Governor McCrory Celebrates STEM Scholars | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C. - The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, sponsored by the General Motors Foundation, awarded scholarships to three North Carolina college students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

    Governor Pat McCrory hosted these recipients and their families at the executive mansion today to honor these young men and women and celebrate their achievements.

    "These students have made our state proud with their hard work, determination to succeed and thirst for knowledge," Governor McCrory said. "Interest in STEM-related subjects is good for our state and our country, and I'm thankful for programs like this from Buick that motivate and congratulate these star students."

    One hundred students from throughout the country received scholarships this year, with three hailing from North Carolina.

    Deneace Williams of Clinton is a rising junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University majoring in marketing. Her career goal is to go into automotive supply chain/marketing, ensuring consumers know the vehicle they buy is reliable and worth their investment. Williams spends her time volunteering as a tutor and with various food service projects.

    Shelby Sessions of Hampstead is a rising sophomore at North Carolina State University, majoring in electrical engineering. Sessions' career goal is to design electric cars. He is a member of the Eco Car club and spends time as a volunteer tutor, as well as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and the Ecology club.

    Kristen Wiedenheft of Greensboro is in her final year at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she is majoring in mechanical engineering. Her focus of study is in fluid dynamics and combustion (engine design). Wiedenheft is a member of the The Alamance Makers Guild and several professional engineering societies and volunteers with the Second Harvest Food Bank, as well as local farms that provide food to lower income families.

    Half of the recipients nationwide are the first of their families to receive a secondary education. More than half are of ethnic backgrounds, and more than 60 percent of this year's recipients are female.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov