BEAUFORT, N.C. — The Spectrum News High School Scholars Program recognizes outstanding high school seniors across the state with a $1,000 scholarship toward a college of their choice.
One student who stood out above the rest is East Carteret High School senior Ashlyn Guthrie.
What You Need to Know
The Spectrum News High School Scholar program gives out $1,000 scholarships to outstanding seniors
Ashlyn Guthrie from East Carteret High School is this week's scholarship winner
She is a good student, a good athlete and always helping out in the community
Her plan is to study forensic science and criminal justice in college
“Ashlyn is a winner," said Guthrie's school counselor, Beverly Jones. "She's a winner academically. She's a winner socially. She's a winner athletically.”
Jones has watched Guthrie grow up throughout high school. She says Guthrie is a hard worker and loves to learn. Guthrie not only has a 4.9 GPA, but she is involved in many extracurricular activities, a star player on the volleyball and softball teams, and always willing to help out her community.
“She's one that sees a need and doesn't complain about it,” Jones said. “She's one who sees a need and does something to make it better.”
When Guthrie was in middle school, she started the Kindness Crew with a few of her friends. The project is still going strong with the goal to spread kindness by stocking a blessing box with food and other essential items for members of the community. Guthrie also volunteered with the fire department after Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Dorian hit the North Carolina coast.
“She's just always been that kid that goes and does,” said Suzie Guthrie, Ashlyn Guthrie's mom. “Now don't get me wrong, she does like to watch Netflix like everyone else, but you know she is a hard worker in everything she does.”
Ashlyn Guthrie says she loves being involved in so many different things so she can meet new people, gain important life skills, and make many memories and friendships along the way. These qualities are just a few of the reasons that Spectrum chose Guthrie as our High School Scholar of the Week.
“I'm just really thankful,” Ashlyn Guthrie said. “I've never really heard that many people say that many good things about me. I don't know, I just feel like I'm humbled by it.”
After she graduates, Guthrie plans to study forensic science and criminal justice. Those who know her have no doubt she will be successful.
“The thing is, you read so much about this generation and how much they lack,” Jones said. “But the truth is that this generation has a lot to offer. ... And they are going to shape our future. And it's students like Ashlyn that you see that are going to make the biggest difference in the world.”