RALEIGH, N.C. — The NCRLA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA), awarded $43,000 in scholarships to 13 students from across the country pursuing post-secondary studies in culinary arts, restaurant management, and related hospitality fields. The recipients were selected for their strong commitment to building careers in the hospitality industry. The awards were presented during the virtual 2026 NCRLA Foundation Excellence in Education Awards on June 18, 2026.
This year also marks the inaugural presentation of the Lynn Minges Scholarship Fund, established by the NCRLA Board of Directors to honor the legacy of former NCRLA President & CEO Lynn Minges and her decades of service to North Carolina’s hospitality industry. The scholarship supports students who demonstrate passion for hospitality, tourism, and community impact.
“We are honored to support these exceptional students who embody the future of our industry,” said NCRLA President & CEO Allen Thomas. “Their dedication, talent, and passion for hospitality are truly inspiring, and we’re proud to play a role in their educational and professional journeys.”
These scholarships were made possible through the generosity of NCRLA members and industry partners who continue to invest in workforce development across North Carolina’s hospitality sector. The Foundation uses these contributions to support the education and training of future hospitality leaders and to strengthen the industry’s long-term talent pipeline.
“We are incredibly grateful to the NCRLA members and industry partners whose support makes these scholarships possible,” said NCRLA Foundation Director Courtney Hamm. “Their investment in these students is an investment in the future of hospitality. These awards help aspiring industry leaders pursue their educational goals and prepare for successful careers serving our communities and guests.”
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
Davidson & Jones Hotel Corporation Scholarship
Sheneka Malloy
William F. Carl Scholarship
Madison Ebersole
Ashlyn Grubb
Macey Potter
Lian Quzah
Mikel Weber Scholarship
Connor Malloy
Jimmy Alfano Scholarship
Hudson Caudell
Kaylin Long
Jasmine Mancour
Pepsi “Service that Sells” Scholarship
Ashley Triplett
LM Restaurants’ Family Scholarship
Christopher Gonzalez
Harper LaPenta
Lynn Minges Scholarship Fund (inaugural award)
Beatrice Tolliver
For more information on scholarships or grants distributed by the NCRLA Foundation, click here.
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About NCRLA Foundation
The NCRLA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, helping to enhance the hospitality industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The Foundation works to attract, develop, and retain a career-oriented professional workforce for the hospitality industry. For more information, please visit: https://www.ncrla.org/foundation.
