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Four graduating seniors have been selected as recipients of the Duplin County Schools Grow Your Own Teacher Recruitment Scholarship, taking an important step toward becoming the next generation of educators who will serve students in Duplin County.

The scholarship program, established by the Duplin County Board of Education, is designed to address the growing need for highly effective teachers while creating a pipeline of future educators with strong roots in the community. Through the program, recipients may receive up to $5,000 annually for a maximum of four years while pursuing degrees in education and related fields.

Upon completing their college education and earning teaching licensure, recipients commit to returning to Duplin County Schools to serve as full-time teachers, helping strengthen the district's workforce and invest in the future of local students.

"This program represents more than a scholarship. It is an investment in the future of Duplin County Schools," said Dr. Felicia Brown, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, during the Board of Education recognition. "These students have chosen a profession that will shape lives, inspire future generations, and make a lasting impact on our communities."

The 2026 Grow Your Own Teacher Recruitment Scholarship recipients are:

London Brown, a graduate of James Kenan High School, will attend Fayetteville State University this fall and plans to major in Elementary Education.

Salma Hernandez, a graduate of Wallace-Rose Hill High School, will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and pursue a degree in Elementary Education.

Zachary Fisher, a graduate of Wallace-Rose Hill High School, will attend the University of Mount Olive, where he plans to major in Exercise Science with a minor in History. His educational path aligns with future opportunities in teaching and coaching.

Olivia Springfield, also a graduate of Wallace-Rose Hill High School, will begin her studies at James Sprunt Community College before transferring to Appalachian State University. She plans to major in Elementary Education and Music.

The scholarship program reflects Duplin County Schools' commitment to developing homegrown talent and creating opportunities for students to return and serve the communities that helped shape them. By supporting aspiring educators today, the district is helping ensure that future generations of students will learn from teachers who understand the unique strengths, traditions, and values of Duplin County.

As these graduates begin their college journeys, Duplin County Schools celebrates their accomplishments and looks forward to welcoming them back as future educators, mentors, and leaders in our schools.