GOLDSBORO, N.C. – A collaborative effort between Wayne Community College, Wayne County Public Schools, and local Kiwanis clubs is making a measurable impact on college access in Wayne County.
Through a countywide initiative aimed at increasing completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Kiwanis service clubs awarded $200 to one student from each public high school who successfully completed the 2026–27 FAFSA.
During a ceremony held at Wayne Community College, Carlos Cotto of Sunrise Kiwanis, Jack Kannan of Golden K, and Becky Craig of the Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro presented awards to nine deserving students.
WCC Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Services Katrina Lee emphasized the importance of FAFSA completion, noting it is required for federal aid and often necessary for state funding, institutional scholarships, and private awards.
“If the FAFSA form isn’t completed, students may automatically be disqualified for financial aid without ever being considered,” Lee said. “Each year, billions of dollars of federal aid go unused because eligible students never file the FAFSA.”
To further support students, WCC’s Financial Aid staff serve as liaisons to local high schools—helping answer questions, provide guidance, and improve completion rates.
WCC Vice President of Academic and Student Services Kristie Sauls highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.
“Completing the FAFSA may seem like one task, but we know it represents much more,” Sauls said. “It opens the door to opportunity… and for many students, it is the difference between hoping they can go to school and knowing they can attend.”
According to Heather Winstead, Wayne County is already seeing results.
“As a district, we are up 6% in FAFSA completion for this time of the year. That is huge—and we’re not done yet,” Winstead said.
Hunter Hijma, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro, encouraged students to take advantage of available resources and stay connected to their community.
“While many of you may leave Wayne County to learn, grow, and explore, I hope you’ll always remember that you have a home here,” Hijma said.
Students recognized for completing the FAFSA include:
Elizabeth Gurley (Charles B. Aycock High School), Jenna Honeycutt (Spring Creek High School), Mya Jones (Eastern Wayne High School), Ari Raiford (Goldsboro High School), Ingrid Ramirez-Miguel (Wayne Early/Middle College High School), Joshua Schuch (Wayne School of Technical Arts), Alexis Stevens (Southern Wayne High School), Hunter Thornton (Wayne School of Engineering), and Diana Wynn-Bordeaux (Rosewood High School).
The initiative continues to highlight the power of community partnerships in helping students unlock opportunities for higher education.
