The exams and EOC’s were finished and it was time to celebrate the many accomplishments of Greene Early College students. It would be a day to be remembered as family and friends and the entire GEC student body gathered at New Direction Church, May 19 for the annual awards day to applaud and cheer for each other. Awards Day which was initiated in 2015 by four GECH students, Shontia Blount, Marisol Caballero, Casey DeLeon and Karen Perez, as part of an assignment by Emily Garris called Genius Project. The intent was to establish an annual recognition event for all GEC students. And it has continued since its inception. This year was a bit different: nine years later, Shontia Blount, now a GEC teacher, organized this year’s event. Academic honors, scholarships, and other GEC initiatives were recognized across all five grades.

Following an a cappella rendition of the national anthem, by Ana Zungi Sanchez, Principal Taylor Moore recognized Natasha Martin as Teacher of the Year, presenting her a plaque.

The first presentations were scholarships to the graduating class.

They were as follows:

SECU “People helping People” Scholarship:$10,000 Uriah Thompson

Inez Burge Scholarship: $1000 each, Taylor Smith, Tyler Crawford, Wyatt Grantham, Jakeyia Dunn, Rachel Francis, Anamari Zuniga, Jacinta Blow, Daniel Mckinley, and Bowen Zeng.

Nidia Acevedo received $6000.

Beta Theta Chapter of ADK($1000):Taylor Smith; she was also named an Academic Scholar

Ben Rayford Scholarship: Nidia Acevedo($2000)

AmeriCorp Student Recognition: Nidia Acevedo, Jakeyia Dunn, Wyatt Grantham and Montana Miller.

Recognition for year-long academic excellence was given by Mr. Moore for the Principal’s List and Honor Roll. Each student received a medal and Certificate, signifying his/her academic excellence. To be named to the Principal’s list, a student must maintain an A average in both high school and college classes for the entire year. Sixteen students achieved this honor: Monica Acevedo, Erika Carranza, Karin Rodriguez, Hunter Winarski, Kailauni Bowls, Kayla Guzman, Tyreek Jones, Joanna Mendoza, Selena Mendoza, Emma Roberson, Jeidy Tevelan, Rachel Francis, Wyatt Grantham, Tiffany Lin, Piper Mattingly and Anamari Zuniga.

Thirteen students were named to the Honor Roll. The following students received all A’s and B’s for the entire year in both high school and college classes. The students were Ivanna Chavez, Donasia Coppedge, Amy Gallardo, Isai Gonzalez, Julia Maya, Adilene Borja, Yesenia Cruz, Eleazar Gonzalez, Miracle Neal, Tyler Crawford, James Williams, Keyanne Sanders, and Bowen Zheng.

Other academic recognitions were also presented. Each high school teacher recognized the student that was considered “Most Improved” and the student with the “Highest Average (year- long)” with a Medal and Certificate in each subject, representative of his/her achievement.

Next, LCC College Liaison Pamela Gonzalez acknowledged the high marks of all A’s and B’s for their Lenoir Community college classes for the entire year. They too were presented with special medals and certificates. Fifty-nine students earned this prestigious honor.

This year’s BETA inductees were recognized with a certificate and pin. Graduating students received their BETA cord: Nidia Acevedo, Maria Sanabria, Taylor Smith, Elizabeth Avery, Tyler Crawford, Rachel Francis, Wyatt Grantham, Piper Mattingly, Cara Walker, McKenzie Wilson and Bowen Zheng.

Then student participation in various clubs was recognized. First was HOSA; GEC organized its chapter this year. Each member received a certificate designating his/her as a charter member. Graduates Nidia Acevedo and Tiffany Lin also received colored cord.

Another active community-minded organization is the Cougar Care Club. Organized in 2022 during the Pandemic by students, the club continues to reach out to the community and school families when the need arrives. Eight graduates received colored cords for their membership and participation in this club.

Continuing with accolades for community service initiatives at GEC, the class with the highest total number of community service hours is the recipient of the Helping Hand Trophy. This year, the seniors, with 1334 hours for the year, received this designation, Likewise, each class’s individual student with the most hours for the year was recognized with a medal and certificate: Freshman, Mirca Acevedo(76 hrs.); Sophomore, Hunter Winarski(129 hrs.); Junior, Kayla Guzman()145 hrs.); Senior, Tiffany Lin(164.5 hrs.); Super Senior, Maria Sanabria(487 hrs.).

Twenty-four graduates were presented with the all-important white cord, indicating the completion of at least 100 hours of community service while at GEC. Most graduates go beyond the 100-hour marker with their efforts to serve others.

Two other organizations for a complete high school experience and student-driven were recognized: Y: Yearbook SGA. Five graduates received cords for the Yearbook and seven graduates received cords for their service in SGA.

Finally, Mr. Moore recognized students who throughout the year have demonstrated strong leadership qualities. In his description, he stated that they may not have been in an elected or appointed position, but each student seized opportunities to make a difference at GEC with initiatives or ideas. Students who received this prestigious honor received a medal and certificate. They were Freshman, Joshua Edwards; Sophomore, Tamya Porter; Junior, Cayden Ginn; Senior, Cory Jones; and Super Senior, Nidia Acevedo.

Closing the celebration was Mr. Moore announcing the Student of the Year: Cara Walker. Cara exhibited strong leadership skills throughout the year. She was always concerned for students’ successes and the implementation of initiatives for GEC to meet student expectations.

Congratulations to all GEC students for all your hard work this school year.

Representing GCTS/SGHS National Alumni, Lorrine Washington and Antonio Blow presented the Inez E Burge Scholarships to ten GEC students.

Recipient of the Ben Rayford Scholarship, given by the Snow Hill Presbyterian Church in his memory, was Nidia Acevedo. Presenting the scholarship was Mr. Rayford’s daughters, Jane Beaman(left) and Susan Griffis(right). Nidia plans to attend ECU.