Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship
Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship
A Legacy of Excellence
Established in 2009 through a gift from Duke and Dot Kimbrell honoring former CaroMont Health CEO Wayne F. Shovelin, this scholarship is awarded competitively to students in Gaston County and CaroMont Health's service areas who are pursuing a health-related career. Across 23 years of leadership, Mr. Shovelin invested in technology and facilities and built working environments that drew outstanding healthcare talent to the region. The fund carries that work forward, supporting tomorrow's healthcare professionals.
The application window is now closed. The next Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship cycle will open in October.
Application Details
Awarded annually to students pursuing healthcare-related degrees.
Eligibility Requirements
- Residency in Gaston County or employment with CaroMont Health
- Current enrollment in a healthcare-related degree program at a two-year or four-year academic institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.2
- Demonstrated financial need
- Evidence of student or professional leadership and community involvement
- A clear commitment to pursuing a healthcare profession
Evaluation Process
All applications are reviewed against the criteria above. Applications that meet the criteria are then evaluated by the Scholarships Advisory Board. Finalists will be invited to a panel-style interview with the Board.
Award Terms
Recipients of the Shovelin Scholarship are required to sign a promissory note and will be tracked by the CaroMont Health Foundation throughout their education and for a period afterward, as outlined in the note. The agreement requires recipients to work at a CaroMont Health facility for two years following graduation. Students who do not fulfill this requirement must repay the scholarship in full or at a prorated amount based on their length of employment at CaroMont Health.
Meet Our Scholars
2025 - Olivia Michael
Olivia Michael, a senior at Stuart W. Cramer High School, is an exemplary academic scholar with a commitment to healthcare studies, demonstrated through her leadership as President of the Health Occupations Students of America Chapter. Her compassionate service as a CaroMont Health volunteer in both the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and The Birthplace has provided valuable assistance to nursing staff while offering comfort to families during one of life's most significant moments. Beyond her academic excellence and multiple scholastic awards, Michael balances her intellectual pursuits with remarkable athletic accomplishments, including championships in Big South AAA Women's Tennis and standout performances in soccer. This dedication across multiple disciplines, combined with her active role in student government, showcases her exceptional drive and well-rounded character.
2024 - Aissatou Diouf
A standout student athlete and captain of the varsity swim team, Diouf is a top-performing student and will graduate in May with an associate degree. Additionally, she is a member of the National Honors Society, participated in North Carolina’s Governor’s School for Natural Science and attended the Commissioner’s School of Excellence. Diouf established a local chapter for Cancer Kids First, a national, youth-led organization that seeks to provide normalcy and childhood experiences for kids and teens facing cancer. In addition to this work, she volunteers with pediatric oncology patients and Strong Like AK, a local group that provides support for families facing pediatric cancer. She will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall and plans to pursue a double major in Biology and Public Health.
2023 - Liana Mattera
Mattera will graduate from Gaston Christian School with a 4.0 grade point average after completing a rigorous academic schedule. Mattera plays varsity soccer, serves as president of the Interact Club and tutors elementary and middle school students in both math and English. Mattera has a passion for fostering a love of science and technology in children and volunteers with children in the healthcare setting, gaining valuable experience connecting with patients and families. She will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall and plans to pursue a career in pediatric medicine.
Past Recipients
2022 | Evan Friday, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2026
2021 | Sophi Jolley, University of South Carolina Class of 2025
2020 | David Efird, Davidson College Class of 2024
2019 | Kyra Rhyne, Western Carolina University Class of 2023
2018 | Victor Ilevbare, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2022
2017 | Maren East, University of South Carolina Class of 2021
2016 | Linnea Jurs, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2020
2015 | Bailey Thomasson, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2019