STATESVILLE, N.C.,None — Carlos Jimenez, a rising eighth-grader at Statesville Middle School, has always had plans to follow in the footsteps of his sister, Maria, and attend college.
Recently, Carlos' plans got a big boost.
He was one of 10 students in the state --- and only one in Iredell County --- to receive the $20,000 Victor E. Bell Jr. Scholarship from the N.C. College Foundation, Inc.
"It's really going to help because my mom's a single mom and it'll help our situation," Carlos said.
Winners will receive $2,000 per year from middle school through their fourth year in college. The money will be placed in a savings account and could accrue interest amounting to more than $20,000, according to Regional Manager Timeka Ruffin.
"We're elated this is what we do to try and help kids get to college," she said.
Recipients must continue to meet criteria of staying in good academic standing and maintaining a certain GPA to receive the scholarship.
Carlos isn't sure what college he will attend but a major in math, his favorite subject, may be in his future.
Carlos, who was nominated for the scholarship by guidance counselor Lydia Mayberry, is the youngest of three children and said his upbringing has helped him do well in school.
"Education has been a big thing in my family," he said. "My sister was the first to go to college and I want to step up and go to college like her."