 |
| Jackson County seventh graders who were inducted into New Century Scholars on Nov. 4 at Southwestern Community College include, bottom row, from left: Ashley Alvarez, Sarah Anderson, Sophie Biaso and Peyton Cope. Second row: Chloe Grady, Kendra Hall, Abreonna Hedden, Hilliary Hines and Stacey Jimenez. Third Row: Ethan Kompathoum, Amanda Luker, Dany Perez, Miguel Perez, Luis Poxtan and Lilly Quinn. Fourth Row: Zeb Sink, Lyndsay Scherman, Cayson Tiedge and Christopher Tucker. Not pictured are KJ Ammons, Matthew Bullock, Shawn Byfield, Emily Jones and Katie Thomas. |
 |
| Macon County seventh graders who were inducted into New Century Scholars on Nov. 4 at Southwestern Community College include, bottom row, from left: Zachary Ammons, Amber Bolick, Travis Carpenter, Keirston Cochran, Breanna Holland and Kaitlyn Lopez. Second row: Jasmine Mancini, Kaci McMahan, Leanah Monteith, Karmyn Morales and Morgan Olvera. Third Row: Tucker Rogers, Claudia Severiano, Dylan Stroud, Alex Torres, Hannah Webb and Joseph Tucci-Casselli. Not pictured are Savannah O'Dell, Everage Payne and Chandler Redoutey. |
 |
| Swain County seventh graders who were inducted into New Century Scholars on Nov. 4 at Southwestern Community College include, bottom row, from left: Mitch Brock, Hayley Cacciotti, Dan Childers, Madison Christopher and Mallerie Clampitt. Second row: Taylor Collins, Savannah Cook, Gabe Keefer, Rebekah Lambert and Emily Laws. Third row: Trevor McCoy, Zoey Phelps, Sam Plemmons, Jesus Sauza and Kierra Shook. Not pictured are Chase Bridges, Zach Franklin and Mackenzie Cochran. |
Sixty-three seventh-graders from throughout Southwestern Community College’s service area were inducted as New Century Scholars on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Myers Auditorium on SCC’s Jackson Campus.
Family members, close friends and supporters from their respective school districts cheered on the students as they received their certificates.
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.
“Each new group of New Century Scholars who come on our campus helps remind us what we’re all about,” said Dr. Don Tomas, president of Southwestern Community College. “This program reinforces our partnerships with the communities we serve. What better gift can we give the next generation than the promise of a quality education and a bright future?”
The New Century Scholars program was established in 1995 by the late 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.
Funding for the program is generated by annual donations from Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties.
“Fundraising efforts are underway for the next group of seventh graders, and donations are greatly appreciated to help maintain this wonderful opportunity for students through the New Century Scholar program,” said Mary Otto Selzer, director of the SCC Foundation. “Broad community financial support is the key to the ongoing viability of this program, so every contribution is critical to the success of these 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.
