Austin Ryan Carter Memorial Scholarship
It was obvious Austin was gifted from an early age. He was slow to walk but quick to speak. He was selected by Duke Universities TIP program in sixth grade. He took his first SAT at 12 years old and scored very well. It seemed Austin had a bright future. Instead, in June of 2008, he found himself at a crossroad. That summer he learned his mother had terminal cancer. He also realized that due to poor attendance he was going to have to repeat 8th grade. It was a harsh reality check for Austin that could not be ignored.
After many days and many phone calls, Austin found himself in the office of Jinda Haynes, principal of the Davie County Early College High School. Mrs. Haynes and counselor Teri Davies recognized the unique circumstances and allowed Austin to join the Phoenix family at the school. He was allowed to forgo 8th grade and became the very first “new kid” at DCECHS. It was a turning point. Austin threw himself into his work and blossomed. He had found his school, his friends, and his place of comfort. With the support of his new friends and the staff at the early college Austin was able to continue on and graduate from Appalachian State University in May of 2014.
It was because of the love and acceptance he found at the Early College that this scholarship bears his name and recognizes one of its students. It was his dream to return one day and establish it himself. Despite his death, the scholarship has become a reality due to Austin’s drive, hard work, kindness, and thrift. It encourages anyone that finds them self struggling to hold tight to their dreams and never give up!
The Austin Ryan Carter Memorial Scholarship is available to a well-rounded Davie County Early College high school senior.