Photo: Submitted by Greene Early College

Each month, the Greene County Board of Education recognizes students from the different county schools with Student Spotlight. During the October board meeting, five Greene Early College students, nominated by GEC staff, were recognized for leadership, citizenship, academic achievements, and innovative initiatives. Students’ unique attributes were shared with the board. Also, each student was presented with a certificate by Superintendent Dr. Frank Creech.

Senior Anamari Zuniga will complete her five-year plan within four years, receiving her high school diploma and Lenoir Community College Associate Degree Spring 2023. She has excelled in her studies as she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa in the fall of 2021. Being the only academic honor society for junior colleges, a student must have a 3.5 GPA on his/her college work. In addition, she has accumulated over 100 hours of community service thus far. She always participates in the school’s Adopt-A-Highway clean-up each year, a member of the GEC yearbook staff, and served as GEC’s team captain in the October “Rise Against Hunger” event. 

Sawyer Wurdock, a senior, completed his Eagle Scout requirements this year. He serves his community by volunteering in the Snow Hill Fire Department. Sawyer is very important to his school community as he quickly volunteers to ready the school for the next day if the custodian staff is out for a day.

Jacinta Blow, a GEC super senior, has used her passion for the game of basketball to give back. After leaving Middle School and playing basketball while there, Jacinta has dedicated herself to the Middle School Girls’ basketball program. Jacinta has devoted 180 after-school hours to assist the Middle School girls’ basketball program.

Coached by Tonya Hooks, Jacinta assists with after -school practice sessions and games. When asked exactly how she helped the coach and team, Jacinta quickly said,” Anything from running a drill to statistician responsibilities.” Taking her commitment seriously, Jacinta attends all games, again, ready to do whatever is needed by the team. Coach Hooks said, “She (Jacinta) has been very dedicated and serves as a positive role model for our middle school team. The middle school girls love to have her around. As her former coach, I have enjoyed seeing her grow and blossom.”  

Senior, Wyatt Grantham, will also complete his five-year plan within four years, receiving his high school diploma and LCC Associate’s degree spring 2023. He is in the process of completing his Eagle Scout requirements. Excelling in his academics, Wyatt was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa 2020. Completing 105 community service thus far, he has served on the prom committee, a member of SGA, a Student Ambassador for the school, a mentor for freshmen students, and volunteers with the Adopt-A-Highway program. 

Super senior, Nidia Acevedo, has excelled in her academics and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Beta club. She has also availed herself to explore another area of training. She has earned certificates in Lenoir Community College Computer-Integrated Machining programs and Nursing Aide I. She is currently working on attaining her Medical Assisting Certificate this year. Nidia is a member of SGA, HOSA, and the Cougar Care Club. She is a Student Ambassador. Nidia has also participated in Teen Court and Adopt-A-Highway cleanup. She reaches out to the other county schools by willingly serving as a translator at parent events throughout the year. Presently she is volunteering at Kitty Atkins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. 

Congratulations on your many achievements.

The game will be held at John Paul II in Greenville, NC on November 20th at 2:00 PM. The all-star teams are selected from the NCISAA or VISFL of Virginia and consist of 24 seniors on each team. The Patriots had seven players selected for the all-star game, including Ashton Brinson, Nick Fell, Aaron Jones, Paxton Riley, Cole Smith, Andrew Daniels, and Thomas Grady. Coach Beamon has been named the North Carolina team’s Head Coach. Coach Beamon is honored for his players to be selected as well.

“This is a huge honor for these seven guys to be selected to represent TEAM NC,” he said. “I am honored to be the head coach of this team. I was an assistant on the team last year and am looking forward to keeping the trophy in NC as we won last year’s game.”

Big 8 Conference MVP

The Big 8 Conference MVP was awarded to Ashton Brinson for the 2022-23 football season. Brinson was an impact player on both sides of the ball at running back and linebacker. The running back finished with 208 carries for 2100 yards and 28 total touchdowns. On the defensive side, Brinson made 133 tackles with three sacks, two interceptions for touchdowns, one blocked punt, and one blocked kick.