Gratitude, inspiration, and the transformative power of education took center stage yesterday as McDowell Technical Community College Foundation held its annual Scholarship Luncheon, bringing together students whose dreams are being fueled by scholarship support and the donors who make those opportunities possible.
Foundation Board Chair Opens with Thanks and Celebration of Growth
Wes Shelley, Chair of the McDowell Technical Community College Foundation Board, opened the program by celebrating the Foundation’s expanding endowment—now exceeding $1 million for the first time in the College’s history, thanks to a successful Title III matching grant, increased employee giving, and the steadfast generosity of local donors. Shelley thanked donors for the impact their giving has on students and encouraged scholarship recipients to pursue their goals, remain connected to McDowell County, and one day give back to future generations.
A Growing Legacy of Support
Madalyn Gaito, Executive Director of Advancement and Special Projects, thanked donors for helping the Foundation award 28 scholarships totaling nearly $38,000 this semester. She noted the creation of seven new endowed scholarships in the past year, along with strong and continued support from established scholarship partners including Mission Health, the State Employees’ Credit Union, Route 70 Cruisers, and others whose annual gifts help bridge financial gaps left by state and federal aid.
NAACP Scholarship Renamed to Honor Longtime Leader
In an important moment of recognition, Gloria Boyce, Chair of the McDowell County NAACP, announced that the NAACP Endowed Scholarship has been renamed the Ray McKesson NAACP Endowed Scholarship in honor of McKesson’s decades of leadership, service, and scholarship fundraising.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Firefighter Instructor Steven Howard Lytle
One of the most emotional moments of the luncheon came as Annette Lytle Ranft shared the story of her brother, Steven Howard Lytle, whose life and service continue to inspire the region. A respected battalion chief, volunteer fire chief, instructor at the McDowell Fire and Rescue College, mentor, father, and dedicated community servant, Lytle was known for both his steady leadership and his deep compassion for others. Ranft spoke about his lifelong commitment to protecting others, recalling childhood memories of him climbing fire station ladders and later training young firefighters with the same enthusiasm he brought to the front lines.
The newly established Steven Howard Lytle Memorial Scholarship will support students in McDowell Tech’s Public Safety Administration program—future first responders who will carry forward the values Lytle embodied: service, integrity, teamwork, and community commitment. Ranft emphasized that their family hopes each recipient will feel connected to Steven’s legacy and to the shared calling of protecting, guiding, and uplifting others.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership: Thomas C. Johnson, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Another highlight of the event was the story shared by Gary Stroud, Chair of the McDowell Tech Board of Trustees, about his longtime friend and business partner Thomas C. Johnson, Sr. Johnson began his career as an industrial arts teacher before founding what would become one of the nation’s largest RV dealerships—an entrepreneurial success story rooted in McDowell County. Stroud described Johnson as a visionary businessman who remained deeply committed to education, workforce development, and community service.
The Thomas C. Johnson, Sr. Memorial Scholarship, established by Stroud, honors Johnson’s passion for helping others succeed, particularly young people striving to build stable lives and meaningful careers. Johnson believed strongly that education opened doors to opportunity, and he encouraged his employees and community members alike to pursue training, earn credentials, and build brighter futures. This endowed scholarship ensures that his dedication to students and families will continue shaping McDowell County for generations.
Student Voices: Courage, Determination, and the Power of Second Chances
Three student speakers shared deeply personal and inspiring stories, offering donors a glimpse into the real-life impact of scholarship support.
Brittany Kirby, the Mission Health Community Scholar, reflected on her long journey through the nursing profession—beginning as a high school senior earning her CNA certification, then progressing through CNA II, LPN, and now working toward her associate’s degree in Nursing at McDowell Tech. As a mother of two, full-time employee, and full-time student, Kirby spoke candidly about late nights, personal doubts, and the persistence required to keep going. She described her scholarship not merely as financial relief but as “a symbol of hope and belief”—a reminder that her dedication, compassion, and resilience matter. Her sense of purpose, she said, now shines as brightly as the symbolic “nursing lamp” she carries into every clinical setting.
Courtney Metcalf, recipient of the Crane Fund and Golden LEAF scholarships, shared her story of rediscovering her path after first working in cosmetology. Though she excelled in making others feel confident and cared for, she felt called to nursing—a field she feared she wasn’t “smart enough” to enter until her husband encouraged her to try. After becoming a CNA and completing the LPN program at McDowell Tech, she now works as a hospice nurse while pursuing her RN in the LPN-to-RN bridge program. Balancing a newborn, work, and school, Metcalf said these scholarships have been a lifeline, allowing her to stay enrolled and continue moving toward her goal of serving patients with dignity and compassion during life’s most vulnerable moments.
Cassidy Walker, a Vickie A. Hogan Scholar, described growing up watching her mother serve as a nurse for more than 20 years—witnessing the fatigue, the joy, and the profound impact nurses have on the lives of patients and families. Inspired by that legacy, Walker was thrilled to be accepted into McDowell Tech’s RN program and credits the Hogan scholarship with giving her the opportunity to pursue nursing without overwhelming financial strain. She spoke with heartfelt sincerity about her desire to honor Vickie Hogan’s memory by offering patients the same empathy, dedication, and generosity that Hogan exemplified.
Together, the three stories painted a powerful picture: scholarships at McDowell Tech are not simply financial awards—they are catalysts for generational change, hope-filled bridges that help students rise above challenges and step confidently into meaningful careers.
Gratitude and a Vision for the Future
Dr. J.W. Kelley, President of McDowell Technical Community College, closed the program by thanking donors for strengthening the College’s mission and the region’s workforce. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to workforce development, partnerships with public schools, and preparing for the new Health Sciences and Public Safety Building slated to open in 2028.
Help Students Reach Their Dreams
Scholarships at McDowell Tech change lives—removing financial barriers, building workforce capacity, and empowering students of all ages to pursue brighter futures. Donors can give to any scholarship fund or establish a new one in honor or memory of a loved one.
To support scholarships at McDowell Technical Community College, visit the McDowell Tech Foundation’s giving page at:
👉 https://mcdowelltech.networkforgood.com/projects/129947-give-to-the-mtcc-foundation
