Scholarships
Quinton S. Brown Memorial Scholarship
1996 This scholarship was established by the 1996 Senior Class at Smithfield-Selma High School in memory of Quinton Brown, a student athlete who collapsed while playing a home basketball game and died shortly after. In 1996, the Johnston County Education Foundation agreed to administer the funds for the scholarship. The recipient will be chosen by the scholarship committee at Smithfield-Selma High School. The award is $1,000. Criteria:- Plan to enroll on a full-time basis at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, community college, technical institute, or trade school.
- Minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5
- Be highly regarded by classmates and faculty members
- Based on merit, not necessarily financial need
- Demonstrate physical fitness & participate in physical activities at school or in the community
- Demonstrate ambition & be a hard-worker who has made an extra effort to achieve academically & personally
- Demonstrate maturity by successfully managing responsibility
- Demonstrate that(s) he has motivated others.
- Demonstrate that (s) he has participated in at least two extracurricular activities during enrollment at Smithfield-Selma High School.
CARQUEST Performance Supply Scholarship
2002 Established in 2002 by CARQUEST Performance Supply in Kenly, NC, this scholarship was established to encourage students to enter the Automotive Technology field. Criteria:- The student must graduate from North Johnston High School with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- The student must enter a post-secondary school/college, specialize in the area of Trade & Industry, with preference given to student going into Automotive Technology.
Dr. James F. Causby Excellence in Education Scholarship
2004 Dr. James F. Causby led Johnston County Schools for ten years as the superintendent. The Johnston County Board of Education and the Johnston County Education Foundation hosted a retirement event for him in December 2003 with the proceeds designated to fund a scholarship in his honor. The scholarship will rotate among Johnston County public high schools (alphabetically). Criteria:- Demonstrate excellence in recipient's education history
- Financial Need
Lucille Crocker Coates Scholarship
2004 Lucille Crocker Coates was born in Pine Level, made her home in Smithfield, and worked at Selma Elementary School. While working in the cafeteria at Selma Elementary School, she made personal sacrifices to attend Atlantic Christian College and obtain her teaching license in the 1940s. Once she obtained her teaching license, Mrs. Coates was dedicated to her students, often providing for their personal needs from her own funds. This scholarship is given in loving memory by her family, Betty and Steve Ramos, who wish to help teacher assistants with a passion to become teachers in their own right. The recipients will be chosen annually by the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce. Criteria:- Applicants must be teacher assistants for grades K-5 in one of the following schools: Micro-Pine Level Elementary School, Princeton School, Selma Elementary School, South Campus Community School, South Smithfield Elementary School, West Smithfield Elementary School, or Wilson's Mills Elementary School
- Applicants must be currently attending a four-year university or college with a major in education
- Applicants must complete the Lucille Crocker Coates Scholarship Application Form
Kim Beam Cox Scholarship
1997 Established in 1997 by Bobby E. Cox, in memory of his wife Kim, who was an educator at Smithfield-Selma High School. Kim's father, Jesse, also had a career with the Johnston County School system. Memorial contributions from Jesse and friends of the family have endowed the Kim Beam Cox Scholarship. The scholarship amount is based on cumulative interest and is available to a senior from Smithfield-Selma High School. Criteria:- The recipient must emulate character & be a loving spirit.
- The recipient must show leadership.
- The recipient must be a life-long learner
- The recipient must demonstrate financial need.
- If possible, priority should be given to students involved in vocational education classes.
Michael David Creech Scholarship
1999 Established in 1999 by the family of Michael David Creech in memory of "Mike", a 1973 graduate of North Johnston High School who believed in the value of earning an honest living through the application of practical knowledge and working with his hands. He was a skilled machinist with an exceptional mechanical aptitude. The scholarship amount is $500, and is available to a senior from North Johnston High School. Criteria:- Scholastic ability and attainments
- Financial Need
- Evidence of high moral and ethical standards
Jimmy Ray Eason Memorial
1999 - The Jimmy Ray Eason Memorial Soccer Scholarship was established in April 1999 by the friends and family of Jimmy Ray Eason, who would have been a member of the graduating class of the year 2000. Jimmy, son of Judy and Jimmy E. Eason, was killed in a traffic accident on January 31, 1999, during his junior year at Smithfield-Selma High School. Jimmy was a three year soccer player at Smithfield-Selma High School, and was voted Five County 3A Conference All Conference Honorable Mention, received a Second Year Letter Award, and received the Coaches award for 1998-1999. The focus of the scholarship is to honor the memory of a dedicated young soccer player who played with all his heart and soul. The scholarship amount is $500, and is available to a senior from Smithfield-Selma High School Criteria:- The recipient must be a graduating senior on the soccer team with a 2.5 GPA.
- The recipient must exemplify good citizenship.
- The recipient must exemplify good sportsmanship.
- The recipient must be a soccer player who is "team oriented", is an intense competitor - one who plays soccer with 100% heart-driven effort regardless of his individual talent.
Four Oaks Bank & Trust Scholarship
2000 - Four Oaks Bank & Trust established six scholarships in the amount of $500 each. The Johnston County Education Foundation agreed to accept, hold, invest, and disburse funds for the Four Oaks Bank & Trust Scholarships at each of the six public high schools in Johnston County: Clayton High, North Johnston High, Princeton High, Smithfield-Selma High, South Johnston High, and West Johnston High. The scholarship selection committee at each high school will select the recipients.Ray Hollowell Memorial Scholarship
1996 - Mark and Vicky Shore received numerous contributions in memory of their son, Ray Hollowell. In 1996, the Johnston County Education Foundation agreed to administer the funds for this scholarship. The recipient of the scholarship must meet criteria established by Mark and Vicky Shore, and will be chosen by the Princeton High School Scholarship Selection Committee. The scholarship is endowed; the scholarship amount varies according to interest earned. Criteria:- Graduating senior at Princeton High School planning to attend either a 2-year or 4-year college
- Active involvement in the Future Farmers of America and demonstrated leadership ability in the FFA
- Active involvement in other school activities and in the community
- High moral character
- Consideration given to application planning to major in an agriculture related area
Johnston County Special Needs Scholarship
2000 This scholarship was established by Margaret A. Martin, the Special Populations Counselor at Smithfield-Selma High school. Mrs. Martin solicited community groups, individuals, and businesses in order to obtain funds to assist her students and others like them as they venture from high school into community colleges Technical schools, and trade schools. The scholarship award is for $500 for the fall semester, with an additional $500 for the following fall semester if the student continues in the program, submits copies of grades to Mrs. Martin, and maintains a "C" average or higher. Criteria:- Two scholarships are available for countywide competition. Recipients must be identified as a member of Special Populations by the Special Populations coordinator at each high school.
- Applicants must select realistic career goals, have financial need, and provide personal references.
- Applicants must complete the Johnston County Special Needs Population Scholarship application form and provide 3 letters of recommendation that provide special information about the applicant.
- Applications must be submitted no later than April 7.
Deacon Jones Scholarship
2002 The Deacon Jones Scholarship was established in honor of Kenneth "Deacon" Jones. Two scholarships will be awarded each year to students at Princeton High School. The scholarship amount is $1,000. Criteria:- Recipient must have financial need.
- Recipient must have potential for success.
Guy C. Lee Scholarship
1991 The Guy C. Lee Scholarship is presented at graduation each year at Smithfield-Selma High School. This $1,000 memorial scholarship is made possible through funding by Ella Ann Holding and Fay Lampe, in honor of their father. Criteria:- Available only at Smithfield-Selma High School
- Presented to the Valedictorian
Mast, Schulz, Mast, Mills, Johnson & Wells Scholarship
1996 The Mast, Schulz, Mast, Mills, Johnson & Wells law firm established six scholarships in the amount of $500 each: The Johnston County Education Foundation agreed to accept, hold, invest, and disburse funds for the Mast, Schulz, Mast, Mills, Stem & Johnson Scholarships at each of the six high schools in Johnston County: in honor of Frederick LeRoy Bartholomew, Jr., at Princeton High School; in memory of Frances Edgerton Cox and Gladys Hawkes Creech at Clayton High School; in memory of Rudolph Wood Jones at South Johnston High School; in memory of Joseph Trippe Nall at Smithfield-Selma High School; in memory of Gilbert Ray Whitley at North Johnston High School; and in honor of Edwin Thomas Benton at West Johnston High School. The scholarship selection committee at each high school will select the recipients. Criteria:- Achieve academic standing in the top 20 percent of the senior class
- Abide by the Code of Conduct while attending school and must demonstrate social and emotional maturity
- Must have financial need, & file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Must donate a minimum of 15 hours to community service projects during each year of high school & reports (in written form) must have been kept on the projects & submitted with the scholarship application.
- Possess superior leadership potential as displayed by previous activities.
- While attending high school, the student should have made a conscientious attempt to attend school 96% of the time and should not have had an unexcused absence.
- The student must write an essay on what he or she considers to be the most significant public issue (local, national, or international) of the past twelve months, and submit it with the application. It must be typed. There is no minimum or maximum length.
Thomas Eastwood Medlin Scholarship
1996 The Thomas Eastwood Medlin Scholarship will be awarded at Smithfield-Selma High School to a qualifying graduate. The funds are sponsored by the Cullman Foundation, Inc., with additional contributions made by family and friends. There is a ten-year commitment by the family to sponsor this scholarship award of $1,000 beginning in 1996. The scholarship is renewable for one year if the recipient meets stated criteria. Criteria:- The student must demonstrate academic excellence and ambition to acquire knowledge and must rank in the top 20 percent in class standing.
- The student must have abided by the Code of Conduct while attending school and must exhibit moral force of character.
- This is not a merit scholarship and regard must be given to the student who shows evidence of financial need. The student must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- The student must possess capacities to lead and motivate other students.
- The student must show extracurricular attainments at school and in the community. These should include school activities and participation in community projects.
- The student must write an essay answering the question, "Why Do I Want A College Education?" The response should be typed and limited to 500 words. (Recipient applying for renewal does not have to write the essay.)
- The student applying for renewal of the scholarship will be given special consideration by the Scholarship Committee. The recipient must earn a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, must submit a college transcript, and must provide a written (typed) accounting of the accomplishments of his or her college freshman year.
Susan P. Oldham Memorial Scholarship
2001 Classmates, family, and friends contributed to the Susan P. Oldham Memorial Scholarship after Susie lost her brave battle with cancer. Susie graduated from North Johnston High School in 1981. She attended UNC-Wilmington, graduating in 1985. A devoted mother and wife, as well as a community business leader, Susie touched the lives of all who met her. She was extroverted, religious, highly ambitious, and determined to succeed in whatever she chose to do. The recipient of the scholarship will be a graduating senior at North Johnston High School who has attended the school for at least the junior and senior years. The recipient must be accepted as a full-time student at an accredited four-year college or university. The high school scholarship selection committee will choose the recipient. The award is $500.and can be used for tuition or room and board in a dormitory. Criteria:- Grades
- School Activities
- Community Service
- Character Traits
- Need may be considered.
Jamie Mack Penny Memorial Scholarship
2000 The 50/210 Fire Department established this scholarship in memory of Jamie Mack Penny, a member of the 50/210 Fire Department who was killed in a tractor accident on March 18, 1999, during his Freshman year at NC State Ag Institute. Jamie was very active in his community and church, always demonstrating a strong love and concern for others. Jamie was the son of Andy Mack and Denise Jones Penny. The recipient of the scholarship, which is endowed, will be chosen by the South Johnston High School scholarship selection committee. The scholarship amount is $500, and is available to a senior from South Johnston High School. Criteria:- Graduating senior with at least a 2.5 GPA
- A person who exemplifies good citizenship
- A person who exemplifies community involvement
- A person who exemplifies high moral standards and must remain alcohol and drug free with no convictions
- Must be studying Agriculture, Ag Life Sciences and/or similar fields.
Rains Scholarship
1996 The Rains Scholarship for Princeton High School was established by Don and Vicky Rains in memory of Marion Butler Rains and Thell Hardy Rains. This annual award is in the amount of $500. In 1997, the Rains family asked the Education Foundation to agree to administer the funds. Originally, Don and Vicky Rains, Virginia Sugg, and Mickie Braswell joined forces to work towards endowment of the Rains Scholarship fund. Annette Rains and David Rains have contributed funding. Each year, a different member of the Rains family will be remembered when the scholarship is awarded. The scholarship can be renewed for one year but is competitive with that year’s graduating class. Criteria:- The student must be accepted and plan to enroll or be enrolled on a full-time basis at a private North Carolina college or university or at one of the sixteen public senior institutions of the University of North Carolina.
- Rank in the top 25% of the graduating class
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be active in school and community
- Demonstrate leadership abilities
- Possess high moral character
Caryn Reed Memorial Scholarship
1994 The Caryn Reed Memorial Scholarship is presented each June to a Clayton High School senior that is chosen by the Clayton Scholarship committee. Funded by a memorial fund set up by Carrie's parents, Glenda and Mike Reed, the scholarship is supported by family and friends, and will be awarded to the student and his or her prospective school. The scholarship amount is $500.J.E. Rogerson Memorial Scholarship
1999 This scholarship has been established to honor the memory of J.E. Rogerson of Kenly, who was an avid supporter of young people and firm believer in education. It will be awarded to a graduating senior at North Johnston High school. The scholarship amount is $300. Criteria:- The student must be accepted by a college or university
- The student must live in a residence hall on campus unless married or at home.
- The student must have attended NJHS for at least the junior and senior year.
- Applicants must state in their own handwriting their vocational ambitions and educational plans. This essay should be limited to 250 words.
Jeremy LeShawn Scarboro Memorial Scholarship
2000 Established in memory of Jeremy LeShawn Scarboro by his parents in April 2000, the scholarship award is $500. Jeremy LeShawn Scarboro was a junior at Smithfield-Selma High School in 1998. He was a very outgoing and gifted young man who exemplified all the attributes of a good student. He enjoyed playing church ball and sharing the Christian way of life with others. He always put his schoolwork first and loved to mentor to others so they could achieve their academic goals. He was a very good son and a very good brother, but most of all he was an ambassador for harmony among all kids, students, and community. Criteria:- The recipient shall be a Smithfield-Selma High School senior determined by the Scholarship Committee.
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Must exemplify evidence of high moral and ethical standards
- Must be need based
- Recipient must be outgoing
- If a person is available who is a participant of Pepi, preference will be given.
Smithfield Rotary Club Scholarship in Honor of Carl and Marjorie Lamm
2003 This scholarship was established by the Smithfield Rotary Club in honor of Carl and Marjorie Lamm, for their generosity in making it possible for many years for the Club to conduct Rotary Radio Day on Station WMPM for the purpose of raising funds for Rotary Club community service projects. The annual award is $1,000 and is designated to a graduating senior at Smithfield-Selma High School. Criteria:- The recipient must have achieved an overall above average scholastic record during high school career.
- The recipient must have financial need.
- The recipient must attend an accredited public or private college, university, community college, or junior college as a full time student.
- The recipient is expected to attend a meeting of the Smithfield Rotary Club as a guest at a mutually agreed upon time to be welcomed and introduced to the club.
Lance Oatley Stewart Wrestling Scholarship
1994 Although the scholarship was first awarded in June 1993 the Lance Oatley Stewart Wrestling Scholarship was entrusted to the Johnston County Education Foundation in April of 1994. A memorial scholarship funded by Wade and Virginia Stewart, as well as many family friends, the scholarship, in the amount of $1,000, is presented to a SJHS Senior Wrestler who will be chosen by the SJHS Scholarship Committee. Note: In 2003, the scholarship amount was amended to $2,000 annually. Criteria:- The recipient shall be a South Johnston High School Senior wrestler determined jointly by the Scholarship Committee, the Athletic Director, and the Wrestling Coach.
- The scholarship will be for $2,000.00, to be paid directly to the educational institution to which the recipient is enrolled or will be attending. In the event tuition and/or fees are less than $1,000.00, the scholarship will pay only the amount of the tuition and/or fees needed.
- The recipient must be a senior who has been accepted by an institution of higher learning or a senior who has received verification by letter of intent from the institution to which he has applied.
- The qualifications of the recipient are:
- Graduating senior on the wrestling team
- A person who exemplifies good citizenship
- A person who exemplifies good sportsmanship
- A wrestler who is "team oriented"
- A wrestler who is a "coach's player"; and
- A wrestler who is an intense competitor - one who wrestles with 100% heart-driven effort regardless of his individual talent
Ben E. Strifert Memorial Scholarship
1993 The Ben Strifert Memorial Scholarship is presented each June to a NJHS senior that is chosen by the NJHS Scholarship committee. Funded by a memorial fund set up by Margie Strifert and friends, the scholarship amount is $1,000.00, which is awarded to the student and his or her prospective school. Criteria:- Applicant must excel academically.
- Applicant must be involved in school and/or community activities.
- Applicant must submit a one page, handwritten essay explaining the reason for attending the college they plan to attend, and what they plan to do after college.
Miss Ione B. Vinson Memorial Scholarship
1996 Established by Dr. Elsie Collins, the Miss Ione B. Vinson Scholarship funds are administered by the Johnston County Education Foundation. The Johnston County Scholarship Committee, chosen by the Johnston County Schools' office of public relations at the request of the Education Foundation, chooses the recipient of this scholarship. The $125 per year award is for books, and is designated to a minority student who pursues a career as a teacher in primary, elementary, or secondary school. Criteria:- The recipient should demonstrate the ability to function productively in a multicultural society and to exhibit skills in understanding and respect for the rights and privileges of everyone.
- The recipient should demonstrate characteristics of honesty, resourcefulness, and open-mindedness.
- The recipient should exhibit appropriate self-control and a willing, cooperative spirit.
- The recipient should demonstrate a broad-based lifestyle through participation in a variety of extracurricular activities at school and in the larger community as well.
- The recipient should demonstrate the ability to maintain acceptable physical appearance by following an appropriate dress code and be able to execute acceptable personal behaviors.
- The recipient should demonstrate noticeable leadership skills, as well as the ability to follow.
- The recipient should be humble, courteous, and kind.
- The recipient should demonstrate a thirst for learning.
- Deadlines to receive nominations will be set annually. The recipient will be chosen by the Johnston County Scholarship Selection committee, with representation of the following: (1) a retired educator, (2) a faculty member of Johnston Community College, (3) an attorney, physician, or business person, and (4) a minister.
West Johnston High School Excellence in Arts Scholarship
2004 This scholarship was established by Chana Ferrell for the first graduating class of West Johnston High School. It is in support of a performing or visual arts student who has excelled in reaching his/her artistic, creative, and intellectual potential in preparation to further his/her education with a concentration in the arts. The recipient will be chosen by the West Johnston High School scholarship selection committee and the arts curriculum chairperson. Criteria:- Recipient must have attended West Johnston High School for at least two years.
- Recipient should be in the top 20% of his/her class.
- Recipient must successfully complete coursework, at the AP level or above, in his/her chosen field of study.
- Recipient must submit results of his/her state level audition or portfolio.
- Recipient must have no out of school suspensions on his/her high school record
West Johnston High School Sportsmanship Alliance Scholarship (2 annually)
2004 This scholarship was established by Chana Ferrell for the first graduating class of West Johnston High School. It is to support athletes (one male, one female, annually) who integrate the values of discipline, loyalty, ethics, respect, and enthusiasm for their teammates, coaches, and school. The basis of the scholarship is the belief that sports and the athletes who compete should embody positive characteristics that define self respect and respect to others. Recipients will be chosen by the West Johnston High School scholarship selection committee, with the athletic director and coaches having a strong vote. Criteria:- Recipients must have participated in West Johnston High School sports for at least two years. After 2004, recipients must have participated in West Johnston High school sports at least three years, including the senior year.
- Recipients should be at least a two-sport athlete.
- Students must be athletes who play with heart, with a positive attitude, team spirit, discipline, and are "coach-able". The scholarship is not limited to the most gifted athletes or the students with the strongest athletic ability.
Woodall Scholarship
1996 This $600 scholarship established and funded by Dr. Hal and Sara Woodall will be initially awarded in 1997 to a senior at North Johnston High School. In 1996 the Johnston County Education Foundation agreed to administer the funds for the scholarship. The recipient will be chosen by the North Johnston High School Scholarship selection committee. Criteria:- The student must abide by the Code of Conduct as set out by the Johnston County Board of Education. A student who is suspended out of school, or placed on a long-term suspension, or placed in an alternative school program for disciplinary reasons, or is convicted of a felony will not be eligible.
- The student must attend school regularly, showing a conscientious attempt to attend school 95% of the time, and cannot have an unexcused absence.
- The student must demonstrate continuous improvement in schoolwork during his or her high school years. The student is chosen for merit.
- The student must donate a minimum of 15 hours per year of volunteer work to his or her community. A summary of activities (9th-12th grades) should be kept and provided to the school's scholarship committee.
- The student can be employed during the school year, but cannot work more than 20 hours a week and no later than 10 p.m. during the school week.
- The student must remain free of drug and alcohol use.
- The student must show evidence of some financial need and a "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA) must be filed.
Colonel Donald E. Woodard Scholarship
2003 This $250 scholarship targets NJROTC students at Smithfield-Selma High School. The recipient will be chosen by the Smithfield-Selma High School Scholarship selection committee. Criteria:- Minimum GPA of 2.5 current year or cumulative
- Demonstrated the Navy JROTC core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment
- Served in a leadership role while a SSS NJROTC cadet