HILDA SPENCER | CONTRIBUTED
SCHOLARSHIP: Erica Johnson, a 2014 Graduate of Mattamuskeet Early College High School was nominated by her teacher, Richard Perry, at the end of her 6th grade year to become a Bell Scholarship recipient. Seventh Graders are the potential Bell Scholarship recipients. The Victor E. Bell, Jr. Scholarship was established by College Foundation Inc. to encourage high-potential students with limited financial resources to aspire to a college education. The scholarship honors Bell and his vision and selfless 30 years of service as the Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The Foundation holds a random drawing to select the recipient from nominations that have been submitted by middle schools from each region of North Carolina. The awards are contributed to a N.C. National College Savings Program with the recipient as the beneficiary who becomes eligible to receive the scholarship renewable every year following grade seven through, and including, the fourth year of college. Johnson, who plans to attend NC Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, was presented with the $20,000 Bell Scholarship on May 9, during the school’s Academic Awards Banquet. Amy Denton from College Foundation, Inc. presented the scholarship to Johnson and spoke very highly of her achievements and perseverance in the scholarship program from the time of her nomination in middle school through high school to her graduation. In addition to the Bell Scholarship, Johnson also received the following scholarships from programs within Hyde County; a $400 scholarship award from The Hyde County Retired School Personnel, $250 award from the James Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, and a $700 award from the Milbert Aaron Burrus, Jr. Scholarship Fund. These awards were presented to Erica through her church, Jobe’s Chapel in Swan Quarter, NC where she sings in the choir and the Pastor is Bishop Levi Murray. Johnson appeared almost speechless with gratitude as she humbly accepted her good fortune with each award. Congratulations to Johnson for her dedication and hard work all of which kept her on track towards her ultimate goal of receiving these outstanding Academic Achievement Awards.