Brooke Butler
Brooke Butler grew up with three older brothers, but the new East Carolina University EC Scholar wasn’t about to let them get the best of her.
“I have three brothers and have always wanted to do everything as well as the boys, or better, which has contributed to my uber-competitiveness in the classroom and sports,” she said.
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 and a stipend for study abroad for a total value of nearly $64,000.
“What being an EC Scholar means for me is being a representative of the university and a servant leader,” she said. “It means leading selflessly and putting others first, while also working hard to reach new heights academically. It also means I gain 19 more family members!”
Butler plans to major in engineering at ECU.
“Engineering allows me to use my creativity and logical thinking simultaneously, and I look forward to continuing to grow and look forward to pursuing a career in an engineering field, tackling problems and finding solutions,” she said. “I’m not sure exactly how that will look or even what type of engineering I want to pursue, but I would love to be a part of a logical and creative process and see designs come to life.”
The daughter of Eric and Erin Butler from Matthews attended the Central Academy of Technology and Arts, where she joined the school’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, serving as its president. The 2020 N.C. Governor’s School selectee also was a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was part of her local YMCA Leaders Club and a Sunday School youth teacher, student ministry leader and vacation Bible school leader for her church.
“My faith has guided me by giving me a set of ideals to live by and a purpose for living,” she said. “I have a steady foundation to build my relationships on, and my faith has helped me to live to put others before myself. I also have found a purpose through my faith because it gives me hope and joy.”
She plans to join a campus ministry, outdoor adventure club and the Society of Women Engineers chapter at ECU.
“I am super looking forward to all the fun activities around campus like movie nights on the mall or going out to eat at Sup Dogs,” she said.
An avid runner, she was a member of her high school’s track and cross country teams, qualifying for state championships in both.
“I started running because my brothers were on the cross country team, and I found that I liked pushing myself to do better each meet,” she said. “I have really found my passion in running through the people because I have made so many great friends who have become like family.”
She plans to work this summer as a YMCA camp counselor and is looking forward to her study aboard opportunity as an EC Scholar.
“I would love to travel to Europe because there are so many different cultures all gathered together that I would love to experience, including the sights, the languages and the food, of course,” she said.
She said her decision to choose ECU was an obvious one.
“ECU has a great reputation nationally and internationally, a proud and rich history, and a full college experience with a nationally recognized athletic program and one of the state’s largest and most diverse student bodies,” she said. “I look forward to being a part of the Pirate Nation!”
“ECU has a great reputation nationally and internationally, a proud and rich history, and a full college experience with a nationally recognized athletic program and one of the state’s largest and most diverse student bodies. I look forward to being a part of the Pirate Nation!”
High school: Central Academy of Technology and Arts
Intended major: Engineering
Hometown: Matthews