p.1

ANSON COUNTY

BEAUFORT COUNTY

Kody Jefferson will graduate from Northside High School where he was president of the Science Club and parliamentarian of Future Business Leaders of America. In 2016, Kody received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and led the design of the Plan for the Future Rocket Camp which sets out to inspire children about the value of education. He plans to major in engineering.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Goodnight Scholars Program

Goodnight Scholars Program Class of 2021Listed alphabetically by county, then last name

William Baldwin will graduate from A.C. Reynolds High School where he was one of sixteen nationally selected students to participate in the National USDA Ag Discovery Program. William interned at the NC State Mountain Horticultural Research Center, participated in the North Carolina School of Science and Math Summer Ventures Program, and competed in Science Olympiad. He plans to major in horticultural science.

Cheyana Bassham will graduate from North Buncombe High School where she was a member of the Beta Club and section leader for the school band. Cheyana is actively involved with Science Olympiad and also served as a youth ambassador for the United States as part of the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange in Germany. In 2016, Cheyana earned distinctions as a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar. She plans to major in fisheries, wildlife, and conservation biology.

Katelyn Stovall will graduate from Anson County Early College High School where she was president of the National Honor Society. Katelyn served as vice president of the Anson County 4-H Livestock Club and volunteered her time with the Smith Dairy Farm and Peachland Polkton Elementary School. She plans to major in animal science.

Katherine Gorman will graduate from A.C. Reynolds High School where she was a junior marshal and a member of the National Honor Society. Katherine’s commitment to service spans an assortment of organizations including the North Carolina Arboretum Summer Camps, Carolina Mountain Naturalists, Odyssey of the Mind, and the WNC Nature Center. She plans to major in zoology.

p.2

CALDWELL COUNTY

Maxwell Harkness will graduate salutatorian from Asheville High School where he was president of the AHS Technology Student Association and competed in Science Olympiad. Maxwell enjoys volunteering at the MANNA Food Bank every Tuesday and teaches basic iOS app development at a local summer camp. In 2015, Maxwell earned the National Speech and Debate Association Honor Society’s “Degree of Excellence” for earning over 150 NSDA tournament points. He plans to major in computer science.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY

Victor Jimenez will graduate salutatorian from Brunswick County Early College High School where he was committee chair of the National Honor Society and varsity team member of Science Olympiad. Victor’s commitment to service includes being a STEM ambassador for the Brunswick County STEM Council and volunteering at Habitat for Humanity Restore. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Abigail Earp will graduate from Hibriten High School where she has maintained a GPA above 4.0 for the past three consecutive years. Abigail served as vice president of the Health Occupation Students of America Club where she planned two local blood drives. She has also interned at the Yadkin Baptist Church and organized a youth mission trip to Brunswick, Georgia. She plans to major in mathematics education.

CHATHAM COUNTY

Kaleb Lee will graduate from Northwood High School where he was vice president of My Brother’s Keeper and a member of the Link Leader Freshman Transition Program. Kaleb’s volunteer experience includes stints with the Chatham County Habitat for Humanity and the “If I Can Read, I Can Win” Summer Program. Kaleb plans to major in environmental sciences.

CHOWAN COUNTY

Charles Maus will graduate from the North Carolina School of Science and Math where he served as a student ambassador. Charles is currently a senior patrol leader for the Boy Scouts of America and volunteers with both FFA and 4-H. Charles is preparing to celebrate his fourth consecutive year as treasurer of Rotary Interact where, in 2016, he earned the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. He plans to major in human biology.

p.3

CLEVELAND COUNTY

Kerrington Shade will graduate valedictorian from Crest High School where she was president of Beta Club, senior class president for the Student Government Association, and an active participant in Science Olympiad. Kerrington pursues her passion for the liberal arts through her school’s Drama Club, and volunteers her time with Kinetic Carnival and Habitat for Humanity. She plans to major in applied mathematics.

CRAVEN COUNTY

Joshua Guter will graduate from New Bern High School where he was elected community manager for the National Technical Honor Society and was a member of the cross country team. In 2016, Joshua was hired as an intern for University PC Care and received his certification in Apple technologies. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.

FORSYTH COUNTY

James “Harper” Day will graduate from Mount Tabor High School where he was an AP Scholar with Distinction recipient and member of the National Honor Society. James was one of the male lead actors in his school’s production of “Defying Gravity” and holds membership in the Mt. Tabor Math Academic team and French Club. He plans to major in biomedical engineering.

Erica Sung will graduate from the North Carolina School of Science and Math where she was president of Habitat for Humanity and sergeant-at-arms for the Technology Student Association. Erica serves as a Peer College Counselor and spends eight hours per week conducting blood pressure and cardiovascular research at UNC Chapel Hill. She plans to major in biomedical engineering.

Amira Watson will graduate from East Forsyth High School where she was appointed president of the Crosby Scholars and captain of the East Forsyth High School Eaglette Dance Team. Amira is a member of the National Honor Society and also spends her time supporting Mu Alpha Theta as the organization’s president. Amira’s commitment to service also extends to the Leading Ladies Girls Service Club, Senior Girls Club, and the Deans Council of East Forsyth. She plans to major in biological sciences.

Devin Wyatt will graduate salutatorian from West Forsyth High School where she was elected vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Science Honor Society. Devin has shown her commitment to community engagement through participation in the Crosby Scholars, Forsyth Humane Society, and as an after-school counselor at the Jerry Long YMCA. She plans to major in chemical engineering.

p.4

GASTON COUNTY

Ryan Thurston Jr. will graduate valedictorian from Highland School of Technology where he was appointed secretary of the Technology Student Association. Additionally, he was elected vice president of Student Council and captain of the Math Club. In 2016, Ryan interned with Stabilus, an international company that designs and manufactures hydro-pneumatic springs. Ryan is a graduate of the North Carolina Governor’s School – West Mathematics program. He plans to major in nuclear engineering.

Sarah Monte will graduate from J.F. Webb School of Health and Life Sciences where she was a dual athlete in soccer and tennis and was elected president of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Club. Up until this year, Sarah worked as a camp counselor for the Oxford City Parks and Recreation department. Sarah has earned numerous academic accolades including AP Scholar with Distinction and junior marshal. She plans to major in environmental engineering.

GRANVILLE COUNTY

Mackenzie Brown will graduate from Walter Hines Page High School where she was inducted into the National Honor Society and received the Aniya Gemmill IB Award of Excellence. Mackenzie serves as a volunteer tutor for Monticello-Brown Summit Elementary School and participates in a variety of community outreach ranging from coaching assistant for Northeast Middle School’s softball team to interning with a speech therapist at a local pediatric speech therapy practice. She plans to major in elementary education.

GUILFORD COUNTY

Tyree Harris will graduate from Middle College at the University of North Carolina – Greensboro where he was team captain of the wrestling team and was selected for the National Honor Society and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Tyree dedicates his free time to being a youth leader for the Youth Leadership Corps and facilitates activities to cultivate scholarship and leadership for children residing in low socioeconomic areas. He plans to major in zoology.

Larry Amoriello will graduate salutatorian from Clover Garden School where he was president of the 4-H Club and treasurer of the Spanish Honor Society. Larry works as a dairy farmhand for his family’s farm and also finds time for community service with the Special Olympics and Junior Civitans. He plans to major in chemical engineering.

p.5

HAYWOOD COUNTY

Connie Feinberg will graduate from Tuscola High School where she was president of the Math Club-Mu Alpha Theta Society and vice president of Tuscola’s Student Government. Connie is engaged in community service through her work with the Tye Blanton Foundation and National Honor Society. In 2016, Connie completed the requirements for the Governor’s School of North Carolina. She plans to major in engineering.

JOHNSTON COUNTY

Loren Johnson will graduate valedictorian from Corinth Holders High School where she was president of the National Honor Society and earned the United States Academy All-American Scholars accolade. Loren was appointed to numerous positions with the Future Farmers of America Club and has spent her time volunteering with Meals on Wheels and the Willowrun Veterinary Hospital. She plans to major in zoology.

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

Jacob Berg will graduate valedictorian from Hopewell High School where he was vice president of the Spirit Club, participant in the A.C.E. Club, and a member of the basketball team. In 2014, Jacob was offered a Discovery Place volunteer apprenticeship as part of the museum’s Informal Education Division and was responsible for facilitating science demonstrations for guests. He plans to major in chemical engineering.

Keyshawn Brown will graduate salutatorian from Cato Middle College High School where he earned AP Scholar with Honor and was appointed as a junior marshal. Through his service work with Phi Theta Kappa, Keyshawn plans activities at Central Piedmont Community College. Keyshawn also spent his summer in 2016 volunteering at the Second Harvest Food Bank. He plans to major in nuclear engineering.

Aurora Myers will graduate from Roanoke Rapids High School where she was elected president of the Health Occupations Students of America and a member of the National Honor Society. In the community, Aurora was appointed varsity team captain for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and president of the Halifax Tuff Riders 4-H Club. She plans to major in human biology.

HALIFAX COUNTY

p.6

MOORE COUNTY

Katherine McVay will graduate from Pinecrest High School where she was president of the Math Club and a member of HOSA – Future Health Professionals. Katherine is a recipient of the League of Women Voters Civic Leadership Scholarship and serves as a tutor for the Hispanic Tutoring Program for elementary and middle school ELS students. She plans to major in genetics.

NASH COUNTY

Stephanie Atkinson will graduate from Southern Nash Senior High School where she played varsity volleyball and earned both Academic Athlete of the Year for her stellar GPA and the Golden Eagle Award for her commitment to volunteer work. In 2016, she interned at the Hooper Thurston Elite Chiropractic Office. She plans to major in polymer and color chemistry.

ONSLOW COUNTY

Jenay Brown will graduate valedictorian from Northside High School where she was president of the Science National Honor Society and the student body president for Student Council. Jenay currently holds the title of editor for her school’s yearbook and is a member of both the National English Honor Society and Key Club. She plans to major in biomedical engineering.

Hannah Ehmann will graduate from Jacksonville High School where she was team captain for the Varsity Cross Country team. Her academic achievement was recognized by the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. In 2016, Hannah was named a junior marshal at her high school. Over the last year, Hannah has served as an AVID student tutor. She plans to major in science education.

Cameron Williams will graduate from East Mecklenburg High School where he was co-captain of the East Mecklenburg Rugby Club and team captain of the East Mecklenburg Quiz Bowl Club. In 2015, Cameron was invited to join the YBM Leadership Alliance’s “Top 100 Scholars” program. Outside of his classes, Cameron volunteers his time at the Monroe City Youth Council. He plans to major in chemical engineering.

Xin Lu “Sandy” Lin will graduate from Dixon High School where she was president of the Health Occupation Students of America, woodwind captain of the marching band, and chair member for Student to Student: a high school transition program for students from military families. In her local community, Xin Lu volunteers with the Sneads Ferry Community Center and Branch Library. She plans to major in biomedical engineering.

p.7

ORANGE COUNTY

Robert van der Drift will graduate from Cedar Ridge High School where he was a member of multiple clubs including the National Honor Society, Russian Club, Chess Club, and Math Club. In 2016, Robert earned the AP Scholar with Distinction award. Robert gives back to his community by serving as a summer camp volunteer for the Museum of Life and Science, as well as educating local youth about climate change as a senior fellow for the Alliance for Climate Education. He plans to major in meteorology.

PENDER COUNTY

Christa Parrish will graduate from North Carolina School of Science and Math where she has participated in independent research on the neurocognitive and sociocultural factors contributing to eating disorders. In 2016, Christa worked at the Dzirasa Laboratory for Psychiatric Neuroengineering at Duke University on research that looked at the social preference of mice with autism spectrum disorder. She plans to major in chemical engineering.

PITT COUNTY

Wei Chen Chu will graduate as an AP Scholar with Distinction from South Central High School where she was a student ambassador and treasurer for the Mathematics and Science National Honor Society and secretary of the Japanese National Honor Society. Wei Chen has extensive service experience with the Pitt County Literary Volunteers, ECU Summer Science Camp, and tutoring Pitt County students in math and science. She plans to major in computer science.

Charles Goodman IV will graduate from the North Carolina School of Science and Math where he was accepted into the research in mathematics program. Charles was elected as the design leader for the FIRST Robotics Competition, and has been an active participant in Science Olympiad and a physics teaching assistant. He plans to major in nuclear engineering.

Jordan Paldino will graduate from Farmville Central High School where he was a recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Award and an active member of the Poetry Club, Drama Club, and Jazz Band. Jordan’s involvement in his community includes stints with the Green Jags, Link Crew, and the Health Science Academy. He plans to major in mathematics.

p.8

RANDOLPH COUNTY

Kayla Ashburn will graduate salutatorian from Providence Grove High School where she was president of the Beta Club and a junior marshal. Kayla’s community outreach efforts included volunteering with Clapp’s Nursing Center and Liberty Parks and Recreation while also working a part-time job. She plans to major in mathematics education.

ROBESON COUNTY

Iliana Claudio will graduate salutatorian from Robeson County Early College High School where she was the physical science supervisor and co-captain of the school’s Science Olympiad team. Iliana is founder and president of the Robeson Early College Service Club and has interned at the UNC Pembroke Biotechnology Research and Training Center. She plans to major in biochemistry.

Jessica Jones will graduate from Red Springs High School where she was captain of the Beta Club, president of the American Indian Students in Engineering and Science organization, and earned chief junior marshal status. Jessica is an ambassador for the Girl Scouts and serves as a leader for the Friendship Kitchen to prepare and serve meals for the less fortunate in her community. She plans to major in human biology.

STANLY COUNTY

Tate Cord will graduate valedictorian from North Stanly High School where he served in the National Honor Society and Junior Civitans. Tate was appointed as team captain for his school’s varsity basketball team and also ran for the cross-country team. In 2016, Tate was recognized as a Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders graduate through Rotary International. He plans to major in statistics.

STOKES COUNTY

Carmen Bollman will graduate from West Stokes High School where she was oboe section leader for the Wind Ensemble and co-chair of the Entertainment Committee for the National Honor Society. Carmen holds memberships with the Beta Club and Interact Club and, in 2013, was elected president of the Random Acts of Kindness Club. She plans to major in biomedical engineering.

p.9

WAKE COUNTY

Louise Batta will graduate from the North Carolina School of Science and Math where she earned the North Carolina Scholar Athlete Award for three consecutive years from 2013-2015. Louise was elected as a student advisor for NIA and was responsible for overseeing residential life at the North Carolina School of Science and Math as a residential life assistant. She plans to major in chemistry.

Rachel Chen will graduate from Green Hope High School where she was a member of the cross country team and the Sergeant-at-Arms Committee co-chair for Key Club International. Rachel has served as a teacher assistant for the Raleigh Chinese Language School and has a plethora of service experience with The Food Ark, Rustic Pathways Mountain Air and Village Service, and the Assisting Individuals with Disadvantages summer program in Taiwan. She plans to major in statistics.

Daniel Cockson will complete his homeschool coursework this year. Daniel has maintained active involvement in a variety of organizations including team leader at the FIRST Robotics Competition and organizer and educator for The Forge Initiative. In 2016, Daniel received the Presidential Service Award – Gold Level for his 500+ hours of community service. Daniel is also in the process of prototyping a thermostat system that will maximize cost efficiency and convenience for residential HVAC systems. He plans to major in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Olivia Merritt graduated from Millbrook High School in 2016 where she was vice president of the Spanish Club and a member of Future Farmers of America. Olivia volunteered at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in the ornithology department for five years along with supporting the LGBT Center of Raleigh. In 2016, Olivia spent seven weeks in Nicaragua on a bird study and GPS mapping project. She plans to major in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology.

Sarah Savariyar will graduate from Green Hope High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and a class representative for the Student Council. Sarah has extensive volunteer experience with Cary Teen Council and the National Spanish Honor Society. In 2016, Sarah traveled to Trichy, India to teach English at the St. Ignatius School. She plans to major in engineering.

Emily Stuelke will graduate valedictorian from Cary High School where she was captain of the Speech and Debate Team, president of the Japanese Club, and member of the National Honor Society. Emily is an Academic Honors Letter recipient and, in 2016, was selected to be one of Cary High School’s thirty junior marshals based on her stellar GPA. She plans to major in computer science.

p.10

Sreeram Venkat will graduate from the North Carolina School of Science and Math where he was an AP Scholar with Distinction and the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge Power Pitch winner. Sreeram is the chief editor for the Broad Street Scientific Research Journal and received the Durham Mayor’s Award for committing over 100 hours to community service. He plans to major in aerospace engineering.

Allison Williams will graduate from Green Hope High School where she was a tutor for the Green Hope National Spanish Honor Society and captain of the Green Hope Indoor and Outdoor Varsity Track and Field team. Allison also currently serves as vice president of hours for the Green Hope National Honor Society and does service work at the Watts Chapel Media Ministry. She plans to major in chemical engineering.