Matthew White was one of the Seniors from PSRC’s eight high schools who were honored and recognized at the meeting of the Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education on November 17, 2008.

Students were highlighted based on their leadership and service activities in their schools and their communities.

Nancy McBryde, Coordinator for Gifted for PSRC, presented chamber representatives and students.

The Students of Excellence initiative is a collaborative effort with the local chambers and the public schools.

Each chamber selects a student from among applications submitted from the high school in their area; students who apply must have at least a 3.0 grade point average.

Each chamber honors their student with a plaque and other rewards for their meritorious service and achievement.

The Senior Student of Excellence from St. Pauls High, Matthew White, was presented by Nancy McBryde for the St. Pauls Chamber.

At school, Matthew is the Public Relations Officer for the National Honor Society, Vice President for the Student Government Association, and a member of the FFA and HOSA.

In his community, he volunteers for the local canned food drives and is involved in the Adopt-A-High Program.

Personal goals for White are to graduate high school with honors and to be the first in his family to attend a four-year university and to pursue a career in the medical field.

In discussing the definition of success, White quoted Frank Lloyd Wright: “I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.” His plan is to follow this advice as he strives for his career in medicine.

All Students of Excellence recipients are recognized at their individual schools, at their area Chamber of Commerce meetings, and officially at the Board of Education presentations.