A student at Clyde A. Erwin Middle School is being recognized by the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) for her outstanding work in the classroom. On Wednesday, March, 9, seventh-grader Emily Bennett was rewarded for her hard-work and motivation. She’s one of only a few students in the state chosen this year for the prestigious Bell Scholarship.
“This year we have awarded only 15 students in the state with this scholarship,” said Ms. Devon McCarthy-James, CFNC Regional Representative for the West Region. “We have some students from this program that have now graduated high school, and all of those students have gone on to college.”
The scholarship will remain in an account as part of North Carolina’s National College Savings Program. She’ll receive $2,000 per year to use for an undergraduate and/or graduate degree.
“It’s exciting to reward middle schoolers with scholarships,” said Ms. McCarthy-James. “The Bell Scholarship is unusual, but it does inspire a lot of hope for students.”
Emily feels very honored to be the recipient of the scholarship which she’s been striving to achieve.
“I am incredibly honored to have the Bell Scholarship,” said Emily. “I had to work hard in order to get the scholarship. I had to have good grades, and plan to do the best I can for years to come with my schooling.”
Members of the school, central office, school board, and her family attended a celebration to honor Emily’s accomplishment.“We received a little over a hundred nominations from across the state,” said Ms. McCarthy-James. “Each student was nominated by their school counselor.”
Seventh grade counselor Eva Lewit never thought she would get the opportunity to give a middle schooler a college scholarship.
“It’s a special occasion to be able to celebrate a middle school student,” she said. “Knowing this is going to have a significant impact on Emily’s future education, this scholarship will open many doors for her.”
Emily already has her eyes set on two universities in North Carolina. She also has big plans for what she wants to be when she grows up.
“I want to go to either Duke University, because they have a wonderful Med School,” explained Emily, “or I want to go to Mars-Hill University and participate in their band. I want to become a doctor or a nurse so I can help others.”
As long as Emily continues to achieve academic excellence she will receive an additional $2,000 in her college savings account each school year. This account will continue to grow through her middle and high school years giving Emily a total scholarship award of $20,000. That money will go a long way with helping her achieve her dreams and continue her educational journey.