High School Seniors Commit to 91ӣƵ on Signing Day
Seventeen-year-old Amir Carr will attend 91ӣƵ this fall, saying the college’s proximity and sense of community helped shape his decision.
“I feel like it gives a feeling of community, family, and gives students the ability to feel comfortable,” said Carr, a North East Carolina Prep graduate. “I wanted to be closer to my home, my church family. I also wanted to go ahead and do a smarter way, in my opinion, of getting the career I desire.”
Carr was among the students from Edgecombe County high schools who took part in ECC’s Signing Day events on May 12 and 13. The national initiative recognizes students who commit to enrolling in community colleges and technical programs.
Students participating in Signing Day, including Tarboro High School graduate Natalia Parker, will begin classes August 13.
“I’m enrolled in the dual program for welding and majoring in welding in the fall,” Parker said. “I feel welcome, like I was meant to be here. It’s local. I didn’t want to move off, and I already know people at the community college.”
ECC administrators visited Tarboro High, North Edgecombe, SouthWest Edgecombe and North East Carolina Prep to meet prospective students. ECC President Greg McLeod, along with vice presidents and deans, introduced themselves during the visits — a gesture that 17-year-old Mayrin Nogueda-Pacheco said made her feel more at ease.
“I feel like I have learned a lot of things about everybody here, and it’s joyful to be here,” said Nogueda-Pacheco, who is already dually enrolled and plans to enter the radiography program. “I already love the environment and the few teachers that I’ve had so far, so I didn’t want to start anywhere new.”
SouthWest Edgecombe graduate Fernando Ramirez Zambrano said he is excited to begin his studies in accounting.
“It feels great. There are a lot of people here I know, and it’s great to see them coming to ECC with me,” said Zambrano, 18. He hopes to transfer to a university after completing his degree at ECC and eventually pursue a master’s degree.
For high school graduates interested in attending ECC, scholarship information and an online application are available at .