Blake Hardee
He’s a volunteer firefighter. He’s a veterinary assistant. He’s a Brinkley-Lane Scholar.
He’s Blake Hardee, now a senior at D.H. Conley High School who will graduate June 9. In August, he’ll start his college career at East Carolina University as part of the university’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship program.
“I am looking forward to the immense opportunities where I can collaborate, learn and serve with a community of colleagues who also desire to be leaders and make the world a better place,” Hardee said.
The Brinkley-Lane Scholars program recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for both in-state and out-of-state students and unique high impact experiences, as well as the ability to explore the world with a $5,000 study abroad stipend. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
He’s the son of Jason and Jill Hardee of Greenville. They are alumni of N.C. State and UNC-Chapel Hill, respectively, and one of those schools is where Blake thought he’d wind up.
But after visiting the ECU campus and talking with Margaret Turner, director of recruitment and admissions for the Honors College at ECU, he knew ECU was the place where he could excel.
Hardee intends to major in public health and possibly double major in biochemistry. For study abroad, he’s considering Switzerland to investigate that country’s health care system and compare it to the U.S. system.
He’s leaning toward graduate school in either dental or veterinary medicine. “I come from a close-knit family, so I am honestly not big on venturing too far or moving to a big city,” Hardee said. “I would be content with someday establishing my own practice in rural eastern N.C.”
At Conley, Hardee served as treasurer for the Future Farmers of America chapter and the Outdoor Stewards group. He also played on the Vikings’ baseball team and ran cross-country. This summer, he plans to attend a Christian youth retreat in Tennessee, and he also works at Outpatient Veterinary Clinic.
Hardee is also a junior member of the Black Jack Volunteer Fire Department, where his dad serves.
“I remember watching my dad put on his gear and rushing off to get the firetruck to respond to a call,” he said. He saw how firefighters helped people and wanted to do the same when the time came. He plans to complete his volunteer certification this summer.
“I have also seen firsthand how one bad decision can impact many lives, including first responders,” he said. “I am often reminded and reflect on how short life can be.”
Growing up in Greenville, being a Pirate won’t be unfamiliar territory for him.
“Some of my favorite childhood memories involved attending ECU summer camps where student leaders mentored me,” he said. “I am eager to get involved in opportunities at ECU where I can give back whether as a mentor to youth or volunteer. I am also interested in starting a men’s college Bible study group and look forward to participating in intramural team sports.”
“I am grateful and honored to be selected as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, and I am looking forward to spending the next four years learning and serving alongside Pirate Nation”
High school: D.H. Conley
Intended major: Public health
Hometown: Greenville