Trek Thorne

The student with possibly the best name among this year’s EC Scholars class is Trek Thorne of Cary, the son of Greg and Cindilee Thorne.

Thorne said he was drawn to East Carolina University for its degree in information and computer technology. Touring the College of Engineering and Technology, he said, made him excited about the topics he’ll be studying in class.

It also doesn’t hurt that he’ll be receiving ECU’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship award. The EC Scholars program is a four-year merit scholarship recognizing 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 nearly $63,000.

“I can’t wait to meet the other EC Scholars,” Thorne said. “I come from a really small school with a graduating class of 60 people. I’m expecting the shift from 60 to 22,000 to be quite a shock. Hopefully, the EC Scholars program will be helpful as I’m transitioning and make a big college seem small.”

He also plans to take advantage of the opportunities for activities and connections that go along with being an EC Scholar. If his high school resume is any indication, he’ll have a busy campus schedule. Thorne was involved in and served as club coordinator for four different clubs – Chess Club, Running Club, Wig Club and Games Group. He also served as a student ambassador, giving tours of Grace Christian School to prospective students.

“I am also interested in joining crew and finding a local church,” he said.

Before coming to campus, Thorne is hoping to land a summer internship at Stitch Golf in Apex, and once he’s here, would like to work for the university’s IT department in order to learn about information technology and business management.

While he’s interested in computers and information technology, Thorne doesn’t want to spend his career trapped behind a desk. A high school cross country veteran, he loves running, football, board games, music and … mustard. He has even created a YouTube channel dedicated to taste testing the condiment.

Perhaps he’ll find even more exotic spices to taste if he visits Italy for his study abroad experience. He said he likes the idea of ECU’s program in Tuscany, which is operated by ECU faculty as opposed to an exchange program with a partner university.

“Also, one of my friends lives in Italy, so I may be able to see her while I’m there,” he said.

Studying abroad will also give him a chance to learn about a different culture and work on picking up a new language.

One thing is certain — the EC Scholars program will challenge Thorne and help him develop the skills and connections he’ll need after completing his degree at ECU, he said.

“I toured the (information and computer technology) facility and got really excited about what it looks like I will be doing in class.”

High school: Grace Christian School

Intended major: Information and computer technology

Hometown: Cary