Earl and Betty Parker of Gates County, NC are the parents of five children with Clay being the youngest. Earl was a fourth-generation farmer and Betty was a stay-at-home wife and mother.

Kirby and Carolyn Jernigan of Goldsboro, NC are the proud parents of Marcie who is their only child. Kirby was employed as a sales representative of Johnson Sherman Company and Carolyn is a long-time employee of the State of North Carolina.

Although both sets of parents only achieved a high school education, it was important to them to instill the necessity of achieving a higher education in their children. These two very modest families took pride in having strong morale compasses, a determined work ethic, a sense of thankfulness, and a giving heart.

The Parker and Jernigan families were united with the marriage of Clay and Marcie. Clay is a graduate of PCC and a three-time graduate of ECU. Clay holds an Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master’s degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. He was a dedicated employee of ECU Health for over 23 years and currently serves as Director of Nursing Services for Proximity Management and Staffing Services. Marcie is a graduate of ECU and Campbell University. She currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Master in Business Administration and a Doctorate in Pharmacy. She is now the sole owner and operator of Proximity Management and Staffing Company, Healthwise Pharmacy and Vital Care of Greenville, NC as well as multiple other Vital Care franchises located in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

The teachings and examples set by their parents laid the foundation for Clay and Marcie’s success. Clay and Marcie Parker fund this scholarship in their parents’ honor and memory for $30,000 to help cover tuition expenses.

Recipients must meet the following criteria:

•   Weighted GPA of no less than a 3.0

•   Two letters of recommendation from either a teacher, guidance counselor, principal,

  pastor or employer on letterhead. (1 must be from a school educator)

•   Resume laying out employment, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

•   Demonstrated interest in a Health Science or Business Career path in a North Carolina

  school of higher education.

•   Applicant must demonstrate high moral character (no criminal history)

•   Please list academic and career goals

•   Please attach the official school transcript of grades. ACT or SAT score preferred.

•   Interview required for the finalists.

  Please return to your school counselor by Friday, April 18, 2025