Shallotte, NC – Two local students living in the FOCUS Broadband service area were recently awarded scholarships through the Foundation for Rural Services (FRS), an organization which supports rural telecommunication companies and their members. This year, over 1,300 applications were received from students in rural communities across the nation, and only 55 students were selected.

Alicia High and Bryce Harrelson are recipients of a $1,000 FRS Roger Alan Cox Scholarship. Both scholarships were made possible through the generosity of Herman & Whiteaker, LLC, and were created to honor the memory of former FOCUS Broadband CEO, Roger Cox. Cox served Brunswick County and the rural telecommunications industry for 27 years. This scholarship honors his passion and endless drive to help ensure that rural Americans have access to the same technology and education as every other American.

Alicia High, of Ash, attends the NC School of Science and Mathematics. Upon graduation, Alicia plans to attend NC State and major in Chemical Engineering. Bryce Harrelson lives in Whiteville and attends South Columbus High School. Harrelson will be attending Campbell University in the fall and will be majoring in Engineering.

“FOCUS Broadband is proud to be an FRS member, and it is an honor to have local students receive these national scholarships,” said Keith Holden, FOCUS Broadband CEO. “We appreciate that FRS and Herman & Whiteaker, LLC, continue to honor Roger’s legacy and passion for ensuring that students in rural communities have access to technology and education.”

To learn more about FOCUS Broadband’s scholarship opportunities, visit focusbroadband.com/scholarships.