Anna Grace Benton
Bloom where you are planted. Currently ranking first in her class with a 4.46 GPA, Anna Grace Benton of Wilson has flourished at Beddingfield High School.
Despite Benton having no interest or experience in agriculture, her animal science teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor strongly encouraged her to join the club. As a GPA Champion for FFA for the past three years, she held several leadership positions, most recently as president.
As an award-winning pianist, she has also honed her craft as a musician. “I have taken piano since I was in third grade,” she said. “As my lessons continued and my pieces became more advanced, one thing about playing remained the same. That little pocket of time ingrained into my daily routine was often the most peaceful time of my day.”
Benton described the life lesson she has learned while pursuing her passion. “Although I love music dearly, I am honestly not the best pianist,” she said. “As an academic perfectionist, I was used to seeing success in the form of concrete, tangible achievements. I did not gain tangible achievements from piano. Yet, over time, I discovered that the value of this hobby did not come from being the most impressive pianist, but from how much I enjoyed playing.”
Recalling what drew her to ECU, Benton said she was immediately impressed by a warm sense of community. “The environment was so uplifting, motivating me to chase my ambitions, no matter how huge they seem,” she said. “As cliché as it sounds, I really did feel like more than a number at ECU.”
She continued, “After hearing about all of the opportunities given to Brinkley-Lane Scholars, I was so excited to even be considered for the program. When I experienced a taste of life at ECU on Selection Sunday, I knew I wanted to spend the next four years as a Pirate!”
Brinkley-Lane 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 a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for both in-state and out-of-state students and unique high impact experiences, as well as the ability to explore the world with a $5,000 study abroad stipend. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
Prior to coming to campus, Benton hopes to spend plenty of time with friends and family before such a huge transition in her life. She’s also planning to have a summer job and potentially spend some time shadowing a physician. She added, “I will also be doing plenty of dorm shopping!”
Benton intends to major in biology on a pre-med track, with a long-term goal of becoming a physician.
Benton is the 17-year-old daughter of William Russell Benton Jr. and Lisa Michelle Perry, both of Wilson.
“When I experienced a taste of life at ECU on Selection Sunday, I knew I wanted to spend the next four years as a Pirate!”
High school: Beddingfield High School
Intended major: Biology
Hometown: Wilson