The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) graduated its 30th class June 4 when NCSSM Board of Trustees Chair Shirley T. Frye accepted 329 members of the class of 2011, who represent all 13 congressional districts and nearly 70 N.C. counties.
North Carolina inventor and chemist Dr. Joseph DeSimone gave the keynote address to a crowd of nearly 3,000 parents, alumni and friends gathered on Watts Lawn on the NCSSM campus.
In his remarks to students, families and special guests, DeSimone spoke about the importance of innovation and scientific discovery in the pursuit of solving global problems. He encouraged the graduates to not only learn, but to also apply their knowledge to create a stronger, healthier society.
The class of 2011 won nearly $21 million in scholarships ó the most in the Schoolís history ó including four Park Scholars at North Carolina State University, three Morehead-Cain Scholars at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and two Robertson Scholars at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University.
Rowan ó Catherine Teressa Thriveni, Salisbury High; Daniel Thomas Milam, West Rowan High; Davis W. Goodnight, Gray Stone Day School.
Cabarrus ó Charlotte Grace Laun, Ellen Marie Turner, Kagan Grey Griffin, Jay M. Robinson High School; Dominique Andree Beaudry, Concord High; Gideon Jang-Koon Whaley, Central Cabarrus High, Heejung Chang, Maxwell Frank Huelster, Nicole Rose Mogensen, Hickory Ridge High; Mark Greben, North West Cabarrus High.
Davie ó Daniel Allen Needs, Davie County High.