Seven students from Polk County Middle School were recognized as New Century Scholars at a ceremony held at the Spindale campus of Isothermal Community College on October 4.

The new group of seventh graders will join a prestigious group of Polk County and Rutherford County students who will receive a last dollar amount scholarship grant to Isothermal Community College once they graduate high school.

The 2016-2017 NCS recipients are Victoria Strickland, Kaitlin Ledbetter, Carley Lawter, Emma Bradley, Jylyn Barnes, Keeleigh Bradley and Ashlyn Ramsey.

The New Century Scholar program was adopted by Isothermal Community College in 2002 and is modeled on similar programs in Western North Carolina that began in 1995. The program’s goal is “designed to improve academic readiness” and “increase the college going rate.”

The program is supported through the generous financial gifts of many individuals in Polk and Rutherford counties. It is this support that gives students a chance to continue to learn and develop their leadership and academic potential.

Students are selected through an application and essay process at the end of sixth grade. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 15 hours of volunteer work during the school year as well as keep high academic and behavior standards.

“The volunteer service aspect is important because it is a way for students to give back to the community that is supporting their efforts to continue their education after high school,” said Eric Eaton, Teacher Coordinator for the program at Polk County Middle School. “Last year the PCMS New Century Scholars gave over 200 hours of volunteer service to our community.”

Students will also be given opportunities to further develop their leadership skills with activities at Isothermal Community College throughout the year.

– article submitted by PolkStudents.com