Recent North Surry High School graduate Ashley Flores has been named a 2023 Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarship recipient.
Established in 1955 by a trust endowed by the late Aubrey Lee Brooks, these scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors from a 14-county area of North Carolina. Applications are open to high school seniors from 14 different North Carolina counties. The recipients were chosen based on the late Mr. Brook’s qualifications which are: academic standing, character, leadership, financial need, and the will of the recipient to help him or herself prepare for a career as a useful informed citizen. This scholarship provides for an award of about one-half the cost of undergraduate education.
The Brooks Scholarship is valued at $12,000 and is renewable for three additional academic years. First-year scholars receive a one-time computer stipend of $2,500. Additional funding for summer internships, research, or study abroad is also available.
Flores was selected through a competitive process that included an interview with a county committee and a final selection by a committee of faculty and staff from each of the three eligible universities, which are North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. There were nearly – students that applied for the Brooks Scholarship this year.
Ashley is a proud product of Surry County Schools, attending Franklin Elementary, Meadowview Magnet Middle, and North Surry High School. While attending North Surry High School, Ashley was heavily involved in her school community. She played Women’s Varsity Soccer, was a Varsity cheerleader, served as junior and senior editor and photographer for Yearbook, and participated in Interact Club, Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, National Technical Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Student Council as student body president. Other notable accomplishments from her time as a greyhound included being a Junior Marshall, graduating Top 10 of her class, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and as an NC academic scholar and was also dually enrolled with Surry Community College, where she completed 30 credit hours.
“Receiving this scholarship is truly an honor, and I am still shocked. When I first went into Mrs. Zurita’s office to tell her I was applying, she informed me that no one at North Surry High School had ever received this scholarship, so I thought my chances were slim. Yet, I kept on going and was determined to be the first. When I looked at the notification on my phone that said I was an Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholar, I broke down in tears and was completely shocked. All I could think was, “You did it!” But I didn’t do it by myself,” commented Ms. Flores.
Ashley cites her family as one of her biggest supporters, saying, “My parents came to the United States with nothing, yet they have managed to give my siblings and me so much, and for that, I am forever thankful. I have always wished to be like my siblings and follow in their footsteps and accomplish as many great things as they have. They are both first-generation college students who paved the way for me to do the same! Without the support of my family, friends, teachers, and counselors, I don’t think any of this would have been possible because they pushed me to keep on going and supported me every step of the way. I am so blessed and forever thankful to everyone who had a say in this process and the Aubrey Lee Brooks Foundation!”
“Ashley has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her studies and a remarkable level of perseverance. Her academic achievements have not only impressed her teachers and classmates but has set an example for others to follow. Receiving this scholarship will undoubtedly open doors to new opportunities for Ashley, enabling her to further pursue her academic endeavors and investing in her future. We, as a school community, take great pride in Ashley's accomplishments. Her success reflects not only her individual efforts but also the support and guidance provided by her teachers, counselors, mentors, and family. I congratulate Ashley on this achievement and wish her continued success as she embarks on her next phase in her educational journey,” commented Principal Dr. Paige Badgett.