Macon County New Century Scholars visit SCC

SYLVA - On Tuesday, Sept. 18, 49 seventh graders from Macon County were inducted into the New Century Scholars program during a ceremony hosted by Southwestern Community College.

Students, along with their families, friends, contributors and officials from Macon County and SCC celebrated the occasion with a cookout and awards ceremony.

The New Century Scholars program, which began in 1995, is a collaborative educational effort among the public schools in Macon, Jackson and Swain counties and SCC, along with Western Carolina University. The program targets high-potential students at the end of the sixth grade and provides extra support through their middle school and high school years.

Students are nominated by school personnel based on their potential for academic success, yearly promotion and leadership ability. Selected students must display effort in the classroom and have a positive attitude and desire for education. They must also demonstrate good behavior and character and meet the county attendance policy.

Upon completion of high school, each student who has successfully followed the contractual agreements with the schools and parents will be awarded a last-dollar tuition scholarship for each of his two years at Southwestern Community College.

Western Carolina University has added a guaranteed scholarship that will enable students who complete the NCS program and earn an associate's degree at SCC to continue their education at Western for two years and earn a bachelor's degree.