
Velasco Awarded Kay K. Saintsing Memorial Scholarship
2/9/2016 12:58:00 PM | Track, Cross Country
RALEIGH, N.C. – Lauren Velacso of NC State's cross country and track and field programs was awarded the Kay K. Saintsing Memorial Scholarship this month, as announced by the North Carolina Association of Events and Festivals.
The scholarship is awarded to a returning student at a North Carolina college or university who shows a love for learning and is interested in the parks, recreation and tourism industries.
Velasco is currently majoring in parks, recreation and tourism management in NC State's College of Natural Resources.

"I am so honored to have received this scholarship as it honors the founder, Kay K. Saintsing, of the North Carolina Association of Festival and Events who was highly admired for her community service, leadership attributes, and hard work ethic," said Velasco.
"This is what I strive to do in my future career in the event planning field. Not only that, but I love the honor that receiving this scholarship brings to my university. I wouldn't be where I am today if it were not for the support of such distinguished, dedicated, and knowledgeable professors and advisors in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management department at NC State University. They have not only provided with me with the knowledge needed to be successful in the real world, but they have also inspired me to find my passion in event planning."
Velasco is a redshirt sophomore and made her cross country season-debut at the adidas XC Challenge in September. In 2014, Velasco took third at the Three Stripe Invite and 16th at the Blue Ridge Invitational.
About the Award:
The Kay K. Saintsing Memorial Scholarship was established in 2005 to honor the late founder of the North Carolina Association of Festival and Events (NCAF&E). Kay was a leader within the tourism community and highly admired for her commitment to public service. Kay also founded several other non-profit organizations including the annual Barbecue Festival held in Lexington, NC. Under her direction, the festival became one of the largest one-day events in NC and had received numerous, national and regional awards.
The scholarship is awarded to a returning student at a North Carolina college or university who shows a love for learning and is interested in the parks, recreation and tourism industries.
Velasco is currently majoring in parks, recreation and tourism management in NC State's College of Natural Resources.

"I am so honored to have received this scholarship as it honors the founder, Kay K. Saintsing, of the North Carolina Association of Festival and Events who was highly admired for her community service, leadership attributes, and hard work ethic," said Velasco.
"This is what I strive to do in my future career in the event planning field. Not only that, but I love the honor that receiving this scholarship brings to my university. I wouldn't be where I am today if it were not for the support of such distinguished, dedicated, and knowledgeable professors and advisors in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management department at NC State University. They have not only provided with me with the knowledge needed to be successful in the real world, but they have also inspired me to find my passion in event planning."
Velasco is a redshirt sophomore and made her cross country season-debut at the adidas XC Challenge in September. In 2014, Velasco took third at the Three Stripe Invite and 16th at the Blue Ridge Invitational.
About the Award:
The Kay K. Saintsing Memorial Scholarship was established in 2005 to honor the late founder of the North Carolina Association of Festival and Events (NCAF&E). Kay was a leader within the tourism community and highly admired for her commitment to public service. Kay also founded several other non-profit organizations including the annual Barbecue Festival held in Lexington, NC. Under her direction, the festival became one of the largest one-day events in NC and had received numerous, national and regional awards.
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