Maelee Becton
The full impact of being an EC Scholar didn’t register at first for Maelee Becton.
The 17-year-old said when she first applied, the program seemed like a good opportunity and an achievement for her resume.
“After exploring the program, going to Selection Sunday and finding out more, it meant being a part of a community larger than myself and having the resources to give back while furthering my education,” she said.
EC Scholars is the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at East Carolina University. 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.
Ultimately, Becton chose ECU because of its community mindset and service-oriented focus.
“I think it’s extremely important that they both treat their students as people and recognize the world around them,” she said.
She’s excited for the wide variety of student organizations and activities at ECU, and she hopes to get involved in a service, awareness or environmental organization. Studying abroad in England or Italy would be exciting, she said, but she’s waiting to learn more about the available destinations before making up her mind.
The daughter of Angela and Claude Becton of Kinston, she plans to major in psychology and hopes to someday create a mental health resource network. Growing up, she saw firsthand the impact of mental and physical disabilities as her father battled a brain tumor.
“My ultimate goal is to create a mental health resource network for those with disabilities, chronic illness and neurodegenerative conditions that does not pose a high cost to anyone on top of regular medical bills,” she said.
Before starting ECU in the fall, Becton plans to spend her summer writing, working with the local food pantry and taking time to be with her family.
“I am probably most looking forward to working with a knitting group that makes blankets for people who are facing different challenging circumstances,” she said.
As an EC Scholar, Becton will join a talented and service-minded group of students who will lead by example at ECU, working to tackle grand challenges to make the world a better place. Students leave the Honors College with a foundation of skills and experiences needed to make them competitive for prestigious graduate programs, international fellowships and careers following graduation.
“(Being an EC Scholar means) being a part of a community larger than myself and having the resources to give back while furthering my education.”
High school: Smithfield-Selma High School
Intended major: Psychology
Hometown: Kinston