Senator John Edwards Visits Greene Central

By Samantha Pike

         Former United States Senator John Edwards came to Greene Central on Friday, May 19th to present $300,000 in College for Everyone scholarships to graduating seniors in the CFE program.

         Edwards made his appearance after all awards were given out to Greene Central seniors and underclassmen. 

         With an extremely warm welcome from students, parents, and staff, Edwards gave an inspirational speech about the College for Everyone program.  He explained how he understands how difficult it is to make it through college with all the pressures and finances, and how neither of his parents graduated from college.  He told students and parents that he knows that sacrifices have to be made and how many students are not presented with the great opportunity of attending college.  He has headed up the College for Everyone program so that every student in the 2005 – 2006 graduating class from Greene Central High School has the opportunity to attend college if they meet the minimal requirements of the program.

         “Senator Edwards’ speech was really encouraging.  It made me, as an underclassman, want to work harder so that I will get a College for Everyone Scholarship.  Since John Edwards actually came to the school and talked to us personally, it made me feel like he was really serious about this program,” said sophomore Trey Beaman.

         “The whole senior class was really excited to see Senator John Edwards because we are all very excited about the College for Everyone program,” said senior Christi Murphy.

         After the awards ceremony, seniors were invited to the courtyard to speak with Senator Edwards to discuss their future plans and the scholarship money they will be receiving.  This gave seniors a chance to really find out everything they wanted to know about the program and thank the man who is responsible for making this opportunity available to Greene Central.

         The College for Everyone program is awarding $300,000 in scholarships to students who have met the requirements and are attending one of the seven College for Everyone schools.  Approximately 60% of the seniors from Greene Central High School are being awarded College for Everyone scholarships because they have met all of the program requirements.

            College for Everyone schools include North Carolina State University, East Carolina University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Pitt Community College, Lenoir Community College, and Fayetteville State University.