Brinkley-Lane Scholar: Lamont Vines Jr.
Lamont Vines Jr. said East Carolina University felt like home when it came time to decide where to go to college.
It’s about a 30-minute drive from his hometown of Pinetops, and ECU’s academic programs and resources, including the physical therapy program, is exactly what the intended exercise physiology major was looking for. He plans to minor in exercise and sport science.
Along with that, Vines has been named a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU.
Housed in the Honors College, the four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Both in-state and out-of-state recipients receive a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and high impact experiences.
“It’s a blessing to have received this honor. Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, to me, means making the most out of every opportunity and pursuing greatness regardless of circumstance, both as a college student and everyday citizen,” Vines said.
He looks forward to getting involved in organizations and clubs on campus such as Student Government Association and intramural and club sports.
Included in the Brinkley-Lane scholarship is the ability to explore the world and pursue additional educational opportunities with a $5,000 study abroad stipend and a $3,000 enrichment scholarship. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
Vines hopes to study abroad in Japan, specifically Seoul or Tokyo.
“My obsession with Japanese culture has stuck with me ever since childhood, and getting an opportunity to study there would absolutely fulfill my dream,” he said.
Since 2024, Vines has served as a student ambassador at Southwest Edgecombe High School with SparkNC, a nonprofit network helping students create their own pathway to high-wage, socially impactful careers in high-tech fields.
Vines has helped promote the mission, values and vision of the organization within schools and communities. Last spring, he attended the National Pathways Summit in Washington, D.C., where he shared how SparkNC is redefining career preparation and how students like him build opportunities and networks that transcend traditional barriers.
“Being a SparkNC Ambassador in high school has opened up countless doors for me, both as a student and individual,” he said. “From taking the course as a scholar and being a part of the ambassadorship program in its pilot stages, the role has truly been a gateway to many connections, opportunities and experiences I never thought would have come my way.”
At Southwest, Vines has been a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, National Society of High School Schools, Superintendent Advisory Committee, Varsity Esports Stem League and varsity track. He is dually enrolled at Edgecombe Community College and is involved in a long list of non-school activities, from working parttime at Piggly Wiggly and ECU Health Summer VolunTeen to volunteering with several Koinonia Christian Center ministries.
His long-term goal is to become a licensed physical therapist, “contributing back to the community that has built me into the individual I am today,” he said.
Vines, 18, is the son of Kimberly Vines, a double degree Pirate, and Lamont Vines Sr. of Pinetops.
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, to me, means making the most out of every opportunity and pursuing greatness regardless of circumstance, both as a college student and everyday citizen.”
High school: Southwest Edgecombe High School
Intended major: Exercise physiology
Current City: Pinetops