Five BCS high schoolers earned college scholarships as they built slam-dunk professional portfolios.
The Asheville Championship college basketball tournament offered high school Marketing students in five WNC school districts the chance to create social media campaigns through its “Going Pro in Sports” program. Students had to create informative, eye-catching designs to help promote the tournament, which featured Clemson University, Davidson College, University of Maryland, and University of Alabama at Birmingham. Event organizers and fans voted for their favorite creations.
The student marketers responsible for the top five designs each received $1,000 scholarships from Champion Credit Union at a ceremony during the tournament. All five recipients are Buncombe County Schools students - Abby Bewernitz, Jack Couzins, Kristina Maystruk, and Emanuel Philson, of A.C. Reynolds High; and Tinley Clark of Owen High. The students received their recognitions at center court during the championship game between Clemson and Davidson at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville on Nov. 12.
“It’s a great opportunity to actually get real work experience, and with the scholarship, earn a paycheck, for working in Sports Marketing,” Couzins shared. “I now have experience in promoting and executing a college sports event before I ever leave high school.”
In addition to the marketing challenge, the Asheville Championship also offered students a chance to volunteer at the tournament. They worked in positions including stats runner and media relations assistant.
“We loved the opportunity to give students a chance to experience the different facets of the industry,” said Noralynn Gudger, Champion Credit Union’s Marketing Director. “It’s great to see them get this opportunity and help continue their education.”
This is the second year Buncombe County Schools’ Career Technical Education department has partnered with the Asheville Championship.
1: Pictured are (left to right) Jack Couzins, Tinley Clark, Abby Bewernitz, Kristina Maystruck, and Champion Credit Union representative Noralynn Gudger.
2: A social media design created by Abby Bewernitz.