Local middle school students shot hoops and ran drills at basketball camps hosted by two of the state’s largest universities this summer, thanks to Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships from Blue Ridge Energy.
Liam Parsons of Collettsville Middle School attended the Carolina Basketball Camp at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Liam is the son of Mark and Kristie Parsons.
Kate Bowman who attends Bethlehem Elementary School in Alexander County attended the Women’s Wolfpack Basketball Camp at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Kate is the daughter of Matthew and Jamie Bowman of Dudley Shoals in Caldwell County.
“Blue Ridge Energy is pleased to allow these outstanding students to experience life on a college campus and learn from college coaches and student-athletes,” said Tasha Rountree, director of community relations and economic development. “These camps teach valuable lessons that students can apply in their lives on and off the court.”
A panel of judges selected the students based on their applications, which included academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and a written essay.
The all-expense-paid scholarships, sponsored by North Carolina’s 26 Touchstone Energy cooperatives, fund more than 50 middle-school students from across the state to attend basketball camps. The co-ops’ partnership with universities provides a unique educational and athletic opportunity for our state’s youth and aligns with Touchstone Energy’s core values of accountability, integrity, innovation, and commitment to community.
Blue Ridge Energy is a member-owned electric cooperative serving some 80,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany counties as well as parts of Wilkes, Avery, and Alexander counties.