NCPMA awards 8 college scholarships

The Education Foundation of the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA), Raleigh, N.C., awarded a Past President’s Scholarship to eight students:

Lauren Coats, a junior at North Carolina State University, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations. A native of Clayton, Coats attended Clayton High School where she was active in student government, the National Honor Society and cheerleading.  She has worked for her family’s pest management business, Neuse Termite and Pest Control, since 2010 and plans to continue working for the company after graduation.

Devra Jasinowski, a freshman at Central Piedmont Community College, is pursuing an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. Jasinowski is a graduate of Appalachian State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science.  She plans to use her degree to help improve the health of elderly populations or pursue a career with an international nonprofit organization.

Dale London, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. A native of Hendersonville, London attended North Henderson High School and has worked for Hendersonville Pest Control. He plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering upon graduation.

Jared Matthews, a sophomore at North Carolina State University, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management. A native of Autryville, Matthews attended Triton High School. He is currently employed with State Pest Control and hopes to work in accounting for a pest management company upon graduation.

Sarah Murvin, a senior and graduate student at St. Andrew’s University, is completing her bachelor’s degree in equine business administration and beginning her pursuit of a Master of Business Administration. A graduate of Topsail High School, Murvin hopes to one day open a shelter for neglected horses.

Neely Powell, a senior at Clemson University, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in graphic communications. Powell is a graduate of the Spartanburg Christian Academy. She plans to pursue graphic design for a pest management company after graduation.

Emilia Ruiz, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Spanish. A native of Pineville, Ruiz graduated from South Mecklenburg High School. She plans to pursue a master’s degree upon graduation.

Karen Walston, a student at Western Carolina University, is completing classes in finance and accounting.

In 2004, the NCPMA designed a scholarship program to help encourage and build the next generation of pest management professionals. The Education Foundation of the NCPMA awards the scholarships to students who are enrolling or currently enrolled in post-high-school programs at technical schools, colleges or universities each year.  Scholarships are awarded to owners, employees or children and grandchildren of owners or employees of NCPMA-member companies, and preference is given to those who demonstrate an interest in pursuing careers in the pest management industry.