Special to Iredell Free News

Laurel MaLynn Gray, a recent North Iredell High School graduate, has been awarded the 2021 John Kirkman Honorary CTE Scholarship by the North Carolina CTE (Career & Technical Education) Foundation.

Gray was selected based on her academic achievement as well as her extensive involvement in Career and Technical Education courses and the National FFA Organization. She plans to attend North Carolina State University and major in Agricultural Business Management. Over 240 students were considered for this scholarship, which is worth $1,500.

The Foundation’s Scholarship Committee was impressed with all the applicants for this scholarship. It is a testament to the great Career and Technical Education Teachers across North Carolina and the passion they share to help students develop academically, grow their leadership potential and pursue their career goals.

Ms. Gray is the first recipient of this scholarship, which has been established as an annual scholarship by the NC CTE Foundation to honor the service of John Kirkman.

Kirkman served North Carolina Career & Technical Education for over 30 years. Throughout his tenure in CTE, he served as a middle school and high school Agriculture teacher, CTE Director for Lee County Schools, CTE Regional Coordinator and Interim State CTE Director. His dedication and love for CTE led to many contributions that have positively impacted thousands of students, teachers, and administrators across the state.