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A mainly sunny sky. High 73F. NW winds shifting to SW at 10 to 15 mph..
A few clouds. Low 47F. SSW winds shifting to NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: March 25, 2025 @ 2:32 am
Lilli Daughety
Melissa Espino
Rachel Noble
Lilli Daughety
Melissa Espino
Rachel Noble
Three Lenoir County Public Schools seniors have received the most prestigious merit scholarships at N.C. State University.
The students who earned scholarships are Rachel Noble, from South Lenoir High School, and Lilli Daughety and Melissa Espino, from North Lenoir High School, said Rebecca McGann, LCPS public information officer.
“These young women exemplify the dedication, perseverance, and leadership that define Lenoir County Public Schools,” McGann said. “We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and can’t wait to see the impact they will make at N.C. State and beyond.”
Daughety and Espino were awarded the Goodnight Scholarship, a full-ride, four-year award given to only 100 high-achieving STEM students across North Carolina.
Both girls are the first two students from North Lenoir High School to earn the scholarship in the same year, McGann said.
McGann said Daughety has demonstrated resilience and leadership throughout her high school career.
In addition to academic excellence and earning an associate degree alongside her diploma, she founded the LeadHERship Club, which empowers young women through community service.
She aspires to become an orthodontist and hopes to return to her hometown to give back to the Kinston community, McGann said.
Espino is a student leader with a passion for agriculture and veterinary science.
As president of her school’s Future Farmers of America chapter and South Regional FFA, she has inspired students across the region, McGann said.
Espino’s experience raising and caring for animals has shaped her career goal of becoming a veterinarian. With a rigorous academic background — including Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses — she is well-prepared for the next step in her education, McGann said.
Noble was named a recipient of the Park Scholarship, an elite program recognizing only 40 of North Carolina’s top students each year for their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service, McGann said.
Her passion for agriculture, starting on her family’s Christmas tree farm, has fueled her goal of becoming an agricultural lawyer.
Through FFA and dual enrollment at Lenoir Community College, Noble has built a strong foundation for success, McGann said.
Lilli Daughety
Melissa Espino
Rachel Noble
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