Two Caldwell graduates awarded Coffey scholarships at CCC&TI

Two recent Caldwell County high school graduates pursuing careers in healthcare and veterinary medicine have received the Harold F. Coffey Scholarship at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.

Ava Leigh Duncan of Cajah’s Mountain and Madilyn Walker of Lenoir, both 18, were selected for the scholarship, which provides $2,500 annually toward tuition, books, and supplies.

The merit-based scholarship was established in 2020 by the Coffey Foundation. It is available to graduates of Caldwell County Schools or certified Caldwell County home schools who do not qualify for a Pell Grant, have at least a 3.5 GPA, demonstrate community involvement, and enroll in an associate in science or associate in applied science program at CCC&TI.

Duncan, a 2026 graduate of South Caldwell High School, is completing prerequisites for the college’s medical sonography program and also plans to pursue surgical technology.

Her long-term goal is to become a sonographer. She said an experience through UNC’s Camp Med, where she observed an operating room, also sparked an interest in surgical technology.

“All I know is that I want to work in the medical field and help everyone who needs it,” Duncan said.

Duncan said the scholarship has helped her reduce the number of hours she needs to work while attending college.

“The Harold F. Coffey Scholarship really blessed me,” Duncan said. “Thanks to my scholarship, I can work part time and have plenty of time to study. My grades are definitely showing the benefits of this, and I plan to keep them up as high as possible as a personal way of saying thank you.”

Outside the classroom, Duncan participates in American Heritage Girls, is active in her church, and is preparing to serve as a guardian ad litem.

Her father also attended CCC&TI, earning a degree in electrical engineering.

“To me it means a stable and bright start to my future,” Duncan said. “CCC&TI is the place that’s helping me build my life by providing me with the courses and resources I need.”

Walker, a 2026 graduate of Hibriten High School, is pursuing an associate in science degree and plans to transfer to a university before earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

She hopes eventually to return to Lenoir or a nearby community to practice veterinary medicine.

“It’s close to home and convenient for me and my family,” Walker said. “I am planning on getting my associate degree in science so I can transfer to get my doctorate in veterinary medicine so I can be a veterinarian.”

Walker participated in Beta Club, Math Club, Art Club, Peer Helpers, Quiz Bowl, and basketball while at Hibriten.

She said the scholarship will help her work toward graduating with as little student debt as possible.

“Through receiving this award, I have gotten the opportunity to continue my education further into becoming a veterinarian,” Walker said. “My goal is to graduate with as little student debt as I can, and this scholarship will help me achieve this goal.”

Walker said beginning her education at CCC&TI also allows her to remain close to family while completing foundational courses at a lower cost.

“CCC&TI offers students a chance to further their education for a fraction of the price of education at a university,” Walker said.

For more information about scholarships or giving to the Foundation of CCC&TI, call 828-726-2260 or visit cccti.edu/foundation.