On Monday evening, the Wayne County Board of Education spotlighted two Wayne School of Engineering seniors who have earned prestigious scholarships to attend North Carolina State University.
Park Scholar: Giovonnii Nelson recently earned a Park Scholarship. The Park Scholarship pays expenses for four years of study at North Carolina State University, and is valued at about $112,000 for North Carolina residents and $203,000 for out-of-state residents. The scholarship pays for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel, and personal expenses. Park Scholars are also are given a computer stipend and receive grants to fund professional and personal enrichment experiences, such as research projects, service activities, and conferences in the United States and abroad. Approximately 40 scholarships are given out nationwide each year.
During her high school career, Ms. Nelson has been a NC Coastal Pines Girl Scout. She earned a Silver Award in 2017 and is currently working to earn a Gold Award. She has served as a community volunteer and has served on both the Goldsboro City Mayor’s Youth Council and the NC Child Advocacy Council. She is an active member of her Vision of Faith Freewill Baptist Church serving as a youth leader and a member of the youth choir and dance team.
It is worth noting in 2012, when Ms. Nelson was in the fourth grade, she received a $20,000 scholarship to Appalachian State University. During that time, the unique scholarship was awarded annually to a minority WCPS student who earned the highest score on the third grade end-of-grade math assessment. While Ms. Nelson will not be becoming a mountaineer, she is looking forward to joining the NC State University Wolfpack and plans to major in Biology. Her long term plans are to go to medical school for pediatric oncology.
Goodnight Scholar: Paul Randolph recently earned a Goodnight Scholarship to attend North Carolina State University. Established in 2008, the Goodnight Scholarship program has grown into a comprehensive student development program designed to develop scholars into leaders within the STEM and/or education fields.
The scholarship is available to low and middle-income families from North Carolina and is limited to students studying in the STEM disciplines or affiliated education majors. The value of the scholarship is $21,000 annually and is renewable for up to four years for first-year students, and three years for transfer students. In addition to the scholarship, Goodnight Scholars have access to an assortment of developmental programming focused on their professional and personal growth. Goodnight Scholars will participate in an assortment of thought-provoking and unique programs, ranging from professional and cultural immersion trips to roundtable discussions. They will also be required to participate in “pay it forward” initiatives centered in community service.
During his high school career, Mr. Randolph has interned at Global Skyware Engineering in Smithfield, North Carolina, volunteered at Princeton Elementary, and served as a volunteer at Wayne School of Engineering and his church. Mr. Randolph plans to major in mechanical engineering.
“We are very proud of Giovonnii and Paul’s academic accomplishments,” states Dr. Gary Hales, WSE principal. “In addition to their academic excellence, they are both great people, and NC State is fortunate to gain them as students.”
