Gastonia, N.C. - The Gaston County Board of Education honored outstanding seniors in the Class of 2012 during the annual scholarship recognition program held Monday, June 4 in the Ashbrook High School auditorium.

More than 450 seniors received Outstanding Scholar certificates and Star Student lapel pins during the ceremony, which celebrated the academic achievements of students from the district’s ten high schools: Ashbrook, Bessemer City, Bessemer City Early College, Cherryville, East Gaston, Forestview, Highland, Hunter Huss, North Gaston, and South Point.

The Class of 2012 was offered more than $43 million in scholarships. The scholarship amount is expected to increase as scholarship awards are announced. Of the amount earned thus far, approximately $41.5 million are academic scholarships and $1.8 million are athletic. The Class of 2012 received more than 1,250 scholarships from 150 different colleges and universities. 

Board of Education chairman Mark Upchurch shared comments about the students' accomplishments and joined fellow Board members in recognizing and congratulating each outstanding scholarship recipient.

“The Class of 2012 is an impressive group of seniors,” stated Superintendent L. Reeves McGlohon.  “They have excelled in academics, athletics, and community service.  The amount of scholarship money earned by these students shows their commitment to hard work, perseverance, and going the extra mile to achieve success.  We are extremely proud of each student and wish all of them luck as they pursue their dreams and reach for the stars.”

Congratulations, Outstanding Scholarship Recipients!

Click here for a slideshow of pictures.