SMS student named Victor E. Bell Scholarship recipient
A seventh-grade student received life-changing news over the weekend – Dakota Johnson was nominated as a Victor E. Bell Scholarship recipient.
“I found out on Sunday,” Johnson said. “I was excited. My grandma handed me the paper and it said congratulations.”
Johnson was nominated by the school’s GEAR UP coordinator, Taylor Rae Dodge Brown. GEAR UP—Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs—supports students in preparing for postsecondary education.
“Every year that he earns As and Bs, North Carolina will deposit $2,000 into an education savings plan on his behalf,” Brown said. “By the time he graduates from high school, he could have as much as $20,000 available to attend a college of his choice.”
The Victor E. Bell Scholarship is awarded to seventh-grade students and is renewable through four years of college.
Now in his second year with GEAR UP, Johnson has demonstrated a strong commitment to the program. Brown said she has been impressed with him since their first meeting when he was a sixth grader.
“Despite experiencing adversity in his early life, he is an incredibly positive, social young man who works hard in school, shows empathy and goes out of his way to be kind and considerate of others,” Brown said. “I nominated him for this scholarship because of his character and because he’s a strong leader with great potential. There’s no end to what he might achieve with the right support. I am so proud that he was selected because I can’t imagine someone more deserving.”
Brown added that she is confident Johnson will make the most of the opportunity.
Johnson said he was immediately drawn to the GEAR UP program after Brown’s presentation during his sixth-grade year.
“Miss Taylor gave a presentation last year about how GEAR UP could benefit us,” he said. “I like exploring new opportunities.”
One of those opportunities has included learning more about colleges and potential career paths. Johnson said math and science are among his favorite subjects, and he has an interest in technology. He is also a member of the school’s gaming club.
While college may still be years away, Brown said Johnson is already highly engaged in the program.
“He’s very active,” she said. “He’s very open to new opportunities.”
Johnson was in Brown’s office early Tuesday morning asking about upcoming GEAR UP activities, including a leadership class focused on helping pre-kindergarten students learn to read.
“I am looking forward to helping pre-K,” Johnson said.
Brown noted that he enjoys working with younger students and helping them learn.
Swain Middle School Principal Ryan McMahan praised Johnson’s attitude and character.
“You bring your own weather to school each day,” McMahan said. “And he brings sunshine every day.”