The Simple Gifts Fund has unveiled its newest group of scholars, the program’s largest group of students since its inception.
The Simple Gifts Fund is a program started by the Anonymous Trust, a local charity that serves rural and underserved communities across eastern North Carolina. Through the fund, the Anonymous Trust seeks to recognize students and educators in eastern North Carolina. The Simple Gifts Scholarships are awarded annually to graduating Sampson County high school seniors and current Sampson Community College graduates.
Last Wednesday, the fund’s representatives held an event for the newest group of scholarship recipients, a total of 14 students.
“This is our largest group of students since our inception,” said Margaret Turlington, creator of the Simple Gifts Fund Scholarship. “Not only that, but I think it’s probably one of our strongest groups of students. We have two going to California, two going to South Carolina, one going to New York, two going to Georgia and seven going to Virginia, so sort of all over the country.”
During the event at Simply Brewed, the group of students participated in an activity, trying to find those going to the same state or college as they were. According to Turlington, the purpose of this exercise was to encourage students to forge connections with other students who will be in the same area. This way, if one of the students needs something later down the line, they can have somebody in the vicinity to call on for assistance.
“Really, that’s what being a Simple Gifts Scholar is all about,” Turlington told the students. “We want you guys to build a large network of people, so that if you need something, you’ll have someone who can help you get it. For example, even after you graduate, you can still call us and we can help put you in touch with the people we know in that field and in that area.”
At the event, several of the new scholars stated their plans to do just that, expressing excitement at broadening their horizons.
“I think I’m most excited for the ability to be in a new environment and being able to study abroad,” said Lili Almonte who plans to attend Vassar College in New York. “I’ve already been able to visit the campus and while I was there, I already started to make some new friends. I think that’s a really good sign.”
Others, such as Madeline Reeves, who plans to attend Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Calif. simply expressed interest in being able to forge new friendships.
“I’m probably most looking forward to being able to meet new people and learning in a new state and environment,” she said.
As many kids walk the halls of their schools for the last time this week, the newest cohort of Simple Gifts Fund Scholars are looking forward to what comes next in life, they said, and urge rising seniors to work toward being Simple Gift Scholars themselves.