MAB Foundation
Our Mission
The MAB Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, honors the life, work, and memory of Melissa Ann Bowman, 1968–2020.
To celebrate Melissa’s life and achievements, the MAB Foundation has adopted a simple mission: To help deserving CTE students receive financial assistance necessary to build successful, long-term careers in their chosen industry.
The annual MAB4U Award provides funds to a graduating CTE student to either further their education or ease their transition from student to professional by covering some of the expenses associated with the early stages of their career. By donating to the MAB Foundation, you join a community of patrons who support promising young students as they begin their professional careers and develop a livelihood that will allow them to contribute to their community with the same passion and joy Melissa Ann Bowman personified.
Scholarship Recipients
2025 - Kensley Glenn
Kensley, Cuthbertson High School Class of 2025, successfully participated in the UCPS CTE Veterinary Assistant program, gaining hands-on experience with animal care, clinical procedures, and clinic operations.
Kensley plans to continue her education as a Pre-Vet student at Cornell University, pursuing a path toward veterinary medicine and lifelong service to animals and their owners.
2025 - Saanvi Kundu
Saanvi, a 2025 graduate of Marvin Ridge High School, excelled in the UCPS CTE Counseling & Mental Health pathway. Through it, she developed an understanding of mental health, family and friend dynamics, effective communication, and healthy intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships.
Saanvi will continue that focus at UNC-Charlotte as a psychology major, with long term plans for a career in counseling, forensic psychology and geropsychology.
2025 - Olivia Stegall
Olivia, Piedmont High School Class of 2025, participated in the UCPS CTE Agriculture Education program which expanded her understanding of the field of agriculture beyond what she had already experienced on her family’s farm. She also gained leadership experience through her FFA role.
Looking ahead, Olivia plans to continue her education in the field of agriculture at NC State University, with the hope of one day having her own small family farm operation.
2024 - Tyler Easter
Tyler, Forest Hills High School Class of 2024, took part in the UCPS CTE Firefighter Technology program. His CTE training provided invaluable experience in firefighting skills, emergency response, and safety procedures, preparing him for a career in fire protection and emergency services.
Tyler plans continue his studies at Rowan‑Cabarrus Community College to pursue an Associate in Fire Protection Technology. His long-term goal is to serve his community as a professional firefighter.
2024 - Kayli Simpson
Kayli, Forest Hills High School Class of 2024, participated in the UCPS CTE Nurse Aide program. Her CTE training gave her exceptional experience and insight into patient care and practical skills, such as CPR and First Aid, that prepared her for a future career in the ever-expanding field of healthcare.
Kayli will continue her studies at UNC‑Charlotte, majoring in nursing. She aims to build a successful career caring for others as a registered nurse.
2023 - Kayley Rogers
Kayley Rogers, a 2022 graduate of Porter Ridge High School, completed the UCPS CTE Cosmetic Arts & Sciences program. Through the program she gained practical, specialized skills in a growing field and received preparation for North Carolina’s licensing exam.
Kayley plans to pursue a rewarding career in the cosmetology field.
2022 - Saylor Steward
Saylor, Marvin Ridge Class of 2022, excelled in the UCPS CTE Cosmetic Arts & Sciences program. Her education provided her with hands-on specialized training in a field full of opportunity and prepared her for the NC licensing examination.
Looking ahead, Saylor intends to build a successful career in the beauty and wellness industry, with an eye towards owing her own salon one day.
2021 - Adrianna Lugero
Adrianna, MAB Foundation’s inaugural awardee, graduated from the UCPS CTE Cosmetic Arts & Sciences program in 2021. Her training included haircutting and styling, color theory and chemical services, and client consultation.
For her future, Adrianna plans to obtain her state cosmetology licensure and pursue a rewarding career in cosmetology.
From our Scholars’ Essays . . .
I am the best applicant for the MAB4U award because of my work ethic and dedication. CTE pathways have presented so many students with hands-on experience and prepared them for the real world. The agriculture pathways at Piedmont have pushed me to be a leader in the industry and incorporate agriculture into my long term goals. ~Olivia Stegall, 2025
My dream is to encourage a supportive environment where juveniles, much like the students who cherished Ms. Bowman, can find comfort and strength, reinforcing that their past doesn't define their future. ~Saanvi Kundu, 2025
After obtaining this degree I plan to work in a hospital setting to become part of a healthcare team. I would like to return home to Union County, to directly impact and make a difference in my community. ~Kayli Simpson, 2024