Marco Agostini
Marco Agostini will bring his passion for protecting the environment and interest in computer science to East Carolina University this fall as one of 20 EC Scholars.
EC Scholars is the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive an Honors College scholarship for four years, along with a stipend for study abroad, for a total value of $62,000.
Last year, Agostini started a tennis ball recycling program at the Lake Wilson Tennis Club, where he is a tennis assistant, coach, maintenance and office worker and plays on the United States Tennis Association 8.5 Combo League Team. He also has taught educational programs at the Imagination Station Science and History Museum, and volunteers at the bi-annual cleanup of Hominy Creek. He is a member of the Wilson Family YMCA Young Leaders Institute, works with an after school environmental program, serves as webmaster and vice president of the Wilson Youth Council, and is an officer with the Wilson 4-H Envirothon Club.
While he hasn’t decided where to study abroad as an EC Scholar, Agostini is considering a location that could combine his interest in nature and computer science.
“I would love to study abroad on an island such as Fiji. I’m very passionate about the environment, and if I weren’t going into computer science, natural resources would be a close second major. It would be ideal to integrate natural resources into a computer science study abroad on a tropical island such as that,” Agostini said.
Agostini would like to get involved in several clubs and organizations, including tennis, at ECU as well as explore new interests or hobbies.
“I chose ECU for its diversity and rich campus life, as well as its personal classroom experiences and rewarding scholars program,” Agostini said.
Agostini has been working with computers and programming since fifth grade. Long term, he would like to pursue a post-graduate degree and join a multi-national company.
The 18-year-old Wilson native and Eagle Scout said he is proud to be selected as an EC Scholar, especially as a home-schooler.
“I’m sure this opportunity will help me grow, not only academically, but as a person as well,” Agostini said. “Being an EC Scholar is not just an honor, but a privilege, and I hope to gain as much from it as I can while simultaneously giving back to the program and other ECU students by active involvement in the ECU community.”
Before Agostini settles into his residence hall and coursework at ECU, he will continue a tradition of visiting family in Greece and Italy over the summer. He and his sister were born in England, and this year they also will visit family still living in Great Britain. “It’s always a great experience, not only getting to see my family, but also being exposed to three interesting cultures,” he said.
Agostini is the son of Lena and Wally Agostini of Wilson.
“I’m sure this opportunity will help me grow, not only academically, but as a person as well.”
High school: D’Agostini School and Nash Community College
Intended major: Computer science
Hometown: Wilson