer for a larger corporation in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Gaskill, receiving the Centennial Scholarship means everything, \u201cI could attend the college of my dreams and afford many additional opportunities that wouldn’t have been available without the generosity of the North Carolina Textile Foundation and donors that make this scholarship possible.”<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ashley Lamb<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ashley Lamb comes to the Wilson College of Textiles from Cary, North Carolina, where she graduated from the <\/span>Cary Classical Arts & Sciences Academy. <\/span>She has been awarded the ITT\/Roger Milliken Centennial Scholarship and is pursuing a degree in <\/span>Polymer and Color Chemistry<\/span><\/a>, following her interest in chemistry and its application in the medical, health and research fields. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c<\/span>The polymer and color chemistry major allows me to apply this knowledge very practically and develop better quantitative reasoning and laboratory skills,\u201d Lamb said. With hopes to gain knowledge and experiences that will enable her to make a direct impact on many lives.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lamb attended NC State\u2019s <\/span>open house<\/span><\/a> and spoke to a Wilson College of Textiles student ambassador about her major, polymer and color chemistry. Considering how well the coursework aligned with her strong chemistry interest, she \u201cbecame fascinated with the college and its program and applications.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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