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Twelve students from across eastern North Carolina – including one from Manteo High School – have been selected to join the third cohort of the NC State University College of Education’s Transformational Scholarships Program.

“Generously supported by the Anonymous Trust, the program provides scholarships of a minimum of $40,000 over four years to high school students from Eastern North Carolina who plan to return to the region to teach following graduation,” stated a news release from the NC State College of Education.

The third cohort of Transformational Scholars represents seven counties from eastern North Carolina and comprise eight elementary education majors, two mathematics education majors, one middle grades English language arts and social studies education major and one technology, engineering, and design education major:

• Malaya Beasley, Onslow County, Swansboro High School, Elementary Education Major
• Braxton Cumbo, Craven County, Havelock High School, Technology, Engineering, and Design Education Major
• Katie Dodson, Sampson County, Southern Wayne High School, Elementary Education Major
• Jazmin Garcia, Johnston County, Johnston County Early College Academy, Middle Grades Language Arts and Social Studies Major
• Eve Jones, Dare County, Manteo High School, Elementary Education Major
• Brooklynn Koonce, Onslow County, Jacksonville High School, Elementary Education Major
• Andrea Loera Valdez, Edgecombe County, Edgecombe Early College High School,  Elementary Education Major
• Haleigh Meliti, Onslow County, Jacksonville High School, Elementary Education Major
• Nyla Polk, Sampson County, Hobbton High School, Elementary Education Major
• Lyla Sherwood, New Hanover County, E.A. Laney High School, Elementary Education Major
• Phoebe Spradley, Nash County, Faith Christian School, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
• Ka’Viya White, Edgecombe County, Edgecombe Early College High School, Mathematics Education (High School)

“This cohort represents the dedication and resiliency present in Eastern North Carolina,” said Trisha Mackey, the director of the Transformational Scholarships Program. “They are passionate about becoming transformational teacher leaders and returning to the region to be change agents through education.”

“Educators have done much more than teach me curriculum. They have taught me how to be kind, how to have self confidence, and most importantly, how to love learning. These qualities have helped shape me into the individual I am today,” said Jones. “I want to return to Eastern North Carolina for these reasons. I want to be the teacher who not only teaches academics to their students, but also teaches students how to become good citizens and good people.”

Transformational Scholars receive a minimum of $10,000 per year in scholarship support for up to four years, with additional financial support available to those with greater need to make sure that all their financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, is met. In addition, scholars have access to funds that support professional development, such as study abroad and conference participation.

During their time in the College of Education, students engage in field experiences, summer work, student teaching and other activities that equip them to return to the eastern part of the state to work as teachers after completing their undergraduate degree, noted the release. They also receive direct mentoring from NC State College of Education faculty and education leaders living and working in eastern North Carolina, including graduates of NC State’s Educational Leadership Academies (NELA), and often develop lifelong relationships within the other members in their cohort.

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