4 Local Students Receive Golden LEAF Scholarship

Four recent graduates of Robeson County high schools have each received a $12,000 Golden LEAF Foundation Scholarship from the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority.

The recipients are Hillary Faircloth of South Robeson High School; Elizabeth Keenum of Robeson Early College; Kennedy Locklear of Purnell Swett High School; and Franchesca Windley of Lumberton High School.

They are among 215 students who will receive the $3,000 scholarship each year for up to four years at a participating North Carolina public university or private nonprofit college or university.

They are chosen based on such criteria as school and community service, goals and intention of contributing to rural communities after graduating. Typically, the recipient comes from a rural and economically troubled county.

“The Golden LEAF board of directors has been pleased to assist more than 13,700 students from families in rural communities attend college since 2000,” said Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF president. “The Golden LEAF Scholarship is one of the many tools we have to help fulfill our purpose of growing North Carolina’s rural economy. Our hope is that through this scholarship opportunity, scholars will be able to gain valuable knowledge and skills and come back to their hometowns or another rural area to help our communities prosper.”

The Golden LEAF Foundation, established in 1999, is a nonprofit that attempts to help transform North Carolina’s economy. The Foundation received half of North Carolina’s funds from cigarette manufacturers until 2013.

 

North Carolina School Boards Association4 Local Students Receive Golden LEAF Scholarship