WCPS scholarships exceed $8 million
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 21, 2005 1:45 PM
Graduates of Wayne County's six public high schools received more than $8 million in financial aid this year, said officials with the county school system.
According to school officials, graduates received more than $5 million in renewable grants, scholarships and work-study aid, with an additional $3 million in scholarship money awarded from universities.
The students earned a number of prestigious awards at colleges and universities throughout North Carolina and across the nation. Scholarships were reported from New York University, Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Queens University, Elon University, Campbell University, Living-stone College and Wake Forest University.
"Our students are the most successful they've ever been in receiving scholarships and grants," said Dr. Sandra McCullen, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction. "The students have chosen a rigorous academic program that has helped them to be successful in their college and career aspirations."
Guidance counselors at the schools worked tirelessly throughout the year to direct and support students in applying for scholarships, she said.
"The counselors have provided important information to parents and students to assist them with their financial concerns," she said. "We have worked diligently with the College Foundation of North Carolina to help families make higher education possible.
"The entire Wayne County community should be proud of the efforts of the schools, community organizations, businesses, and individuals who support our students."
This year, 48 graduates of Charles B. Aycock High School were awarded 134 offers of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid offers, earning $914,953. When calculated with the renewals, students earned $2,101,532.
At Eastern Wayne High, there were 129 offers of assistance for 78 of the graduates. The total amount awarded was $546,816, equating to $1,423,966 in renewable aid.
Forty-nine Goldsboro High School graduates earned 259 scholarship and work-study aid. Universities, colleges, and the military awarded students $657,055 and $2,330,488 in renewable scholarships, grants, and other assistance.
Forty-four Rosewood High graduates received 49 awards, worth $219,642 in scholarships and $817,618 in renewable financial support.
The 120 scholarships awarded to 46 Southern Wayne High graduates equaled $527,237. When renewed, the figure goes to $1,323,014.
There were 21 graduates from Spring Creek High who were awarded $197,065 in scholarships and $615,165 in renewable money. The graduates received 36 scholarships.
Dr. Steve Taylor, schools superintendent, said the merit of the recipients was reflected in the financial awards.
"This reflects positively on the focused approach to student learning and achievement practiced daily in the classrooms," he said.