Earlier this fall three Polk County New Century Scholars were introduced. This weeks featured scholar, Dewayne Wray, is a tenth grader at Polk County High School.

Wray entered the program in seventh grade and is still on track to receive a tuition-free two-year education at Isothermal Community College.

The New Century Scholars program annually selects three seventh graders and pledges to mentor them through high school graduation. Scholars agree to maintain good school attendance, grades, and citizenship, remain drug and alcohol-free, and perform volunteer service hours in exchange for the tuition-free education.

The Polk County ICC Foundation invites you to support its New Century Scholarship Fund. On October 26, the Foundation held its first annual golf tournament fundraiser at the Cliffs at Glassy, raising about $30,000 for the program, but the need is ongoing.

Contributions may be made to the Polk County Campus ICC Foundation, Inc., and mailed to 1255 Mills Street, Columbus.
Here is Dewayne Wray from the first class of Polk County New Century Scholars:
Q. What are your hobbies?

A. My hobbies are playing football and basketball with school and on the weekends. I also like to go bowling and to cook. When I am not doing those things, I like to rest from a long day of fun.
Q. How do you like to spend your time?

A. I like to spend my time doing different things instead of doing one thing all day. I like to spend my time wisely.
Q. Describe what it means to you to be a New Century Scholar.

A. To me, being a New Century Scholar is a privilege and an honor. It is something special to be a New Century Scholar.
Q. What are your plans for the future?

A. My plans for the future are to go to college and hopefully play football. I would like to major in Business and Global Marketing. I am also interested in Auto Body repair.
Q. Have you always wanted to attend college?

A. Yes, I have always wanted to attend college. I am interested in attending the University of New Haven and the University of South Florida after I complete my Associates degree at ICC.
Q. Describe the volunteer activities you have participated in.

A. During the first semester last year, I volunteered at Polk Central for 4 hours, 15 minutes each week and during the second semester, I volunteered for 1 and a half hours each week.