Would you like to be part of a countywide effort to guarantee selected students the mentoring and financial assistance they need so they can attend Isothermal Community College and be successful there? The Polk County ICC Foundation invites you to support its New Century Scholarship Fund. Contributions may be made to the Polk County Campus ICC Foundation, Inc. and mailed to 155 Mills Street, Columbus, NC 28722.
New Century Scholars is a program that selects three seventh graders annually and  pledges to mentor  them  through high school graduation. If a scholar has maintained good school attendance, grades, and citizenship, remained drug and alcohol-free, and performed volunteer service hours, the program guarantees him or her a tuition-free two-year education at Isothermal Community College.
Following is an interview with Victor Santos, a sophomore at Polk County High School. Victor participates in the New Century Scholars program.
Q.Victor, tell us about your hobbies and how you spend your time.
A.  My hobbies consist of outdoor activities such as riding bikes, hiking and running.  I like to spend my time with family and friends.
Q.  What does it mean to you to be a New Century Scholar?
A.  Being a New Century Scholar means something very important to me and I am very proud to be one.
Q.  What are your plans for the future?
A   My plans for the future are to go to college, graduate and do something I enjoy doing as I earn a good income.
Q.  Have you always wanted to attend college?  If so, why?
A.  Yes, because I want to do something in the medical field and this scholarship is helping me accomplish my goal.
Q.  What are some of the volunteer activities in which you participate?
A.  I help the elderly, set up activities and care for children
Q.  Victor, is there anything else you want to add?
A.  I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity that I have been given.  I will make the best of it and will keep trying my hardest in school.
The New Century Scholar Coordinator at Polk County High School is school counselor Katy Montgomery. As the liaison between the NCS students and their mentors, Montgomery makes sure the students are completing their hours and honoring the terms of the NCS program. She also coordinates meeting times between the students and mentors, and she updates mentors on their mentees’ progress.
– article submitted
by Judy Lair