Johnston Ziegler Safrit Scholarship History

The Johnston Ziegler Safrit Youth Leadership Scholarship recognizes local high school seniors who are leaving a mark on their community. Through this scholarship, Teen Health Connection is investing in future leaders, changemakers, and advocates. The scholarship, which was established in 2012, was created for three significant leaders of the organization:

  • Dr. John Gardner Johnston, Teen Health Connection’s first Medical Director
  • Barbara Ziegler, the organization’s first Executive Director
  • Libby Safrit, Executive Director since 2009

This scholarship recognizes a local high-school senior who, like Dr. Johnston, Barbara Ziegler, and Libby Safrit, has demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, and service. The selected youth will receive a $10,000 educational scholarship to the college or university of his or her choice

By recognizing their leadership, advocacy, and service in the community, the Teen Health Connection Legacy Fund supports their ongoing academic success through this scholarship and encourages them to continue their impactful work. 

Dr. John Gardner Johnston, Teen Health Connection’s Founding Medical Director, Charlotte pediatrician, and public health leader, was known for his efforts to empower every adolescent to be healthy, safe, and successful. Dr. Johnston was nationally and locally recognized with awards, including the 2005 NC Pediatric Society Dr. David Taylor Award and the 2005 GlaxoSmithKline Child Health Recognition Lifetime Achievement Award. The JZS Leadership Scholarship was close to Dr. Johnston’s heart and reflects his passion for empowering and inspiring teenagers in our community. Dr. Johnston strongly believed in nurturing the potential of our youth and fostering their growth.

Barbara Ziegler has demonstrated outstanding commitment and capability in her efforts to improve adolescent health as the Founding Executive Director for Teen Health Connection. She was a grassroots leader for adolescent health serving as the Founding Director of the Mecklenburg Council on Adolescent Pregnancy and the co-founder of the NC Coalition on Adolescent Pregnancy. She was honored with the June Stallings Award in 1989 for adolescent pregnancy prevention, and the Leadership Charlotte Unsung Hero Award in 1995 for community service.  Barbara advocated for adolescents through her service on various local and state committees and boards and continues to be a strong supporter and champion of Teen Health Connection.

Libby Safrit, Executive Director of Teen Health Connection from 2008-2025, was instrumental in the scholarship’s growth and development. Her commitment to securing funds that ensured the scholarship’s solvency has been critical to the continued success and relevance of this distinguished honor for local seniors. Libby has received honors such as the 2011 Martha Bedell Alexander Award presented by Anuvia, the 2013 National Council for Behavioral Health Award for her work focused on depression, the 2016 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine Virginias/Carolinas Regional Chapter Recognition Award, the 2017 Global Alliance Recognition Award for leadership in adolescent health and behavioral health innovation, and the 2024 Charlotte Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award, which honors top community leaders in Charlotte.

Johnston Ziegler Safrit Scholarship Recipients 2012-2025

2025 – Vance Johnson, East Mecklenburg High School
2024 – Nattelie Anderson, Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School
2023 – Jewel Wood, Hopewell High School
2022 – Breanna Fowler, North Mecklenburg High School
2021 – Laura Saavedra, Charlotte Country Day School
2020 – Jules Oringel, Providence High School
2019 – Khamiah Alderman, Vance High School
2018 – Ava Burgess, Mallard Creek High School
2017 – Julia Ferrante, South Mecklenburg High School
2016 – Grant Tatich, David W. Butler High School
2015 – Joseph Obeid, William Amos Hough High School
2014 – Kyle Tatich, David W. Butler High School
2013 – Sanjana Vattigunta, Ardrey Kell High School
2012 – Courtney Wakeman, William Amos Hough High School

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Apply for the Johnston Ziegler Safrit Youth Leadership Scholarship

The application OPENS October 1st and CLOSES December 1st at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will be notified in January. 

If there are any questions about the application or if you are interested in learning more about this award, please contact us at TeenHealthConnection@TeenHealthConnection.org

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