Sharon C. Ryan Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Twiddy & Company

Twiddy & Company — Scholarship honoring Sharon

Description
This scholarship, offered by Twiddy & Company, honors a longtime member of the company’s Maintenance Department and supports undergraduate students pursuing higher education. The award seeks candidates who demonstrate community ties, leadership, and strong academic standing. Applicants are encouraged (but not required) to familiarize themselves with the Outer Banks region. A selection committee reviews applications against the stated eligibility criteria and supporting materials.

Key takeaways
- Scholarship established by Twiddy & Company in honor of a valued employee.
- Supports U.S. college/university students with leadership and community ties.
- Familiarity with the Outer Banks is recommended but not mandatory.
- Applications are evaluated by a selection committee.

Eligibility
This section lists the specific criteria the selection committee uses when reviewing applications. Applicants preferred are those with ties to northeastern North Carolina; they must be enrolled at a college or university in the United States and hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or international equivalent). Candidates should demonstrate involvement in campus or community organizations and evidence leadership roles. Submission of all required application materials is mandatory for consideration.

Bold subpoints (required)
- **Preferred geographic ties:** Northeastern North Carolina connection favored.
- **Enrollment:** Must be attending a U.S. college or university.
- **Academic minimum:** 3.0 GPA or international equivalent.
- **Leadership:** Active participation in on- or off-campus organizations with leadership experience.
- **Required materials:** See Eligibility list (essay, transcripts, two references, resume).

Key takeaways
- Preference for applicants connected to Northeastern North Carolina.
- Must be currently enrolled at a U.S. institution.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
- Applicants must submit specified supporting documents to be eligible.

Required application materials (details)
Applicants must include all of the following items with their submission: a minimum 500-word essay responding to one of two prompt options, official college transcripts showing courses and current GPA (or international equivalent), two letters of reference (one character and one professional), and a professional resume. Essay prompts are: “What does family vacation mean to you?” or “How will the evolution of technology influence the hospitality industry?” Applications missing any required material will not be considered.

Key takeaways
- Essay: at least 500 words, choose one of two specified prompts.
- Transcripts must show coursework and current GPA (official and/or international equivalent).
- Two references required: one character, one professional.
- Include a current professional resume.

Award Value
The scholarship’s monetary amount is not specified in the publicly available information. Twiddy & Company has not published a fixed award value in the materials provided; applicants who need details about award size or number of awards should contact the scholarship administrator directly. Confirming award value before applying is recommended if that information affects your decision to apply.

Key takeaways
- Award amount is not disclosed in the posted materials.
- Number of awards (if multiple) is not specified.
- Contact scholarship@twiddy.com to confirm award value and distribution.

Application Timeline and Submission
Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2026 semester. No specific submission deadline is listed in the summary; applicants should verify the exact deadline and any timeline for award notification by contacting the scholarship email. To apply, send your name, contact information, and all required materials to scholarship@twiddy.com. Direct eligibility or process questions to that same address.

Key takeaways
- Accepting entries for Fall 2026 (confirm exact deadline with administrator).
- Submit application materials via email to scholarship@twiddy.com.
- Use the same address for eligibility or procedural questions.

History of the Award
The scholarship honors Sharon, a long-serving member of Twiddy & Company’s Maintenance Department. After meeting Doug Twiddy, she joined the company and spent over 19 years coordinating maintenance and vendor services for Twiddy’s vacation homes, becoming a trusted colleague and friend in the Outer Banks community. She was remembered for her strong work ethic, warm smile, and infectious enthusiasm at company events—qualities the award seeks to recognize and perpetuate by supporting students who reflect similar community-minded values.

Key takeaways
- Named to honor Sharon’s long service and community impact at Twiddy & Company.
- Sharon worked 19+ years in Maintenance, managing services for vacation homes.
- Remembered for professionalism, friendliness, and community ties.
- Scholarship reflects Sharon’s commitment to community and hospitality.