ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (June 15, 2021) - The Golden LEAF Foundation announced that 215 rural North Carolina students were selected to receive up to a $12,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship, including one in Jones County and three in Lenoir 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 are as follows:

Jones County

Name - Christian Cannon

High School/University - Jones Senior High/East Carolina University

“Congratulations to the 2021 Golden LEAF Scholars! Your hard work and determination has not gone unnoticed, and I know that you are only just getting started,” said  Senator Michael Lazzara. “I am eager to hear of your future successes as you go on to pursue the next steps in your journey through higher education. Best wishes on your bright future!”

“I’m so excited to hear that we have a student from Jones County receiving the Golden LEAF Scholarship,” said Representative Pat McElraft. “This is a tremendous honor. We will all benefit from the knowledge and skills these students will bring back to rural North Carolina communities.”

Lenoir County

Name - Andrea Sanchez-Roman

High School/University - Lenoir County Early College High, East Carolina University

Name - Daniel Sykes

High School/University - South Lenoir High, University of Mount Olive

Name -Parker White

High School/University - South Lenoir High, East Carolina University

“My sincerest congratulations to Andrea, Daniel, and Parker for earning this award,” said Representative Chris Humphrey. “I’m sure you will put in the hard work to help you accomplish your goals. We need students like you to help our rural communities thrive!

“Congratulations to the students from Lenoir County for receiving this award,” said Senator Jim Perry. “Andrea, Daniel, and Parker have already demonstrated leadership and strong academic performance. Receiving a Golden LEAF Scholarship is a great honor and these students should be proud of their accomplishment. I look forward to hearing of their future success!”