10 Durham Tech students selected as Goodnight Scholars, most among community colleges statewide 

Ten Durham Tech students have won the Goodnight Scholarship at North Carolina State University, more than any other community college in the state. The Goodnight Scholarship for students studying in a STEM or STEM education field is worth $23,000 per year for up to three years. 
 
The students selected to receive the scholarship are: Adrian Sanchez-Perez, who will study mechanical engineering at NC State; Anastasiia Steksova, who will study chemical engineering; Fedora Parra, who will study genetics and statistics; Jennifer Daniels, a biology major; Kaitlyn Barnard, who will study computer science; Karla Reyes Rodriguez, a biology major; Nicolas Jimenez, who will study chemical engineering, Oscar Mauleon Corominas, a computer science major, Zachary Jenkins, an electrical engineering major, and Trevaughn Cox, who will study civil engineering. The Goodnight Scholars Program also recognized Amir Elbadaoui, as a finalist for this prestigious award. 
 
The highly competitive application process involves written essays and a day on campus with activities and interviews.  

“When I first was notified that I received the scholarship, I was in shock. I actually asked the person who called to notify me to repeat back what they had said. I was able to call my family and friends to tell them and it was truly an incredible feeling,” Barnard said. “Becoming a Goodnight Scholar is one of the best opportunities that I have ever had and will not only alleviate financial stress throughout my degree but also give me access to mentorship from some of the leading people in my industry.”  
 
More than just a scholarship, the Goodnight program offers students opportunities to grow through leadership, service, study abroad, cultural, and community activities.  

“Being selected as a Goodnight Scholar means a lot to me because the support and programming unlocks many great opportunities for me to continue learning, collaborating, and researching,” Parra said. “These learning opportunities will allow me to in turn help other people in my community through sharing my love of science. It is an honor to be a recipient and it means a lot to be selected as part of a thriving community of scholars. It means a lot to be recognized for all of the effort I have put in while at Durham Tech, which I don't always have much time to reflect on.”  

The number of scholars selected reflects the high-quality academic instruction and career and college guidance and support students receive at Durham Tech. 

“Our students, faculty and staff work extremely hard to ensure success for all students,” said President J.B. Buxton. “The selection of these 10 students as Goodnight Scholars reflects those efforts. I’m extremely proud of what they have achieved.”