The Roland R. Ball Endowed Scholarship

Mr. Roland Ball earned his bachelor’s degree at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, working a quarter and going to school a quarter. He completed his Master’s Degree at Appalachian State College (as it was known at the time). Roland served on the faculty of Gaston College for 32 years, beginning as a drafting instructor and ending his career as the Dean of the Trade and Industrial Program. Roland and his wife, Clara, were members of Parkwood Baptist Church for 40 years. Helping students gain industrial arts skills that enabled them to secure employment in which they could take pride and provide for their families gave him enormous satisfaction. His family has established this scholarship in his name to continue that work. Scholarships may only be awarded to Gaston or Lincoln County Residents who have demonstrated financial need and who are enrolled in a Career Technical Education Program. Preference is given to Engineering and Industrial Technology programs with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Scholarships are renewable if the student has maintained a 2.5 or better GPA