Salem Cartner

At just 17 years old, Salem Cartner already knew what career path she wanted to take – she wanted to become a Physician Assistant. Now after years of dedication, she is preparing to enter South College of Nashville’s Physician Assistant Studies program in the fall of 2025. Salem graduated from Davie County High School in 2019. Awarded by the luck of the draw to students accepted early to UNC-Chapel Hill, she received the Diana Springer Scholarship. The scholarship covers tuition and fees at UNC-Chapel Hill University for four years. After graduating with a degree in Biology and minor in Geography and Environmental Justice, she currently works locally as a Clinical Informatics Specialist. She will be moving to Nashville in August to start her exciting next chapter in life. Salem says her success is grounded in a few principles, “Faith, hard work, and preparation will take you to most places you hope to go in life.” In addition to her professional pursuits, she has remained committed to service. While an undergraduate, she tutored children and volunteered with the DCXC high school cross-country team, where she shared college prep advice with students during runs. Salem has an important message to relay to the donors that invested in her education, “As a first-generation college student, you lifted a weight off of me and my family. You completely changed my life for the better!” She also offered a special acknowledgment to the Davie Community Foundation and leaders such as Jane Simpson, Outgoing President and CEO of the Foundation, and Tami Daniel, S.U.R.F. Board Advisor, for their support and mentorship during her time on the S.U.R.F. Board during her high school years. “My experience during S.U.R.F. taught me many crucial skills” she said. When asked what advice she’d offer to high school and college students, Salem says, “Plan ahead. Seek advice from professionals who’ve achieved what you want. Invest your time wisely and don’t forget to enjoy the process.” As Salem prepares to move to Nashville in August, she looks forward not only to academic and professional growth but also to deepening her faith, finding a new church and building a new sense of community.