North Mecklenburg Teachers’ Memorial Scholarship

The North Mecklenburg Teachers’ Memorial Scholarship

has been established by the Foundation for the Carolinas. To date over $34,000 has been raised toward a goal of $100,000. The money will be used to fund an endowment from which a $5,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a North Mecklenburg High School student pursuing a degree in education.

For scholarship guidelines and a copy of the application, go to the application page at the Foundation For The Carolinas.

Congratulations to Joanna Williams, the first recipient of the North Mecklenburg Teachers’ Memorial Scholarship!  On May 19, 2008,  Joanna Williams was presented with a $5000 scholarship during the Senior Awards Day ceremony.  She plans to attend Clemson University and major in education.  We are very proud of Joanna and pleased to help her pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.  Here is what she wrote in her essay:   

Becoming a teacher is the only job I can ever see myself doing.

As a little girl, my days were filled playing “school” with my two younger sisters.  We made lesson plans, wore “grown-up” clothes and wrote on the dry erase board for hours.  Teaching was the job I just knew I was going to have.

Now, as a senior in high school and college quickly approaching, my parents have encouraged me to look at more practical (higher paying) jobs.  As I began my search, it quickly became clear that I need to become a teacher.  I have a passion for learning and it is my dream that I may pass this passion on to each one of my students.  I am a hands-on type person and receive energy just by being around others.  I love the school environment and the importanat life lessons it teaches young people across our nation.  Some of the most influential people in my life have been my teachers and it excites me that one day, I may have the opportunity to impact someone else.

Whether I get this scholarship or not, my decision to major in education will not change.  However, receiving this scholarship would be a great honor and it would help make my life-long dream become a reality.