Lillian Daughety excels through journey of resilience and service at LCPS
Lillian Daughety has piled up the accolades in her quest for top academic scholarships, but the one that matters most to the North Lenoir High School senior is the one she won. She is among a group of just 100 North Carolina students chosen for the Goodnight Scholarship to North Carolina State University, an award as valuable as it is prestigious.
The four-year, full-ride scholarship is worth $96,000 and includes perks like leadership and professional development programs as well as the potential for additional funding through enrichment grants. With Lilli in the winner’s circle is North Lenoir High classmate Melissa Espino, constituting a first-time achievement for North Lenoir and a rare achievement for any high school. Add the Goodnight -- a scholarship that goes to top students pursuing STEM-related fields -- to a list of senior-year achievements for Lillian, known as "Lilli." Campbell University has awarded her the J.A. Campbell Scholarship and she reached the semi-final round of the highly selective Levine Scholarship at UNC-Charlotte.
Lilli’s drive for success extends beyond the classroom—she is set to graduate not only with her high school diploma but also with an associate’s degree in science, a major step toward her dream of becoming an orthodontist. “I’ve always wanted to be a dentist since second grade, and after my own orthodontic journey, I realized how much confidence a great smile can bring, she shared. “I hope to return to Kinston one day and give back to my community.”
While academics have been a priority, Lilli’s high school journey has also been marked by resilience, leadership, and service. She has overcome physical setbacks, including a serious ankle injury before competing for the Miss Neuse title in 2023 and reinjuring it the night before the Distinguished Young Women of Kinston competition this year. Despite these challenges, she pushed through, ultimately placing second runner-up at the state level. “That experience showed me that hard work and determination always pay off,” she said.
Her leadership also extends well beyond personal achievements. As a varsity cheerleader, student government leader, and DECA member, Lilli has been an influential force at North Lenoir. Most notably, she founded the LeadHERship Club, an organization that empowers young women through community service. Under her leadership, the club has launched impactful projects, including a service initiative for the Eastern Pregnancy Information Clinic, a Friendsgiving food drive for Mary’s Soup Kitchen, and a Valentine’s Day outreach event for veterans.
“This club has really bridged the gap between our school and the community,” Lilli explained. “It’s allowed not just me, but other students, to grow in our skills and make a real impact.”
Lilli credits much of her success to the support of her teachers and mentors within Lenoir County Public Schools. “So many teachers have left a mark on my heart,” she said. “They have supported me through everything, from scholarships to opportunities. I’ll always be grateful for their encouragement.”
As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her journey, Lilli hopes to inspire others to take initiative and embrace challenges. “You don’t have to do these things—you get to do them,” she said. “Having gratitude in your attitude changes everything.”
With her determination, passion for service, and the support of the Goodnight Scholarship, Lilli Daughety is poised to make a lasting impact in college and beyond.
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