Admissions counselors worked from early morning to mid-afternoon Saturday trying to get high school students to continue their education, offering on the spot acceptance and scholarships to many at the ninth annual College Round-Up in Tarboro.
“We had 45 applications, about 30 were accepted and about 20 received scholarships,” said Maurice Williams, admissions counselor at Claflin University in South Carolina.
Claflin rewarded nearly $100,000 in academic scholarships alone during the event to students who met the 2.9 grade point average requirement.
“We had over 70 applications today and we’ve accepted mostly all of them that met the requirements of the college,” said Tiffany McCants, admissions counselor at Morris College in South Carolina.
More than 30 tables spread throughout Mobley Atrium of Edgecombe Community College were surrounded by students eager to find out about their chances of attending one of the educational institutions represented.
Martha Johnson, nine-year volunteer of College Round-Up, said the event gives students opportunities they wouldn’t ordinarily have.
“It’s the most profitable event for students seeking higher education in North Carolina. So many students who wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to college are given that opportunity here,” she said.
For some students, College Round-Up helps them compare the schools and decide which one is best for them.
“I wanted to explore colleges and see what they’re offering. I really had my mind stuck on ECU (East Carolina University), but I wanted to see what other colleges had to offer,” said Kyneisha Henry of Raleigh.
“I met new people from all over and I’m considering two other colleges than ECU, and I found out about CFNC (College Foundation of North Carolina).”
People made trips within the state and as far as Washington D.C., partly due to Washington D.C. Councilman-At-Large Kwame R. Brown, who brought students and parents down on several buses.
Brown said that people from the Washington D.C. area have been participating in the College Round-Up for the last four years. The first year they attended, 43 or 44 students were accepted to college. Last year, nearly 100 students attended the College Round-Up and about 85 percent were accepted into college and four students received $8,000 scholarships.
While addressing the audience, Brown encouraged the admissions counselors to find a way to help all the students.
“The person you help may be the person that’s standing here 10 or 15 years later bringing people here,” he said.
Washington D.C. high school senior George Banks said he was awaiting notification from North Carolina Central University, Elizabeth City State University and other schools he already applied to, but was searching for a school with a program in music management.
“I wanted to see what schools I might be interested in. It helped me see a wide range of what schools have this major or that major,” Banks said.
He walked away with acceptance to Benedict College in South Carolina.
President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Dr. Arjun Makhijani, featured speaker, gave the participants some words of encouragement before they set out to find their possible future school.
Makhijani dedicated his speech to his mother, and spoke about the obstacles his family overcame to earn higher education.
“Sometimes the doors aren’t very open, but you have to push them open,” he said.
“Dianne (Valentin, CEO of College Round-up) and Fay (program director of College Round-Up) are opening the doors for you and all you have to do is walk through them.”
Makhijani gave the students five areas to focus on that he said will lead them to success.
“In this country, doors will be slammed in your face, but also in this country doors can be open to courage, competence, compassion, humor and integrity,” he said.
Smith and Bob Whitehead, Round-Up founder, were networking with schools, presenters, students and parents throughout the event. Smith said that she was pleased with the turnout.
Local News
COLLEGE ROUND-UP
Students get acceptance and grants
- Local News
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Tractor pull again a success
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Gas prices break $3.50 barrier locally
Gasoline prices have dropped below $3.50 per gallon for the first time since 2011.
After hitting $3.479 on Friday, prices fell another two cents per gallon Saturday at Wilco/Hess at Main and Granville in downtown and at Murphy Gas on US 258 South. By Sunday, that price had spread to at least four other outlets in town. -
Edgecombe Garden Club presents annual awards and installs 2012-2014 officers
At its May meeting, the Edgecombe Garden Club was presented with several awards won at the state convention in Asheville. District 12 Director Brenda Crocker made the presentations.
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May is Mental Health Month: Do More For 1 in 4
Vidant Behavioral Health Center, a department of Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, is calling on the community to acknowledge May as Mental Health Month. The commemorative month was created more than 50 years ago by Mental Health America (MHA), a national mental health advocacy organization.
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Parks and Rec offers wide variety of summer activities
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And for the opportunity to explore your artistic, athletic or even adventurous side, the Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department welcomes children, adults and seniors to participate in a variety of summer activities, including athletic camps, water aerobics, dance classes, arts and crafts and a number of team-oriented programs. -
Here is a list of recreational facilities in and around Tarboro:
Community Swimming Pool
Poplar Street
A swimming pool complex open to all Tarboro residents is located in the geographic center of town on Poplar Street, complete with a diving well, children's pool, competitive swimming pool, bathhouse, and patio/concession area.
Tennis Courts -
Unsolved murders eat at law enforcement, too
It's been 25 years since Roy John Rieck was found, brutally murdered, at Tarboro's Pizza Hut. Rieck, 47, was apparently closing the establishment for the night when he was stabbed at least 20 times. He was found lying in a puddle of blood at 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1987.
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AIB group Submits application
With its 28-page community profile officially submitted, Tarboro’s America In Bloom (AIB) committee is now focused on igniting a spring cleaning buzz throughout town for the coming of the organization’s judges in June.
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Anew creation working to improve lives of youth
Kendrick Pittman, 33, realizes everyone endures obstacles in life and is ultimately responsible for the choices he or she makes. His choice was to work to positively impact the lives of the youth in the community.
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Muhammad satisfied with term on council
Melvin Muhammad said he did what he intended to do during one term on the Tarboro Town Council by stirring up a little controversy. Now, after not seeking reelection, he's ready to ride off in the sunset.
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