Family life suits ’06 graduate just fine

Family life suits ’06 graduate just fine

Published 11:53 am Tuesday, August 12, 2025

By Bridgette Dillard
Davie Community Foundation

Nearly two decades ago, a scholarship helped open the door to higher education for local student, Zachary Vogler.
A 2006 graduate of Davie County High School, Zach headed to Appalachian State University with dreams of pursuing pharmacy, but like many students discovering their true path, he shifted gears and found his passion in construction management.
Today, he works as a professional electrician.
Zach was the recipient of the Davie County Enterprise Record Scholarship.
“My road may have been a little different than most,” he said. “If not for the scholarship, I may not have had the opportunity to go to college at all. To the donors who made it possible, thank you.”
Today, Zach is working on obtaining his electrical license. Even more than career success, he values the personal growth and life lessons that came with the journey. “I’ve learned that hard work and perseverance pay off,” he said. “If you find a career you enjoy, it makes every day better.”
Now a father of three, including his niece he lovingly refers to as his “bonus daughter”, he finds joy in coaching youth sports and mentoring the next generation.
“For the past seven years, I’ve coached my boys’ sports teams. It’s an opportunity to invest in them and in other kids. I get to teach them life lessons I was able to learn myself through sports.”
His mentorship extends into his profession as well. Each summer, Zach’s company hires high school apprentices to work with him, giving them hands-on exposure to the electrical field. “I’ve been able to have some deep conversations with these students, not just about work, but about life,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to show them what a trade career can offer.”
Reflecting on his own path, he offers heartfelt advice to today’s students. “You don’t have to know what you want to be right away,” he said. “Explore different options. Don’t be afraid to take a different route, like trade school. It’s not about the degree, it’s about doing something you enjoy.”
To his younger self, he’d offer this: “Take risks while you’re young. Work hard, save money, and invest early.”
Married to his high school sweetheart, Sarah, also a Davie County High School alum, he beams with pride when talking about his family. Their two sons, Wyatt and Eli, are active in travel baseball and football. Their bonus daughter, Addi, is a cheerleader and horseback rider.
As a family, they share a love of the outdoors, the beach, and all things Disney. “We’re just trying to raise good kids and be the best people we can be.” he said.
To learn more about the Davie Community Foundation contact Wesley Sharpe at (336) 753-6903 or wsharpe@daviefoundation.org or visit www.daviefoundation.org.