Ayden senior awarded Wilson scholarship

Ayden-Grifton High School senior Ashton Watkins is the recipient of the annual 2024 Delano Wilson Memorial Scholarship from the Ayden Rotary Club, the club announced.

Watkins was chosen as the school’s senior who exemplifies values Wilson embodied throughout his life, according to the club, No. 6136 in District 7720. The club offered the following statement about Watkins.

“Ashton embodies the very essence of dedication, perseverance, service and community spirit. Throughout his academic journey, he has demonstrated an insatiable thirst for knowledge, a drive for excellence and a commitment to serving others that truly sets him apart.

“Beyond his remarkable academic achievements, he has been a beacon of positivity and leadership with our community. Ashton has shown time and time again his unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.”

Watkins plans to major in business when he attends N.C. State University in the fall.

Wilson was a Pitt County native, living in the Ayden and Winterville communities throughout his life. His higher education was at Carolina and Duke, and he taught at East Carolina University and in the public schools of Pitt and Craven counties.

Professionally, Wilson was six times a teacher of the year, and he was named outstanding educator for 33 years of service. In the community, he was a Paul Harris Fellow; a mason; president of the Ayden Rural Fire Association; and member of several boards by volunteer or appointment, and by election to the Pitt County Board of Education.

Ayden Rotary Club meets on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Ayden Community Building, 548 2nd St. in Ayden. It supports projects in Pitt County and internationally throughout the year. For more information on the club, email AydenRotary@aol.com.