Four WCPSS Seniors Named Park Scholars
May 9, 2011 - North Carolina State University has named four Wake County Public School System high school seniors as 2011 Park Scholars.The Park Scholar awards provide full tuition for four years at NC State valued at $80,000, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel, and personal expenses.
The four WCPSS students include Neel Mandavilli of Southeast Raleigh Magnet High; Charan Sai Mohan of Green Hope High; Gabriela Marie Quinlan of Cary High; and James David Turner of Middle Creek High.
Mandavilli will graduate from Southeast Raleigh Magnet High where he is vice president of student government and has served as president of the Science National Honor Society. He is a tri-speaker for the NC Youth Legislative Assembly. Mandavilli is a recipient of the Congressional Award Gold Medal, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership World Leadership Congress Student Representative Award, and the U.S. Senate Youth Program Award. He plans to pursue a career in public policy.
Mohan will graduate from Green Hope High where he is president of the tutoring club, captain of the cross-country team, and vice president of the Health Occupations Students of America club. He is a volunteer teacher of English as a Second Language for elementary school students, and is a recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award. Mohan plans to major in biomedical engineering.
Quinlan will graduate from Cary High where she is secretary of the senior council, vice president of the Environmental Club, and section leader in the marching band. She is a member of National Honor Society and was awarded the Girl Scouts Silver Award. Quinlan plans to major in zoology.
Turner will graduate from Middle Creek High School where he is the president and founder of the Math Honor Society and is president of the National Honor Society. He founded and managed the nonprofit enterprise, Heartbeats for Kids, which raises funds for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. Turner is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Shaw University Research Apprentice. He has been recognized as a Prudential Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist and has earned six Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Awards for completing over 1,700 hours of community service. Turner plans to major in mechanical engineering.
A total of 105 finalists participated in Final Selection Activities on the NC State University campus in February. The weekend included interviews and a variety of activities that allowed finalists to learn more about NC State and the Park Scholarships program from current Park Scholars, faculty, administrators, and alumni.
Selection criteria for the Park Scholarships include academic achievement; personal qualities such as character, integrity and motivation; exceptional leadership potential; and commitment to the betterment of one's community. The scholarships are renewable each year, based on student academic achievement and personal conduct.
The Park Scholarships are named for the late Roy H. Park, a 1931 NC State alumnus who created the charitable Park Foundation. The Park Foundation, based in Ithaca, New York, provides support for programs across the nation related to higher education, media, and the environment.
 Neel Mandavilli |
 Charan Sai Mohan |
 Gabriela Marie Quinlan |
 James David Turner |
-wcpss-