Hannah Coalson

Community is what drew Hannah Coalson to East Carolina University and the Honors College.

“I really liked the feel of it. And that you get to room with people that have the same major as you,” she said.

Coalson is one of 20 EC Scholars coming to ECU in fall 2018 and will receive an Honors College scholarship for four years, valued at $62,000. The most prestigious undergraduate award program at ECU, EC Scholars recognize outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills.

The 18-year-old student from Fletcher intends to double major in biology and chemistry, with hopes of going on to medical school and becoming a trauma surgeon.

“I like the idea that it is very fast paced and requires you think on your toes,” she said. “I also like the idea of being able to help people and helping people in general.”

At T.C. Roberson High School, Coalson was involved in chorus, art club and the National Honor Society. When she arrives at ECU in the fall, she plans to join community service-based groups and an acapella group in addition to diving into research.

“That was another thing that drew me to the EC Scholars program, that they emphasize undergraduate research,” she said.

In addition to research opportunities, her four-year merit scholarship includes a stipend for study abroad. Coalson said she hopes to travel to a Spanish-speaking country because she studied the language for four years in high school.

Coalson is the daughter of Barry Coalson and Norah Holmes. This summer, she’ll be working as a nanny and trying to enjoy her last few months at home with family.