High School Students Choose ECC on Signing Day
Tarboro High School seniors were among 75 students from various high schools in Edgecombe County who declared their intent to attend 91ӣƵ in the fall.
“Congratulations on coming to the end of this journey—your high school years,” said 91ӣƵ President, Dr. Greg McLeod, to a group of high school students planning to attend 91ӣƵ in the fall. “Know that we have your back. We want you to reflect on your time at ECC as one of the most wonderful times of your life.”
McLeod shared that declaration with 75 students from various Edgecombe County high schools during ECC’s High School Signing Day events held in May. Signing Day is a national initiative to celebrate students for making a commitment to higher education. These students, from Tarboro High School, North Edgecombe High School, North East Carolina Prep and SouthWest Edgecombe High School, declared their intention to attend ECC beginning Aug. 14, 2025.
Alongside McLeod, some of ECC’s vice presidents and deans took a moment to introduce themselves to prospective students. In addition to knowing who their “village” will be, McLeod stressed the opportunities available at ECC.
“Know that on top of college credit programs like English, you can add on multiple credentials to make yourself even more attractive to businesses when it comes to getting that first job,” shared McLeod. “If you want something else that will really help you stand out, we have OSHA 10 (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certifications, forklift training, welding and more.”
l-r: ECC president Dr. Greg McLeod and Cayden Ethridge
Cayden Etheridge, a graduate of North East Carolina Prep, will attend ECC in the fall. One of the reasons he chose the college is because of those multiple credentials.
“I chose ECC because it’s local, it’s accessible, and because I took classes there in high school,” said Etheridge. “I took painting, refinishing and autobody. I just like it. I liked the vibe the school gave off.”
Etheridge will seek a business degree from ECC, and he joins others who are already looking forward to starting their journey at the college.
l-r: Symone Seabreeze and ECC president Dr. Greg McLeod
Jahlil Blue plans to pursue an associate degree in early childhood education, attending a four-year college after graduating from ECC. Symone Seabreeze is interested in dental hygiene. Laura Daughtridge would like to become a digital assistant, while Arturo Rosas-Bautista has different plans.
“I chose ECC for the two-year transfer program,” said Rosas-Bautista. “I want to major in psychology, so I’m choosing to get my associate degree first at ECC.”
And while Earl Jordan hasn’t chosen his major yet, ECC is familiar.
“I chose ECC because it’s closer to home,” said Jordan. “My mom went there, so I thought, it would also be a good choice for me.”
Among the 75 seniors who committed to ECC, 13 are EDGE scholars. Students who are qualified to receive the EDGE Scholarship receive full funding to attend ECC, including tuition, fees and books. One student received the Hartwell Fuller scholarship and will also receive full tuition, fees, books and a laptop computer.