NCPMA awards 7 college scholarships

Maria Gonzalez receives her scholarship from Clint Miller, NCPMA president, at the 2020 NCPMA Pest Control Technician’s School. PHOTO: NCPMA

The Education Foundation of the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) awarded a scholarship to North Carolina State University (NCSU) doctoral student Maria Gonzalez and six students pursuing undergraduate degrees.

The NCPMA Education Foundation awards $1,500 in scholarships annually to students attending NCSU. McPherson’s Past President’s scholarship was presented as part of the 70th Annual NCPMA Pest Control Technician’s School. This year’s event was held Jan. 26 to Jan. 30 in Durham, N.C., and attracted more than 1,000 pest management professionals, making it the largest event for the association to date.

In addition to Gonzalez, the other scholarship winners include:

• Ashley Terrell, Carolina Pest Management, Liberty University
• Makayla Roberts, A-1 Termite and Pest, North Carolina State University
• Ansley Smith, Rid-A-Pest, East Carolina University
• Ethan Davidson, Master Exterminators, Carolina College of Biblical Studies
• Joseph Hall, McNeely Pest Control
• Samantha Barber, Lake Norman Pest Control, Western Carolina University

The scholarship for Gonzalez will assist in the continuation of her studies at NCSU. Gonzalez is a graduate student studying entomology. She is completing research focused on issues pertaining to cockroaches and bed bugs.

See scholarship winners from 2019, 2017 and 2015.

The Past President’s scholarship was created in 2004 to help encourage the next generation of pest management professionals. Scholarships are awarded to owners or employees of NCPMA member companies and/or their family members including spouses, children and grandchildren. Preference is given to students who demonstrate an interest in pursuing careers in the pest management industry. The NCPMA has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships since 2005.

Founded in 1952, the NCPMA is the trade association representing the professional pest management industry in North Carolina. The NCPMA is a statewide association dedicated to representing and educating North Carolina’s pest management professionals.