The WCC graduates are four of 60 students invited to join the transfer program’s class of 2029. They each graduated this spring with an Associate in Science degree from WCC and will attend NC State in the fall.
The Goodnight Scholars Program, endowed by Dr. Jim and Ann Goodnight, began in 2008. The Goodnight Scholarships award transfer students $25,000 per year for three years. In addition to the scholarship, Goodnight Scholars have access to an assortment of developmental programming focused on their professional and personal growth.
The transfer program is open to eligible NC community college graduates from low- and middle-income families who intend to study in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) discipline or an affiliated education major.
After applying to the program, the top 100 finalists interview with a committee of current and former NC State faculty, staff, alumni, professional mentors, and Goodnight Scholars Program staff, and the scholars are selected. Finalists demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, community engagement, and an affinity for STEM and education.
Lane is excited to begin at NC State and is grateful to receive the Goodnight Scholarship.
“From first getting notified that I was a finalist, to getting interviewed personally, to finally receiving the notification telling me I was selected as a recipient, I’ve felt a rollercoaster of emotions,” Lane said. “I’m excited for the future that I’ll experience as a Goodnight Scholar, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped me achieve so much.”
Rivera said that being selected as a Goodnight Transfer Scholar is incredibly meaningful to him.
“It represents not only financial support but also being welcomed into a community of students who value growth, accountability, and service to others,” Rivera said. “After taking a nontraditional path back to school, this recognition feels like affirmation that the work I’ve put into turning my life around truly matters, and it motivates me even more to continue pushing forward.”
Lazarus agreed that acceptance into the program felt rewarding and motivating. He initially planned on working as an automotive technician before realizing a deeper interest in technology.
“As someone with hearing loss and ADHD, there were times when I doubted whether I was capable of succeeding in a more challenging academic path,” Lazarus shared. “This opportunity reminds me that stepping outside of my comfort zone and believing in myself was worth it.”
Charqueno is looking forward to the connections he will make as a Goodnight Scholar, and he is thankful that WCC prepared him for this opportunity.
“I am glad that I attended WCC because the classes, instructors, and resources helped me realize the right career path for me and helped me achieve far beyond the goals I set for myself,” Charqueno said.
Charqueno and Lane intend to study electrical engineering at NC State. Rivera plans to major in chemical engineering, and Lazarus will pursue a degree in computer science.
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