At the April 28 meeting of the Sampson County Board of Education, students from across the district were recognized for their recent accomplishments and learning experiences.
Three students from Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School welcomed attendees: sixth-grader Cole Sessoms, seventh-grader Karter Matthis, and eighth-grader Timothy Murphy. Each student shared a brief update: Cole introduced the new Leopard Swag Store at RSMS and presented board members with a gift from the store; Karter gave a lively account of his class’s hands-on sheep brain dissection project, admitting with a grin, “It’s kinda gross but also kinda cool."; and, Timothy talked about the eighth-grade trip to Washington, DC, - a first visit to the nation’s capital for many of his classmates.
The meeting also shined a spotlight on four outstanding high school students who have been named Thrive Scholars. This prestigious six-year college and career support program helps high-achieving, under-resourced students reach their full potential at top universities. This year’s recipients are Camila Cornejo Segura from Midway High School, and Karisma Fryar, Abigail Garcia, and Alan Serrano from Union High School. With the support of the Anonymous Trust Fund, the Thrive Scholars program ensures these students are on track to attend some of the nation’s most respected institutions, including Brown, Cornell, Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.
Adding to the recognitions, four students were recognized for being selected to attend the North Carolina Governor’s School, a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented students. Peyton Hairr from Midway High School will study instrumental music; Tapanga Spell from Sampson Early College will focus on mathematics; and Union High School’s Karisma Fryar and Alan Serrano will pursue English and mathematics, respectively.
The board also recognized the district’s Battle of the Books teams for their remarkable achievements this year. Hobbton Middle School’s team made history by winning first place at the regional competition and advancing to the state level- a feat accomplished only three times in the past 24 years, and a first for Hobbton Middle. Team members included Johnathan Allen, Oliver Beltran Zuniga, Brady Daughtry, Camila De La Fuente Mazariegos, Evelyn Herrington, Caroline Hollin, Gabriel Hollin, Lorenzo Melendez, Analee Oliva Montes, Autumn Rountree, Anna Simmons, and Noah Sullivan, coached by Sallie Warren and Doris Baker.
And, shining more light on the Hobbton district, Hobbton Elementary’s team won the Sampson County Schools’ Elementary School District Battle of the Books competition for the second year in a row and advanced to the regional event. Team members were Aniston Allen, Braxton Allen, Harper Britt, Emerson Johnson, Ansley McLamb, and Luke Simmons, with coaches Angela Hoskins and Beth Trujillo.
From first-time school stores and hands-on science labs to academic competitions and college-bound dreams, Sampson County’s students are making their mark and preparing for life as adults. They have access to a wide range of opportunities that help them build a strong foundation for college and future careers. From academic competitions and advanced summer programs to specialized support like the Thrive Scholars initiative, students can explore their interests, develop new skills, and gain experiences that give them a competitive advantage as they pursue their goals after graduation. SCS is committed to supporting these options so every student can find the pathway that fits their ambitions.
