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Jackson County seventh-graders who were inducted into the New Century Scholars program on Nov. 4 at Southwestern Community College included, front row, from left: Sisny Aguillon, Nathan Buchanan, Shelbi Clawson and Chase Coggins. Second row: JJ Davis, Clayton Drakeford, Grayson Hall and Devon Heenan. Last row: Alexis Hopper, Ajani Mcintosh, Riley Schwalm, Natasha Tadlock and Rebecca Wrenn. Not Pictured are Charlie Hernandez and Tristan Swisher. |
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Macon County seventh-graders who were inducted into the New Century Scholars program on Nov. 4 at Southwestern Community College included, front row, from left: Lily Amoon, Marshal Balding, Jasper Coggins, Katlin Collins and Jade Ensley. Second row: Felipe Gonzalez, Dara Henry, Alyssa Holden and Ariana Kimsey. Last row: Kierra Love, Katie McCall, Jessica McGaha, William Moore and Abigail Olvera. Not Pictured is Tristan Carter. |
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Swain County seventh-graders who were inducted into the New Century Scholars program on Nov. 4 at Southwestern Community College included, front row, from left: Daniel Ammons, Macie Brendle, Savannah Cloer, Autumn Cochran, Diren Dills and Craig Fortner. Second row: Benjamin Franklin, Kristina Jones, Brady Kirkland, Joshua Lanning and Dustin Leo. Third row: Samuel Green, Gabrielle Shook, Brianna Snyder and Jessee Steele. Top row: Tamra Nations. |
Walking across the same stage they aim to stroll as college graduates in eight years, 46 seventh-graders from throughout Southwestern Community College’s service area were inducted as New Century Scholars on Monday, Nov. 4, at Myers Auditorium on SCC’s Jackson Campus.
Cheered on by families, close friends and supporters from their respective school districts, the students received certificates and shook hands with their respective school administrators as well as Dr. Don Tomas, president of SCC.
The latest New Century Scholars will receive last-dollar tuition assistance at SCC so long as they fulfill program obligations throughout their middle- and high-school careers.
“I want to congratulate each and every one of you for being selected as New Century Scholars,” Dr. Tomas told the future SCC students. “Your teachers have selected you as having a high potential, and we’re excited to know you’ll be attending our college in just a few short years.”
The New Century Scholars program was established in 1995 by Dr. Charles McConnell, Jackson County Schools’ superintendent at the time, and then-SCC president Dr. Barry Russell. It is designed to improve academic readiness, bolster student persistence toward high school graduation and increase the college-going rate.
Besides working toward their high school diplomas, New Century Scholars are expected to participate in community service activities, develop leadership skills, explore potential career options and prepare for success in college.
All funding for the program is generated by annual donations from Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties.
“We are currently kicking off our fundraising efforts for the next group of seventh graders and would greatly appreciate any donation to help maintain this wonderful opportunity for students through our program,” said Mary Selzer, director of the SCC Foundation. “We rely entirely on community support to fund this program, so every donation is critical to the success of our students in achieving their goals.”
Donations may be made payable to New Century Scholars and sent to the following address: SCC Foundation 447 College Drive; Sylva, N.C. 28779.
For more information about the New Century Scholars program, contact Pamela Judson at pjudson@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4477.
