Ashtyn Worthington, pictured in her high school graduation gown and college choice: North Carolina State University.
When I hear “Living to Serve,” one name comes to mind: Ashtyn Worthington. She started as the Whiteville FFA Chapter secretary and North Carolina Three Rivers Federation chaplain, then was elected as the Whiteville FFA Chapter president and North Carolina FFA South Central Region vice president.
Worthington has shown that service isn’t just a role, but a way of life. Beyond FFA, she has held leadership positions in HOSA, the National Honor Society and the Whiteville Juniorettes Club. She has also contributed to the Whiteville High School High Times Newspaper as an editor, and always seeks ways to lift others and make an impact.
Her heart and dedication helped her earn the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Park Scholarship, which is built around four pillars: scholarship, leadership, service and character.
How Worthington Serves Now
“Being a Park Scholar has opened up so many windows of opportunity for me to continue to serve those around me,” she says. “One opportunity I am signed up to contribute to is Service Raleigh, which connects volunteers with local nonprofit organizations in Raleigh, N.C., to complete meaningful service projects.”
Additionally, Worthington travels home on various weekends to serve on the praise team for Mt. Calvary OFWB Church, where she sings and occasionally plays the piano. She says this allows her to continue serving through her ministry for the Lord through singing, which is her favorite and most unique way of making a difference in the lives around her.
Park Scholarship
The Park Scholarship completely covers the cost of Worthington’s attendance at NCSU. It also provides Park Enrichment Grants (PEG) that she can apply for relating to the four pillars, as well as multiple retreats and trips.
“This past summer, I went on our Park Freshman Retreat with the rest of my class,” Worthington says. “I really learned not only more about my fellow Park Scholars, but about the importance of taking risks.”
Other opportunities include Learning Lab 1 and Learning Lab 2 (located in Washington, D.C.), where she will further learn how to lead and serve on any scale.
Worthington’s Community Now
Worthington loves her community and is blown away by its accomplishments. She can’t wait to see where this journey leads her and believes that every Park Scholar will take the lessons they learn and apply them to their lives to make a huge impact in the world.
Looking ahead, Worthington is excited about the potential opportunities she can experience through the Park Scholars program. She “can’t wait to find so many more ways to serve in college.”
