Two local students had a summer to remember. Brooklyn Buck, a fifth grader at Granite Quarry Elementary School in Rowan County, attended NC State Women’s Basketball Camp from June 10-13. Destin Snead, a fifth grader at Clear Creek Elementary in Mecklenburg County, attended the Roy Williams Basketball Camp at the University of North Carolina from June 16-20. 

While at the camps, students stayed in campus dorms, learned fundamental basketball and life skills, and received individual and group instruction from Division 1 coaches. Wes Moore, coach of the Wolfpack Women’s basketball team, and Roy Williams, coach of the Carolina Tar Heel’s men’s basketball team, directed the camps with the help of staff and current and former players. 

“These scholarships provide young athletes from our community with unique opportunities and training that will help them succeed both on and off the court,” said Theresa Chance, communications specialist. “We’re proud to continue our commitment to this long-standing scholarship program that has strengthened and inspired so many of our youth.” 

Union Power Cooperative is one of 26 Touchstone Energy cooperatives in North Carolina that collectively award more than 50 sports camp scholarships to students statewide each year. The awards are based on financial need, overall grades, and extracurricular activities to rising fifth through eighth graders who submit an application and essay. 

Brooklyn Buck said of the opportunity, “the camp allowed me to meet new people and gave me more knowledge about the game and teamwork.” Destin Snead said “this camp gives me a chance to improve my skills and become better at something I love to do with other boys that share my interest.”