RICHMOND COUNTY — Six Richmond County students have been selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship, along with 209 other rural North Carolina students.
The recipients are McKenzie Allen, a student at Richmond Early College High School who will attend East Carolina University; Brianna Bouldin, a student at Richmond Senior High School who will attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington; Jentry Denson, a student at Richmond Early College High School who will attend Pfeiffer University; Melanie Garcia, a student at Richmond Early College High School who will attend North Carolina State University; Emma Humann, a student at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics who will attend the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; and Gracie McRae, a transfer student at Richmond Community College who will attend North Carolina State University.
According to a press release, “The Golden LEAF Foundation established the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program to broaden educational opportunities and provide support to students from rural counties with the goal that recipients will return and contribute to rural communities after graduation. Since establishing the scholarship program in 2000, Golden LEAF has provided more than 6,300 scholarships to help North Carolinians attend participating public or private colleges and universities in North Carolina. Currently, there are 645 Golden LEAF Scholars attending a North Carolina four-year college or university. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) administers the program and selects students for awards.”
“We are proud to award scholarships to hardworking students with deep roots in their communities,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF president and chief executive officer, in the press release. “Chosen from more than 1,400 applicants, these students represent the future of rural North Carolina. We look forward to their accomplishments as they continue their education and become North Carolina’s next generation of leaders.”
“Congratulations to the students across my district who have earned the Golden LEAF Scholarship,” said Sen. David Craven in the press release. “Your determination and hard work have brought you to this moment, and I am confident you will use this opportunity to achieve your goals and strengthen our rural communities.”
“Congratulations to all those who received a Golden LEAF scholarship, especially those from Richmond County,” said Rep. Ben Moss in the press release. “This is a recognition of all the hard work that you put into your studies over many years. I know all Golden LEAF scholars will continue to make a positive impact on North Carolina’s rural communities.”