Established in memory of Elmer Hooper by his wife Irene Hooper, and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, the fund provides financial support for deserving young students from rural Jackson, Macon, Haywood and Swain counties in North Carolina. For 2012, the committee selected Autumn Skye Baird from Blue Ridge School in Glenville, who has demonstrated excellence in volunteerism and leadership and committed to making a difference in the community.

Autumn is a young lady who has spent many hours the last four years working in the community...with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, in nursing homes, with the Cashiers Humane Society, with the Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad, in her church, and other volunteer experiences. Within the school arena she has risen to the highest leadership role in the Beta Club, Interact Club, FCA, Volleyball, Student Government, Debate Club, Film Club, Student Ambassador, and Upward Bound...all this while babysitting and holding down a part-time job, and keeping a 3.80 GPA. Graduating as class president in her Senior year, Autumn is heading for Western Carolina University to major in Forensic Science, and to constantly be active in keeping our local heritage alive.

On Friday, May 18, three members of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia attended the graduation ceremonies of Blue Ridge Early College, where Irene Hooper presented to Autumn Skye Baird the Elmer & Irene Hooper Civic Leadership Scholarship Award. Congratulations to Autumn Skye Baird on her achievements and best wishes for future success.