Claire Ilkenhons
2025-2026 Freshman
From Kernersville, NC
Claire Ilkenhons
$3,000 Arleigh Burke Association Scholarship sponsored by ARLEIGH BURKE ASSOCIATION Recipient

College:

Guilford Tech Community College

Major:

Biology

Academic & Extracirricular Highlights:

  • 4.33 High School GPA
  • National Honor Society
  • East Forsyth High – Stage Manager

Quotes:

Thank you so much for furthering the history of this amazing ship within my family. It started with my mom’s parents both working at Bath Iron Works on the construction of the USS Arleigh Burke DDG51. My dad, OS2 SW Scott C. Ilkenhons was a member of the commissioning crew and a Plankowner. During his stay in Bath, Maine he met my mother and they married during his enlistment. I have heard many stories of my dad’s time in the US Navy growing up. I am extremely thankful that his service turned into a helping hand in my education. This help will allow me to focus on schoolwork and fully involve myself in my school community. My plan is to study the pre-medical pathway and eventually attend medical school; making this scholarship extremely beneficial in the long term path. Thank you so much for your support of my education and rewarding my dad’s dedication to the Arleigh Burke DDG51.

~ Claire