Friends of Mark W. Heffington, M.D., and Nina Weintraub Heffington established this scholarship fund as a living legacy of their giving and caring spirit that has enhanced the communities of Cashiers and Highlands. It became a memorial scholarship to Nina when she lost a battle with cancer on June 30, 1999 at the age of 42.
Nina's focus in life was centered around not only her own children, but all of the children of the communities. She was an avid volunteer in the schools, using her many talents to enhance educational opportunities. Her interests included but were not limited to dramatic arts, computer science, writing and psychology.
Friends will always remember Nina's laughter, love of life, and willingness to share of her time and talents. Her kindness, enthusiasm and dedication toward young people were well known. These scholarships, which demonstrate Nina's loving and giving nature, are a legacy to the support and encouragement that were the hallmark of her life by enabling students in the Cashiers-Highlands area to further their education.
Since its inception in 1999, the Heffington Scholarship Fund has awarded 128 scholarships totaling $176,615 to local students.
Amount
One-time of up to $4,000
Number Of Awards
Four Awards
Deadline
Mar. 1, 2024
Eligibility
Scholarships are available to qualified graduates or graduating high school seniors who are members of the Cashiers or Highlands communities. Recipients must plan to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, community college, or vocational school full-time. Those who attend the NC School of Science and Mathematics, the UNC School of the Arts High School, or a home school registered with the NC Division of Non-Public Education are also eligible, as long as their primary residence is in one of the two communities mentioned above. Previous recipients of this scholarship may re-apply for consideration. Please note that New Century Scholars will not be considered for a Heffington Scholarship.
CFWNC ensures that all scholarship recipients are selected on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis and that selections are based on specific guidelines and criteria for each fund.
Selection Criteria
- Strong moral character
- Demonstrated financial need
- Willingness to learn and pursue an education
- Community service (outstanding contributions to school and community)
- Extracurricular activities/work experience/work ethic
To Apply
To apply, students must complete an application online. The application, with required attachments, must be submitted online on or before the deadline. Award Year 2024 closed.
Application Procedure
The scholarship program is administered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Please direct any questions about this scholarship to the Foundation's Scholarship Officer, Lezette Parks, at parks@cfwnc.org.