08/24/2026
We're proud to be able to reinvest in the County we call home
Whitehurst Sand Company Establishes Scholarship to Support Perquimans County Trade Students
Perquimans County, N.C. — Whitehurst Sand Company is giving back in a lasting way by establishing a new scholarship designed to support local students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
The company has contributed $30,000 to establish the Tildon & Patrick Whitehurst Technical Trade Scholarship Endowment through the Perquimans County Schools Foundation. The endowment is intended to provide financial assistance to local graduates pursuing hands-on technical and vocational careers for years to come.
Whitehurst Sand Company opened its doors in 1996 and has remained deeply connected to Perquimans County throughout its 30 years of operation. The company has participated in numerous civil construction projects throughout the region and was recently honored to serve as the selected site contractor for the new Perquimans County Intermediate School, which opened its doors August 24, 2026.
For Whitehurst Sand Company, the new school project provided another meaningful opportunity to invest in the community that has supported the family business for generations. “Seeing that project come to life reaffirmed our commitment to investing directly back into the future of our county,” Patrick Whitehurst said in announcing the scholarship initiative.
The new scholarship reflects another priority that Whitehurst Sand Company has witnessed firsthand: the growing need for skilled and well-trained workers. Through its construction projects and daily operations, the company has seen the essential role played by builders, equipment operators, mechanics, technicians and other skilled professionals. The scholarship is intended to help encourage more Perquimans County students to pursue those career paths.
The scholarship will target graduating juniors and seniors from Perquimans County High School who plan to pursue trade certifications, vocational apprenticeships or specialized technical training programs. Scholarship funds will be designated specifically for hands-on trade and vocational training. Students pursuing traditional two-year associate degrees or four-year university degree programs will not be eligible under the proposed scholarship guidelines.
The $30,000 contribution will establish a perpetual endowment, allowing the scholarship to continue supporting Perquimans County students entering the skilled workforce year after year. The scholarship is named in honor of Tildon and Patrick Whitehurst, reflecting the family's commitment to the community and the importance of passing opportunities from one generation to the next.
Whitehurst Sand Company officials said supporting the next generation of skilled workers is one of the most meaningful ways the company can express its gratitude to the community. “We hold immense pride in our local community and believe that supporting the next generation of builders, operators, mechanics, and technicians is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back.”
