LifeStore Celebrates Family Graduates and Scholarship Winners
Meet the LifeStore Bank 1939 Scholarship Winners
LifeStore Bank and Insurance has long supported education and is pleased to present scholarships to outstanding students in our community and employees’ children to help them advance their education beyond high school.
Every year, LifeStore Bank awards the 1939 scholarship to students from Ashe County High School or Ashe Early College and Watauga High School. This $2,000 scholarship which reflects our founding date of 1939, is for the first year of college. It is awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, and student involvement.
Benjamin DeJunge
The winner of the LifeStore Bank 1939 Scholarship in Ashe County is Benjamin Dejunge. Benjamin is the son of Rhonda DeJunge of Jefferson, NC. Benjamin was a member of the Ashe County High School swim team, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta Club and will graduate Summa Cum Laude. He earned the highest grade in Computer Sciences and Physics, and numerous distinctions in mathematics. Outside of school, Benjamin has served in the community by volunteering through his church and helping at events such as the Ashe Back to School Bash. Benjamin also routinely gives back by tutoring his fellow students who are behind in math. This experience is what led him to realize his passion for teaching. He plans to attend UNC Chapel Hill to earn a degree in teaching secondary mathematics. After college, he plans to return to Ashe County and teach mathematics in the local school system
Ella Jennings
The 1939 Scholarship for Watauga High School is awarded to Ella Jennings. Ella is the daughter of Michael and Allison Jennings of Sugar Grove. She won an AP scholar award, is a member of the National Honor Society, serves as a Pioneer Student Ambassador, and has been very involved in her community with over 500 hours of community service. Her service includes: Farm Café, WAMY Community Action, High Country Breast Foundation, Summer Feeding for Western Watauga, and Watauga Humane Society.
She is committed to serving others and preserving what makes this area special and unique. She shares the mission of organizations like the Blue Ridge Conservancy, Appalachian Voices, and Watauga Riverkeepers and plans to continue her conservation work while attending college.
Ella plans to attend Wake Forest University. She is interested in political science, business, and journalism.
Meet the LifeStore Insurance Scholarship Winners
LifeStore Insurance awarded two $1,000 merit-based scholarships at Alleghany High School and Avery High School. Jody Brown, president of LifeStore Insurance, commented, “This demonstrates our commitment to these communities and the education of our youth, and I am glad we can continue awarding them.”
Tori Gates
Our 2025 LifeStore Insurance Scholarship winner for Alleghany High School is Tori Gates. Tori is graduating second in her class and achieved the designation as a NCHSAA Scholar Athlete. She was a member of the softball, volleyball, and track and field teams. She also gives back to her community. During high school she volunteered as a student athletic trainer, Red Cross Blood Drive volunteer, and coach for rec league volleyball. Tori plans to attend Brevard College and continue as a student athlete and track and field team member. She plans to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and then complete a Master's Program in athletic training. She hopes to return to Alleghany County as an Athletic Trainer for the local schools.
Lauren Bridgeo
Lauren Bridgeo is our Avery County High School winner. Lauren was a member of the Beta Club and Honor Society and will graduate Summa Cum Laude. She was also a member of the Ski/Snowboarding Club and Climbing Club. Lauren plans to attend Appalachian State University to earn a Bachelor's degree in Business. After college, her goal is to take some time to be a traveling salesperson. A love of travel was instilled in her during a mission trip to Uganda. Eventually, she hopes to settle closer to home and use the skills she will learn while earning her business degree as a sales representative.
Meet the LifeStore Employee Family Graduates
Parker Blevins is the son of Lindsay Short, Mortgage Loan Processor. Parker was a member of the football team, Beta club, and Spanish club. In middle school, Parker was introduced to the possibilities of engineering and was hooked. He appreciates the creativity and design elements of civil engineering. He plans to attend Wilkes Community College to study Mechanical Civil Engineering then transfer to a University to further his education in the field.
Connor Johnson is the son of Kelly Jonhson, Administrative Assistant for LifeStore Insurance in Newland. He graduated early from his homeschool curriculum and has since worked full time alongside his father doing construction and landscaping. Connor also plays bass and sings in his family's gospel band, Ransomed By Grace.
Kaitlyn Miller is the daughter of Amy Lewis, Business Product and Accounting specialist. She was a Beta Club and Student Council member at Ashe County Early College. In her spare time, Kaitlyn participated in the Dick Miller Youth Leadership Program, excelled in Grounded Arts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and works part-time at New River Brewing. Kaitlyn plans to attend Appalachian State University in the fall to study Criminal Justice.
Easton Short is the son of Kelly Jonson, Administrative Assistant for LifeStore Insurance in Newland. Easton completed his homeschool education early and has entered the workforce. Currently, he works full-time installing insulation.
Colton Roten is the son of Briana Roten, Administrative Assistant, LifeStore Insurance in West Jefferson. Colton played football and was a Ashe County High School wrestling team member for the first two years of high school. Upon graduation, Colton plans to attend a local community college to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering Science. After his education, Colton plans to work in the electrical field to earn credit toward becoming a licensed electrician.
Carson Smith, son of Chad, Investment Advisor, and DeAnn Smith. Carson is currently completing an internship with Elite Electrical. He is enjoys electrical work, wiring and construction and plans to attend Caldwell Community College. He plans to complete his associate degree and focus on business and construction management, then pursue a BS in Construction Management from Appalachian State.