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ROCKY MOUNT – The Golden LEAF Foundation announced that 215 rural North Carolina students were selected to receive up to a $12,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship, including three in Beaufort County and one in Hyde County

Students will receive a $3,000 scholarship each year for up to four years of undergraduate study at a participating four-year North Carolina college or university. Recipients from rural and tobacco-dependent or economically distressed North Carolina counties are selected based on career and educational goals, a review of school and community service activities, academic performance, length of residence in the county and expressed intent to contribute to the state’s rural communities upon graduation from college.

The Golden LEAF Foundation established the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program to broaden educational opportunities and provide support to students from rural counties with the goal  that after graduation recipients will return and contribute back to rural communities. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) administers the program and selects students for awards.

“We are proud to award scholarships to hardworking and bright students with deep roots in their rural communities,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF Foundation President, Chief Executive Officer. “These students were selected out of a pool of more than 1,500 applicants. We look forward to the future success of these scholarship recipients as they follow their education pursuits and develop into North Carolina’s next generation of rural leaders.” 

The newly selected 2021-22 Golden LEAF Scholarship recipients from Beaufort County are McKenna Beacham and Cassandra Sanchez of Beaufort County Early College High School and Alexander Latham of Northside High School. Beacham plans on attending Appalachian State University and Latham and Sanchez plan on attending North Carolina State University. 

“Congratulations to the students from Beaufort County for receiving this award,” said Representative Keith Kidwell. “McKenna, Alexander, and Cassandra have already demonstrated leadership and strong academic performance. I look forward to hearing of their future success.”

The newly selected 2021-22 Golden LEAF Scholarship recipient from Hyde County is Gracie Morris of Beaufort County Early College High School. Morris plans to attend Appalachian State University in the fall. 

“Congratulations to the student from Hyde County for receiving this award,” said Senator Bob Steinburg. “Gracie has already demonstrated leadership and strong academic performance. I look forward to hearing of her future success.”

“Congratulations to all the excellent students who will receive this year’s Golden LEAF Scholarships,” said Representative Bobby Hanig. “It is fantastic to see hard work and dedication celebrated and rewarded. I look forward to seeing the amazing contributions they will bring to North Carolina.”