Fifteen N.C. 7th Graders to Receive College Foundation, Inc.’s Victor E. Bell, Jr. Scholarship

Each student receives up to $20,000 for higher education.

The Victor E. Bell, Jr. Scholarship Program aims to encourage and assist high-potential North Carolina students with limited financial resources to pursue a postsecondary education. Typically, select 7th grade students across the state are nominated every fall by their middle school counselors or college access groups in recognition of their hard work, dedication, and leadership. The nomination deadline was extended in 2024 to allow more time for students and counselors who may have been impacted by the effects of Hurricane Helene in late September across the state.

The scholarship program is named for Victor E. Bell, Jr., who served as Chairman of the College Foundation Board of Trustees for 30 years, the scholarship program honors his service and furthers the Foundation’s mission to enable North Carolina’s young people to enhance their potential through higher education.

2024-2025 Bell Scholars

College Foundation is pleased to announce the 15 outstanding North Carolina 7th graders who have been named as recipients of the Victor E. Bell, Jr. Scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year! 

• Shira Jiang, Warsaw Elementary School, Warsaw, N.C.
• Perla Hernandez-Robles, South Edgecombe Middle School, Pinetops, N.C.
• Lakyia Surles, Benson Middle School, Benson, N.C.
• Miyah Allen, Asheville Middle School, Asheville, N.C.
• Delaney Lopez-Rosso, Endeavor Charter School, Wake Forest, N.C.
• Carlos Merino Recinos, Berry Hill Elementary School, Charlotte, N.C.
• Ava Chapin, E.B. Frink Middle School, Lagrange, N.C.
• Jordan Lam, Jackson Middle School, Greensboro, N.C.
• Ziayla Smith, Luther Nick Jerald Middle School, Fayetteville, N.C.
• Madilyn Brooks, Robbinsville Middle School, Robbinsville, N.C.
• Arianna Moore, North Buncombe Middle School, Weaverville, N.C.
• Jayden Barnes, C.M. Eppes Middle School, Greenville, N.C.
• Mireya Ruiz, Lincoln Charter School, Lincolnton, N.C.
• Saniyah James, Rea Farms Steam Academy, Charlotte, N.C.
• Tera Eng, Browns Summit Middle School, Browns Summit, N.C.

As long as annual renewal requirements are met, students awarded with the Victor E. Bell, Jr. Scholarship will receive $2,000 per year through four years of college – meaning that eligible students stand to receive up to $20,000 cumulatively to assist with education expenses.