By Emma Godwin, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern
As commencement ceremonies unfold across North Carolina, a unique group of graduates carries with them not only their diplomas but also a commitment to the very communities that shaped them.
“I am incredibly proud of our Golden LEAF Scholar graduates,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “These students have acquired valuable knowledge and skills that will serve them—and their rural communities—well into the future. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on this significant achievement.”
This spring, 184 Golden LEAF Scholars will be graduating from a North Carolina College or University. Since 2000, more than 7,000 rural North Carolina students have received the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship.
Juliana Inman of Montgomery County is graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Inman’s major is Medical Anthropology, following the Pre-Pharmacy track. After graduation, Inman plans to continue her education at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy to obtain a Doctorate in Pharmacy.
Following the completion of her doctoral degree, she hopes to return to a rural North Carolina community to live and work. Inman participated in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative with two summer internships in rural North Carolina pharmacies, inspiring her to return to a rural area.
“I found that I truly enjoy working in settings where I get to interact with patients regularly and form relationships with them,” said Inman. “I enjoy the small town setting and learning about patients’ lives, families, and how best I can help them. Overall, my experiences as a Rural Internship Initiative intern had a big influence on my hopes to one day work in a rural area.”
Before the two internships, Inman knew she wanted to work in the healthcare field and was interested in pharmacy. Her internships exposed her to different aspects of the field of pharmacy.
“These positive experiences solidified my interest and passion in pharmacy and helping people,” said Inman. “The Rural Internship Initiative did help me decide what I wanted to do after college. The people I met and have worked with left a lasting impact on my life, and I am very grateful to Golden LEAF for the opportunities.”
Charley Edmondson is graduating from East Carolina University with a major in Elementary Education. After graduation, Edmondson, a Martin County native, plans to teach in an elementary school near home, where she can “pay it forward.”
“I plan to work as a K-5 elementary school teacher in an eastern North Carolina county and fulfill my dream of teaching and being a positive influence on the youth of tomorrow,” said Edmondson.
Edmondson credits her success in college to the Golden LEAF Scholarship.
“The scholarship took a large load off my mom’s and my shoulders when it came to paying for college,” said Edmondson. “I was beyond blessed to have received a scholarship to fund my dream of becoming an educator.”
The scholarship went beyond funding support for Edmondson.
“Not only did Golden LEAF support me financially, but also socially, as I have met many other Golden LEAF Scholars through the many outreach activities and luncheons,” said Edmondson. “Overall, Golden LEAF has supported me in so many ways, and I could not be more grateful to the foundation for my scholarship. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Sadie Hornaday is graduating from Lees-McRae College with a major in Wildlife Biology. Hornaday, a Surry County native, hopes after graduation to be a propagation biologist or an outdoor environmental educator.
Hornaday plans to come back to a rural area to live following college.
“I plan on living in a rural area because I grew up in one,” said Hornaday. “I love being surrounded by nature.”
Hornaday participated in a freshwater mussel internship last summer where she propagated freshwater mussels, inspiring her to find a career where she can support nature.
“The internship helped me gain real-world experience,” said Hornaday. “I recommend just putting yourself out there through an internship or other job experience to build your resume. It will pay off and help your future.”
She shared that the scholarship was essential for her future.
“Receiving the Golden LEAF Scholarship helped encourage me to attend a four-year college with the funding provided,” said Hornaday. “The scholarship really influenced my future career plans. I have been applying for hatchery work and environmental education positions. I plan to give back to a rural community.”
From healthcare to education to environmental science, graduates like Juliana Inman, Charley Edmondson, and Sadie Hornaday are determined to use their skills and experiences to strengthen the communities that shaped them. With support from the Golden LEAF Scholarship, these students are not only achieving personal success but are also poised to make lasting impacts in rural North Carolina.
Click here to learn more about the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship.