Catch the Spirit of Appalachia awarded the Elmer and Irene Hooper Civic Leadership Scholarship to Autumn Skye Baird.

The scholarship was established in memory of Elmer Hooper by his wife Irene Hooper and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia. The fund provides financial support for students from Jackson, Macon, Haywood and Swain counties in North Carolina.

This year, the committee selected Autumn Skye Baird from Blue Ridge School in Glenville. She has demonstrated excellence in volunteerism and leadership and is committed to making a difference in the community.

Autumn has worked with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, in nursing homes, with the Cashiers Humane Society, with the Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad and in her church, among other places. She is a takes part in many activities, including the Beta Club, Interact Club, Student Government, Debate Club, Student Ambassador, Upward Bound and is the senior class president. She is heading for Western Carolina University to major in Forensic Science.