Tierney Reardon
Tierney Reardon wants to make a difference in the lives of others and plans to become an attorney so that she can give back to her community.
The 17-year-old senior from Greenville is a student at J.H. Rose High School and the daughter of R. Martin and Lisa Reardon. Reardon is one of 20 freshmen entering East Carolina University this fall as an EC Scholar, the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at the university.
“To me, being an EC Scholar means joining a community of motivated peers who want to better themselves both personally and professionally,” Reardon said. “I chose ECU because of the opportunities and support the Honors College offered. Throughout the application process, it was made clear that going to ECU meant joining a supportive learning community and that each student mattered.”
Reardon is active in her high school and the local community through organizations, leadership and service activities. She is the co-editor-in-chief of J.H. Rose’s student newspaper and has been a leading member of the mock trial team for four years. In addition, she has been a member of Pitt County’s Health Sciences Academy, Future Business Leaders of America and the student government association. She also plays volleyball through the Pitt County Community Schools & Recreation department.
Her leadership and service have included conducting phone surveys on voter registration and in response to George Floyd’s death, and performing elder visits at Spring Arbor Senior Living of Greenville. She has also been a proponent of gun safety and training through the Moms Demand Action organization; a member of the Pitt County Youth for Justice and Change; a volunteer at Vidant Medical Center; a reading camp leader at Third Street Academy; and a vacation Bible school leader at St. Peter Catholic Church.
She is a member of numerous honor societies, including the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and the Quill and Scroll International Journalism Honor Society.
The four-year EC Scholars 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.
Although Reardon does not know where she will study abroad, she said she hopes to gain a better understanding of the culture and people of the area, so that she can gain a wider perspective of the world.
This summer, Reardon is planning to rest and pursue hobbies she has not had a chance to participate in during the school year.
“I would like to bake more and put together a cookbook for my family, catch up on my reading, improve my crocheting and explore writing opportunities,” she said.
In the fall, she is looking forward to getting involved in student media and law related organizations, including the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities’ Student Conduct Board.
“I plan to further my education by attending law school and work toward becoming an attorney so that I can begin to give back to the community around me in a way that utilizes my strengths,” Reardon said.
“Throughout the application process, it was made clear that going to ECU meant joining a supportive learning community and that each student mattered.”
High school: J.H. Rose High School
Intended major: Political science
Hometown: Greenville