DOBSON — Surry Early College High School of Design’s Academic Awards Program celebration Tuesday morning highlighted the dedication of its students to improve the future for themselves and for the community.
“The students you see before you have chosen to take on the challenge of being a high school student and a college student at 14 years of age,” Hodges told the audience. “The college credit hours they earn will greatly improve their lives. We applaud you parents and the special group of 10 teachers and staff that make this happen.”
Early College senior Jacob Simpson received the Principals Award. Hodges recognized Simpson’s abilities to fix numerous things around the school, setting up microphones and even serving as a chaperon.
“He (Simpson) can do anything, is willing to do anything, stays calm and can put anything together,” explained Hodges. “He always stays calm. Anyone who has a son would want him to be like Jacob.” Simpson’s other awards included the Lilian Heyworth Award for personal and academic excellence. Heyworth was a two-room school teacher in North Carolina in the 1900s. Tom Bryant and Jim Rutledge of Ararat Masonic Lodge 558 awarded one of only eight state scholarships to Simpson as well.
Golden Leaf Foundation President Dan Gerlach told the participants he had been involved in legislation to establish early colleges which he said have saved state taxpayers more than $1,200 per student each year on tuition to state supported universities. The foundation awards 185 scholarships of $1,700 yearly. Early College Super Senior Charlee Nicole Bowman received the scholarship. Bowman was also recognized for receiving all college expenses paid to attend Western Carolina University.
Northern Hospital Senior Human Resources Director Jeannie Moore named student Grace Davis as the recipient of the Martha Wilkins Scholarship. This $500 scholarship may be renewed for three years by its recipient. Davis also received an Edward Armfield scholarship. Other receiving Armfield scholarships included Nicholas Flippen, Chauncey Rogers, Jessica Lowe, Brittaney Mauck, Anna Goulas, Katelyn Overby, Olivia McAuley and Walter Poplin.
President Educational Awards for academic achievement went to Davis, Goulas, McAuley, Simpson, Amanda Pugh and Alicia Varona-Macedo. Students named to Phi Theta Kappa honors were given to Simpson, Mauck, McAuley and junior Kelly Ingram. Student Trent Paddock was recognized for his commitment to join the United States Air Force following graduation.
The Best of the Best citizenship award went to students Kailie Crissman, Anna Culler, Jacob Holt and Guadalupe Rodriguez. Mauck and Lauren Henderson were recognized for competition on the state level with their science fair projects and Cynthia Flores was honored for winning a state championship with her writing essay. Taylor Gabbey was recognised for receiving the Gold Key and Voices of America Award.
Who’s Who award winners named included Amber Finney, Jordan Holt, Brooke Joyce, Mauck, Calley Payson, Rodriquez, Yasmin Sanchez and Randy Sprinkle. Governor’s School honors went to Kelly Ingram and Brooke Joyce was named to Interact Club honors. Sprinkle was also honored for his service as student council president.
Marshals for the ceremony were Katelyn and Olivia Brown, Joseph Collins, Stephanie Cooke, Lauren Henderson, Maegan Johnson, Ford Moore and Jessie Mosley. Notable persons in attendance included Surry County Schools Superintendent Dr. Travis Reeves, Board of Education Chairman Earlie Coe, Surry County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Dr. Terri Mosley, SCC President Dr. David Shockley, Early College Leadership Coach Jeanne Haney and SCC Vice President of Curriculum Dr. Jamie Woods. Early College teacher Ricky Davis ended the ceremony with a brief impromptu speech.
“Our students are all very academically successful,” said Davis. “How wise you (parents) are to send your children to us to hone and sharpen their skills. I really don’t think there’s another high school better in the country.”
Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@civitasmedia.com or 719-1952.





















