All-County Scholars from East Rowan High School.

Angelique Paris Scialdone

Angelique Paris Scialdone is the daughter of London Scialdone of Rockwell. A senior at East Rowan High School, she attended Hanford Dole Elementary School and Erwin Middle School.

In the fall, she will attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she will study biology. She hopes to become a professional in health sciences.

Favorite assigned book: “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” by Thomas Hardy.

Defining moment in my life: A defining moment in my life concerns when I was being accepted into the top colleges of my choice, most importantly Chapel Hill, as it symbolized my hard work and success throughout my high school career, and functioned as a large accomplishment for my family, as I will be the first to attend a four-year university. It also represented steps towards a successful future, making me feel like I’ve made my father proud in what I have done, and will continue to accomplish, although he can’t experience it with me.

Secret to high school success: Time management skills, even if that meant spending my weekends studying or completing assignments.

If I had $10 million: I would ensure my mother was living her best life, donate to leukemia research, and save the rest to travel once I became successful in my chosen career path in order to widen my perspective of the treasures the world contains.

Trevor W. Ludwick

Trevor W. Ludwick is the son of Tammy and Thomas Ludwick Jr. of Salisbury. A senior at East Rowan High School, he attended Morgan Elementary School and Erwin Middle School.

In the fall, he will attend Western Carolina University, where he will study environmental science.

Favorite assigned book: “King Lear” by Shakespeare.

Defining moment in my life: Becoming a Junior Marshal.

Secret to high school success: Studying skills that I acquired through rigorous classes.

If I had $10 million: I would pay off any bills my parents had, donate to several local charities, and save/invest the rest of it.

Robert Julian Dry III

Robert Julian Dry III is the son of Dana and Robert Dry of Rockwell. A senior at East Rowan, he attended Shive and Rockwell Elementary Schools and Erwin Middle School.

In the fall, he will attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he will study either business administration or medicine. He hopes to become a dermatologist or a top executive of a company.

Favorite assigned book: “The Great Gatsby,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Defining moment in my life: Receiving my Eagle Scout Award and officially being considered an Eagle Scout.

Secret to high school success: A combination of grit, focus and support of family and peers.

If I had $10 million: I would give approximately $1 million to some of my closest family members first. I would put enough of the money into an account that would be used to pay for my education. I would invest the rest so that it will grow while I am in college so when I get out I can start my own business. 

Mia Graham

Mia Graham is the daughter of Anay and Rodney Graham of Granite Quarry. A senior at East Rowan High School, she attended North Hills Christian School, Handford Dole Elementary School, Faith Elementary School and Erwin Middle School.

In the fall, she will attend Duke University, where she will study nursing. She hopes to become a neonatal nurse practitioner.

Favorite assigned book: “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” by Thomas Hardy.

Defining moment in my life: Being accepted into my first choice college. It really culminated all of my hard work during high school and I know it is the perfect place for me to reach my fullest potential.

Secret to high school success: My perseverance and unparalleled work ethic. There were many late nights spent studying, and when I became overwhelmed, I was able to turn that stress into productivity. I also have an amazing support system at home. My friends and family are a large part of who I am today.

If I had $10 million: I would travel the world to help those in need. There are so many people that don’t have access to basic food, healthcare and clean water, things that we take for granted every day.