KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Education Foundation was founded in 1983 under the guidance of Dr. Austin Carter. It was one of the first education foundations in North Carolina and has been a model for others to copy statewide. The foundation is a nonprofit organization and there are no paid employees or staff members from foundation funds. All contributions go to support the activities it sponsors.

The primary purpose of the foundation is to provide financial support and promote scholarship for the students in Duplin County Schools. The foundation supports several projects throughout the year, which include the academic awards celebrations (grades 7-12), annual awards (grades K-6), Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Student of the Month recognitions. The foundation also has several scholarship endowments which fund specific scholarships for graduating seniors.

The L.S. Guy Merit Scholarship and the Dr. Tommy Benson Merit Scholarship, in honor of former Duplin County superintendents, are awarded to seniors at each of the four county high schools. In addition to these eight scholarships, 19 more scholarships are awarded through, and by, the foundation. Scholarship descriptions and applications are available online at www.duplinschools.net.

The Annual M. Austin Carter Academic Awards Celebration is the largest single event sponsored by the foundation. It recognizes students in grades 7-12. The first academic banquet was held in 1984 and recognized approximately 400 students for their academic achievements. Since the first celebration, the number of honorees has increased to the point that the celebration is held in two nights. In 2009, 689 students were presented certificates and lapel pins and 62 seniors received huge trophies for maintaining academic success for all four years of high school. Prior to the program, students and their parents/guests enjoy a reception with friends from two county high schools. This year the annual celebration is scheduled for May 5 (East Duplin and James Kenan) and May 6 (North Duplin, Wallace-Rose Hill and Duplin Early College High School).

The Education Foundation has invited the public to assist in letting young people know that working hard in school is an important and rewarding goal. The public’s contribution is vital in providing that motivation, recognition and reward that local students deserve. Contributions will be tax-deductible and the donor’s name will be listed as an education supporter in the program at the next academic awards celebration and in the local newspapers. Contributions may also be made as a memorial to, or in honor of, someone.

Children are our most important asset, said foundation officials, who continue to recognize and reward them for their academic achievement.

Those with questions concerning the education foundation or the programs it sponsors, please contact a foundation board member. Board members are: Lynn Herring, president; JoAnn Stroud, vice-president; Suzanne Britt, Mike Davis, Philip Gladden, Delilah Gomes, Bob Martin, Gene Outlaw, James Page, June Smith, Mike Smith, Tim Smith, Carol Steen, Veronica Stevens, Nona Whitman and Thomasina Williams.

Foundation officials said that public contributions will be an ongoing benefit to the youth of Duplin County and shared gratitude for making their future that much brighter.

To make a contribution to the education foundation, please make checks payable to: Duplin County Education Foundation, and mail to: Treasurer, Duplin County Education Foundation, P.O. Box 128, Kenansville, N.C. 28349. FMI, call 910-296-1521.