Fifty-two members of the Class of 2022 were honored on Thursday, May 5, as they accepted scholarships from Sponsors for Academic Talent.
Students from high schools across the county, including the very first scholar from Onslow Virtual Secondary School, gathered at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center for an evening of celebration. Altogether, the students were awarded $47,500 to pursue their postsecondary education. Students received either $500 or $1,000 scholarships for completing 75-100 hours of community service, all while maintaining a 3.0 GPA and scoring 1100 on the SAT or 23 on the ACT.
Having given their time to organizations across our community who serve those in need, the scholarships were well-earned. This year’s scholars, over the last four years, have provided more than 5,900 hours of service to organizations such as the public library, youth sports leagues, nonprofits, and more.
In her address to the scholars, S.A.T. President Ann Maready, who shared that she was one of the very first S.A.T. Scholars in Onslow County, said that the scholarship program was started in 1985, and since then has grown to be a household name in the community. She said that Dr. Kay B. Gresham was the driving force behind the creation and success of the S.A.T. program and that she carried the program until her untimely passing in 2013.
Each year, a special, additional scholarship is awarded to one student who the S.A.T. Board of Directors feel best embodies the characteristics of Dr. Gresham. The Dr. Kay B. Gresham Memorial Scholarship is worth an additional $1,000 for the chosen scholar. This year, Julia Eesley, a student at Onslow Early College High School, was honored with the Dr. Kay B. Gresham Scholarship. Julia volunteered for nearly 300 hours, serving at Onslow Memorial Hospital. In the fall, she will attend Liberty University to study nursing.
Congratulations to the 2022 S.A.T. Scholars, and best wishes as you pursue your next adventure!
Dixon High School Scholars: From Left: Skylar Hinnant, Tristan Duell, Brody Galvin,
Melissa Cowen, Nicholas Trigg, and SAT Coordinator Yulissa Balsamo. (Not Pictured: Emma Mills)
Jacksonville High School Scholars: From Left: Principal Maria Johnson, Elijah Meyer, Madison Hilliard
Isabella Sullivan, Ava Merenda-Perozzi, Lauren Mahouchick, Catherine Lee, Hayden Andrews,
and SAT Coordinator Janis Perozzi. (Not Pictured: Haley Williams)
Onslow Early College Scholars: From Left: Ryleigh Taylor, Principal Jay Strope, Levi Marrero, Anna Beachy,
Ayden Kay, Sara Tutherow, Morgan Humphrey, Sarah Simmons, Maryam Tariq, Julia Eesley, Jessica Housel,
Seth Merrick, Andrew Zonneveld, Sam Gump, and Stephanie Hernandez. (Not Pictured: Grace Alvanos,
Kortni Davis, Claire Nunemacher, Asra Turja, and Paxton Wilke)
Northside High School Scholars: From Left: SAT Coordinator Misty Ballard, Autumn Springfield,
Jazlyn Cuadro, Ivan Wu, and Elijah Joseph-Greenidge.
Richlands High School Scholars: From Left: Principal Brad Staley, Anna Ford, Carolina Cubas,
Ian Hudson, and SAT Coordinator Nicole Cox.
Southwest High School Scholar: From Left: Principal Tim Foster, Anthony Iglesias,
and SAT Coordinator Kelley Warren.
Onslow Virtual School Scholar: From Left: Principal Steve Clarke, Brian Funderburk, and SAT Coordinator Angela Lanier.
White Oak High School Scholars: From Left: Assistant Principal Carla Bradshaw, Hayleigh McAllister,
Dondre Joseph, and SAT Coordinator Mary Ruffin. (Not Pictured: Laci Bullington and Andie Funk)
Swansboro High School Scholars: From Left: Principal Helen Gross, Alan Szczesniewski, Alma Sanchez,
Tyler Gillette, Ciara Mahoney, Emily Matthews, and SAT Coordinator Nicole Rains. (Not Pictured: Mary Sterett)
