Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship

2026 | Wayne Morris Jr., UNC Wilmington Class of 2027

Wayne Morris Jr. has been a nurse with CaroMont Health since 2004. As manager of Ambulatory Clinical Documentation Integrity, he has helped create and implement critical processes for regulatory documentation. Throughout his tenure, Morris has mentored and led many nurses, an experience that inspired him to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing at UNC Wilmington. He aspires to become a nurse educator at CaroMont Health.

2026 | Aaron Sims, Queens University Class of 2027

Aaron Sims is pursuing an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Queens University. Before entering the program, he served as a public safety supervisor and captain at CaroMont Health, which he joined in 2022 following more than six years as a sergeant with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. His time on the front lines sparked his passion for nursing. Sims wanted to be the person who helps patients in their most vulnerable moments rather than the one called in after a situation escalates into a safety concern.

2025 | Olivia Michael, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2029

Olivia Michael, a graduate of Stuart W. Cramer High School, served as president of her school’s Health Occupations Students of America chapter. She volunteered at CaroMont Health in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and The Birthplace, supporting nursing staff and comforting families during significant moments. A multi-sport athlete, Michael won the Big South AAA women’s tennis championship and competed in soccer. She was also active in student government and received multiple academic honors.

2024 | Aissatou Diouf, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2028

Aissatou Diouf, a graduate of Ashbrook High School, was a standout student-athlete and captain of the varsity swim team. A top-performing student, Diouf graduated with an associate degree, was a member of the National Honor Society and was selected for the North Carolina Governor’s School for Natural Science and the Commissioner’s School of Excellence. She established a local chapter of Cancer Kids First, a national youth-led organization that provides normalcy and childhood experiences for kids and teens facing cancer. She also volunteered with pediatric oncology patients and Strong Like AK, a local group supporting families facing pediatric cancer.

2023 | Liana Mattera, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2027

Liana Mattera graduated from Gaston Christian School with a 4.0 grade point average after completing a rigorous academic schedule. She played varsity soccer, served as president of the Interact Club and tutored elementary and middle school students in math and English. Mattera is passionate about fostering a love of science and technology in children and has volunteered with children in a healthcare setting, gaining experience connecting with patients and families.