03/20/08 — Eastern Wayne student receives Park Scholarship

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Eastern Wayne student receives Park Scholarship

By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on March 20, 2008 1:45 PM

Eastern Wayne High School senior Michael McKnight has been awarded a Park Scholarship to attend North Carolina State University.

The Park Scholarship, valued at about $59,000 for North Carolina residents and $107,000 for out-of-state students, is among the nation's most prestigious undergraduate merit scholarship programs. It pays expenses for four years of study, and includes a computer stipend and funding for academic enrichment activities.

The scholarship is renewable each year, based on academic achievement and personal conduct.

The son of David and Susan McKnight, Michael was selected from a pool of more than 1,000 students.

At Eastern Wayne, McKnight is president of the Key Club, the National Treasurer of the Technology Student Association, and co-founder of the Film Club. He has also served as co-captain of a Relay for Life team, junior chief marshal and has performed with Stagestruck Children's Theatre.

He plans to major in biological engineering.

"We are very proud of Mr. McKnight," said Dr. Steven Taylor, schools superintendent. "It takes more than good grades to earn this scholarship. The selection committee also looks at the depth of a candidate's character, integrity, and commitment to better the community in which they live. Mr. McKnight has proven himself to be worthy of this scholarship, both inside and outside the classroom."