Tin Whistle Scholarship Foundation (TWSF)
History
The first college scholarships were awarded in 1979 to worthy students in Moore County, and the program has supported the college education of over 140 students through 2021. The scope of the program has expanded greatly over its 40+ year history. New Scholars join the ranks of a distinguished roster of Scholar Alumni who have gone on to great careers in a wide variety of professions. Several scholarship funding milestones include:
1979: two four-year scholarships.
2024: six four-year scholarships plus three nursing scholarships at Sandhills Community College.
The Tin Whistles started as a golfing group in 1904. The founding members were individuals wintering in the Pinehurst area who developed friendships through golf and socializing. These friends created the Tin Whistles Club, now simply know as The Tin Whistles (TW). Today the organization is recognized as the oldest men’s golf association in the United States.
The founders of the TWSF (Parker Hall & Vice Admiral William E. Gentner) decided that contributing to the future of a Moore County student was a way to “give back” to the community they enjoyed. The organization first awarded two four-year scholarships which has grown to a total of five four-year scholarships today. The Tin Whistles membership has donated, over the past 40 years, $1.8M in scholarships to 141 students (through 2021). The Pilot has recognized the Foundation's work as the "Gold Standard" of scholarships in the county.
The Tin Whistles Scholarship Foundation (TWSF) Organization
The TWSF is a 501 (c)(3) corporation, sponsored by The Tin Whistles, Inc., operated exclusively for charitable purposes. The Board consists of 12 trustees and three ex officio members, all Tin Whistles. Four trustees are appointed each year for a three-year term. The three ex officio voting members are the Tin Whistles President, Vice President (which change yearly) & the Club Captain.
Info for Applicants
MOORE COUNTY SCHOOLS
The TWSF works closely with the guidance counsellors and principals of the four high schools in Moore County, relying upon their knowledge of the student body to identify potentially qualified individuals. High school counsellors are provided with copies of the TWSF Application, and details on the deadline for making application for a scholarship. A Scholarship Selection Committee conducts interviews with the applicants, and applies the selection criteria (academic, extra curricular, , financial need) to select the awardees. The Foundation conducts an orientation program for new Scholars, typically in June, and holds a Scholar Reception to introduce both new Scholars and Scholar Alumni to the members of Tin Whistles.
| NORTH MOORE | Jennifer Purvis Clint Mack |
Principal Scholarship Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| PINECREST | Stephanie Phillips Tamara Devine |
Principal Scholarship Coordinator |
| O’NEAL SCHOOL | Matt Jacobs Renee Ferrerio |
Principal Director of College Counseling |
| UNION PINES | Andy McCormick Janet Caddell |
Principal Scholarship Coordinator |
Answer:
The process of selecting scholars is managed by the TWSF Scholarship Committee. They begin in December to coordinate the selection schedule with the four high school guidance counselors (North Moore, Union Pines, Pinecrest and O'Neal).
The counselors are provided the selection criteria and applications for students to complete. The counselors screen senior applicants in the middle of April, selecting their best candidates. The number of applicants for each school is based on the school's percentage of Moore County High School graduating seniors.
Answer:
The current equally rated criteria are:
- A record of high academic achievement
- Active participation in extra-curricular and community activities
- Demonstrated leadership capability
- Demonstrated need for financial assistance
Answer:
The scholarships are annual grants to Moore County high school graduates for higher educational tuition and related expenses at any accredited university or college of the student's choice. Scholarships are awarded for one academic year and are renewable to complete a four year academic study program. The renewal awards are contingent upon the student maintaining good academic standing at their chosen institution.
Answer:
Currently, the Tin Whistle Scholarship Foundation awards six four-year scholarships to Moore County high school seniors that have been accepted or are enrolled in a four year accredited college or university and one nursing scholarship to Sandhills Community College.
There are several programs under review that may provide additional financial support for Moore County High School seniors with a desire to further their education.
Answer:
Guidance counselors from the four Moore County high schools screen senior applicants in the middle of April, selecting their best candidates. The number of applicants for each school is based on the school's percentage of Moore County High School graduating seniors. A five-member Tin Whistles Selection Committee appointed each year interview 27 to 30 candidates at the end of April.
Scholars are selected and introduced at the beginning of May.
Answer:
The Moore County High School senior (Pinecrest, North Moore, Union Pines, O’Neil School) should contact their guidance counselor for specific information and application
Active since 2018, the Foundation’s Scholar Network Committee has been working to create and maintain a network of former and current scholars to foster the concept that a TW Scholar is a “Scholar for Life.” With over 140 Scholars, the network enables scholar alumni to assist each other professionally in their various careers and to receive guidance and mentoring from the extensive network of over 300 Tin Whistles with applicable skills and experience. The goal is to foster a community spirit of giving back in time, talent and financial support to the mission of the Scholarship Foundation.
Participation on the committee is open to Tin Whistles and, in particular, Scholar Alumni who want to support growing the Alumni Network, its purpose and annual deliverables. Quarterly meetings are held, typically via Video Conference Calls, about 10 times a year, allowing participation for Scholars who are not in the local Pinehurst area.
“Scholar Connections,” is a quarterly newsletter produced by the Scholar Network Committee. It regularly features profiles of Scholars, invitations to events, and includes a survey for Scholars to voice their opinions, suggestions and provide insights into their interest in services. The newsletter is a great way to maintain contact with The Tin Whistles organization and supports networking opportunities among the scholars.
Created in 2019, the Tin Whistles LinkedIn Group was formed to provide a platform to support meaningful mentoring connections between Scholars and TW members. This “closed” group is open only to Scholars and TW members by invitation, and those interested should contact: Info@TinWhistlesFoundation.org for an invitation and details on how to join. Any Scholar seeking professional connections, mentoring or career support is encouraged to reach out via email or to make their interests known through the closed LinkedIn group.
Scholars also maintain a Facebook page for networking and communication purposes, which is maintained by Shelby Bassinger, a 1996 Union Pines graduate. Ensure that you bookmark this page as an additional way to stay informed about TWSF Scholar activities.
The committee is also working to organize Scholar networking opportunities, both in-person and via video conference calls. A group of Moore County based Scholars offers on-going networking periodically and all Scholars are notified by email or “Scholar Connections”.
Scholars are also invited to the New Scholars Reception, typically held annually, as well as a year-end Holiday Party. Both provide excellent ways for Scholars to maintain contact with one another and the Tin Whistles Scholarship Foundation.
A Tin Whistles Scholar is a “Scholar for Life.” Beginning in 2021, a group of Scholar Alumni advanced the idea of “Paying it Forward,” and doing so financially to support a new “Scholar Alumni Scholarship. ”The Scholar Network Committee is dedicated to working to foster and sustain this powerful network for the growing number of Alumni and Tin Whistles alike.