NCPBA Scholarship Recipient Liliana Ashburn

Jan 10, 2024

By Cindy Baugher 

Liliana Ashburn, of Belews Creek, North Carolina, is thankful to have been awarded a scholarship by the PBF for the North Carolina Division. A graduate of Atkins High School in June of 2023, Liliana is well-rounded and deserving. As a two-sport high school athlete, she impressively earned the all-conference title for both soccer and volleyball in her senior season. To further balance out her accolades, she was named the defensive player of the year for soccer and received the offensive player title for volleyball. Not only did she shine as an athlete, she also took part in her school’s outdoor club, girls weightlifting, and volunteered with UNICEF Unite. 

Liliana at her senior photo shoot in her cap and gown.

Liliana describes her hometown of Belews Creek as a wonderful place to grow up. “There is nothing in Belews Creek except the lake,” she jokingly explains, then quickly goes on to say that growing up in her hometown was “wonderful”. Her days were spent outside in the small community, running around wherever and whenever, without worry. She says she always felt safe in Belews Creek, and still does, which can often be a hard feeling to find these days. The “best childhood” that she describes was made that way not only by the setting of her small hometown, but also by her family. Her father is a homicide detective for the Winston-Salem Police Department and her mother is a teacher at Piney Grove Elementary School. Liliana is the oldest child in her family. Her sister, Abby, whom she calls her best friend, is just one year younger and a senior in high school. Her youngest two siblings, a brother and sister, attend the school where her mom teaches. Her family has a “special bond and a great relationship”. Liliana loves to spend time with her family and friends whenever she can. She also enjoys time outdoors, going on drives, listening to country music, and shopping. 

Liliana and her family.

Liliana’s faith is quite important to her. She names Jesus Christ as her favorite historical leader and says, “He is the most loving and merciful Father and I strive to live like Him more each day.” Her favorite quote is Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Liliana finds hope and encouragement through this verse.  

East Tennessee State University is where Liliana has chosen to attend college. She made this choice because of the strength of their health science major and dental hygiene program and for the beautiful campus. Looking ahead to her future, this training path is one that will lead her to the career as a dental hygienist that she’s looked forward to since her early days. 

Throughout her childhood, Liliana’s father has always been “the rock in her family (aside from the Lord). He has a sense of humor but can also be very stern and serious when needed. He talks to you when you need someone to talk to and leads our family with love. He always has the best interest for you in mind and will find different ways to help you grow.” As a homicide detective, he is a person who puts his life on the line for the benefit and peace of mind of others. Liliana knows that his career choice illustrates his bravery and strength. “To me it means he is pretty selfless.” Her father’s membership in PBA as an officer is what enabled Liliana to apply for this scholarship. She shares that she is very grateful for the generosity of this scholarship award and says that it “truly means a lot to me and will help me to afford college and achieve my dreams without worrying about significant student loans in the future.”  

Winston-Salem Triad (NCPBA) President Jamie Keltner presents a check to Liliana Ashburn.