Since hosting the first Scholarship Night in 2023, 44 professional development and continuing education scholarships totaling $78,800 have been awarded.

Covenant Village held its fourth annual Scholarship Night to present the 2026 professional development and continuing education scholarships. The event was held in the Assembly Room, filled to near capacity with the scholarship recipients and their families, as well as supporting staff members, residents, and friends of Covenant Village, who celebrated the awarding of $23,700 in scholarships to 14 staff members.

In his opening remarks, CEO Dale Melton emphasized the importance of Covenant Village’s scholarship program in recruiting, and more importantly, in retaining, a qualified and exceptional workforce.

“The best companies, businesses, organizations, and non-profits know that their #1 asset is their staff. Even more so, in a post-COVID world with the ongoing impact on all our lives and the current staffing environment, creating the right workplace culture is absolutely crucial to any level of success today. One component of that right culture is an environment for professional development and continuing education,” Dale said.

Dale also recognized the individuals who have made scholarships and professional development funds possible through their donations to Workforce Investment, one of the five pillars of Covenant Village’s Legacy of Care giving program. “There is a long and emerging support network here in our Village,” he said, as he read the names of the Sarah Leigh Family, Ralph and Sally Robinson, Dr. George R. Miller, and William and Elizabeth Current, and acknowledged those who have invested in Covenant Village staff anonymously.

Scholarship Night is coordinated each year by Jenn Barker, Senior Director of Human Resources, and Katie Proffit, Assistant Director. Together, they process the scholarship applications, qualify the applicants, and prepare candidates for review by the Executive Leadership Team. Each award, ranging between $1000 and $7500, has specific requirements, including applicants’ work tenure at Covenant Village, work attendance, and representation of Covenant Village’s core values, CV CARES, in their work performance and character.

Since hosting the first Scholarship Night in 2023, $78,800 in professional development and continuing education scholarships has been awarded, totaling 44 scholarships.

“Investing in our employees is one of the most meaningful ways to invest in the future of our organization and community,” said Jenn. “By helping to remove financial barriers to learning opportunities, we are encouraging continuous development, professional excellence, and a culture of lifelong learning.”

Whether pursuing a certification, continuing education, conferences, specialized training, a college degree, a professional license, or other professional development opportunities, Jenn said each scholar represents the drive and commitment of a thriving workforce.

“The employees receiving these scholarships tonight have demonstrated initiative, dedication, and desire to continue building their expertise,” she added, before announcing this year’s scholarship and continuing education award recipients, which follow:

CV CARES Youth Scholars

Aiden Fadel, Dining Services (UNCC)
Jordan Laverde, Dining Services (UNCC)
Kenya Myles, Nursing (UNCG)

Judy M. & George R. Miller Scholar

Rachel Hibberts, Nursing (UNCW – BSN Program)

Nursing Education Scholars

Kennedy Spickler, Nursing (Cleveland Community College – LPN to ADN Program)
Laskesha Blalock, Nursing (ECPI – LPN Program)
Stephanie Wellman, Nursing (UNCW – Master’s Program) 

Sarah Leigh Continuing Education Scholars

Samantha Beard, Nursing (Nursing Exam)
Jessica Carlyle, Finance (Accounting Classes)
Marisa Cowgill, Spiritual Life (LeadingAge Next Level)
Michelle Gibbons, Marketing (Leadership Gaston)
Lisa Shirley, Activities (Activity Director Certification Course)
Stephanie Wellman, Nursing (Leadership Gaston)

William A. & Elizabeth O. Current Scholar

Landon Monroe, Nursing (Cleveland Community College – LPN to ADN Program)

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The Workforce Investment initiative of the Legacy of Care giving program supports the educational and professional development dreams of our Covenant Village employees. Each year, Covenant Village awards scholarships funded by donations and estate gifts for continuing education, certification expenses, special training opportunities, and professional development. If you would like to discuss plans to invest in our workforce, please talk with Dale Melton or Debbie Windley at Windmark Consulting.