Don and Audrey Bentley Scholarship

The Don and Audrey Bentley Scholarship is given to graduating seniors attending Watauga High School in North Carolina who excelled in academics and service while exhibiting leadership abilities. Special consideration is given to students seeking a degree in environmental sciences or education. The scholarship is also open to students of Watauga Innovation Academy. Selection criteria include academic excellence, leadership, community service, hardship and/or effort. Financial need may be considered as a criterion. The scholarship is administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation through the Watauga County Community Foundation. Established by Audrey Bentley in 2013 in memory of her late husband, Dr. Donald W. Bentley, the fund was activated in 2020. The most recent award was $23,750, renewable for up to four years.