The Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has awarded the 2025 Harold F. Coffey Scholarship to 2025 Caldwell Early College High School graduate Austin Shore.
The scholarship, which was established in 2020 by the Coffey Foundation, is merit-based and provides $2,500 annually to a graduate of Caldwell County Schools or a graduate of a certified Caldwell County home school who does not qualify for a Pell Grant. The graduate must also have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and have demonstrated civic or community involvement. The scholarship provides funds to cover the cost of tuition, books, and supplies for a student who plans to enroll in either an associate in science or associate in applied science program of study at CCC&TI.
Shore, who is a Caldwell County native, is currently working toward an associate in science degree in CCC&TI’s Nursing program. “I wasn’t originally interested in nursing but as I met people who were nurses and had conversations with them along with doing my own research, I realized that it might be a career that I’d enjoy,” said Shore. “My goal as a student is to stand out and be a person that people can depend on when they need help with class or just someone to talk to. I don’t just want to pass nursing school, I want to knock it out of the park! I want to be a good student and a great learner.”
As a student at CECHS, Shore excelled academically making both the President’s and Honors Lists for his academic achievements. Shore was also inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and served as a graduation marshal. Shore was also actively involved with several clubs, local civic organizations and his local church as a volunteer and service worker. Shore served as Vice-President of the CCC&TI Student Ambassador group and volunteered with Hospice, South Caldwell Christian Ministries, and with Hurricane Helene relief work in fall 2024. Shore also taught at his local church bible school and spent time volunteering in Caldwell County elementary school classrooms throughout his time in high school.
For Shore, this scholarship not only helps relieve some of the financial burden of his current classes, but it will also help him reach his goals once he completes his degree at CCC&TI. “I am currently in the Lenoir-Rhyne RIBN program, a pathway straight to your bachelor’s in nursing. Once I complete the nursing program at CCC&TI, I’ll continue on at Lenoir-Rhyne University. I would like to then go to grad school and become a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)” said Shore.
While Shore has plans that include a variety of credentials from several institutions, the one constant that he hopes to continue wherever his path leads is continuing to make a positive impact for those around him. “My career goal in life isn’t for people to remember me when I’m gone, but to remember the positive impact I made and how I made them feel because of it.”
Congratulations to CCC&TI student Austin Shore on earning the 2025 Harold F. Coffey Scholarship.