Pegge Haywood (b. 1924; d. 2005) was a dedicated and exemplary Cabarrus County citizen. Pegge, a lifelong Republican, attended several national conventions as a delegate.  Pegge owned the Pegge Lee School of Dance for 40 years. The school is known today as Cabarrus Dance Academy.  Pegge graduated from Concord High School, Virginia Intermont College, and the Chalif School of Dance.  Pegge’s civic leadership included:

• serving as vice president and board member of Historic Cabarrus,
• serving as president of the Cabarrus Arts Council,
• serving as chair of the Social Service Board of Cabarrus, and
• serving as a board member of Meals on Wheels.
• active in the Cabarrus Chapter of the American Red Cross.
• Co-founder of the Miss Dance of America Pageant, director of the Miss Concord and Miss Cabarrus County competitions.

Photo Credit: Tammy Frye Jordan in "Legendary Locals of Cabarrus County" by Michael Eury

Where did the scholarship funds come from?

Pegge Haywood left a generous gift in her will to the Cabarrus County Republican Party. In honor of Pegge, the GOP board created an annual scholarship award for a college-bound high school student who displays a commitment to the party through his or her activities.

Why is this scholarship being given?

We hope the Pegge Lee Haywood Scholarship will continue encouraging and supporting young people who follow Pegge’s example and dedicate themselves to public service, charitable work, and a commitment to Republican ideals.

The following paragraph is excerpted from a document creating the scholarship:

The application process will award the scholarship to an outstanding individual who demonstrates a commitment to Republican principles expressed by participation in party activities, and a brief essay submitted with their application. The applicant’s choice of college major need not be politically oriented or aimed at public service. 

Applicants for the 2025 Scholarships should email [email protected] to receive an application.  The deadline is March 31, 2025.

Please direct questions and completed applications via email to [email protected]

Donations to the scholarship fund are held in a reserve account and are exclusively used for future scholarship winners.

2025 Scholarship Winners

Alexander Petroff - Concord High

Lydia Pope - Central Cabarrus High

Eleanor Evans - Homeschool

Grayson Cook - AL Brown High

Kaelyn Starnes - Cox Mill High

Ethan Mathes - Covenant Classical

Michael Icenhour - Hickory Ridge High