ELIZABETH CITY, NC — The future of Gates County took a step forward as the inaugural cohort of the Saunders Science Scholars graduated from Gates County High School and were honored at the 2025 Saunders Science Scholars Graduation Gala held at the Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The event marked a proud milestone for the community, showcasing the remarkable achievements of young students whose dedication and curiosity have been nurtured through an innovative educational program.
Since its inception in 2018, the Saunders Science Scholars program has provided vital STEM enrichment and youth development resources to the Gates County Schools community. Led by the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and passionately guided by Dr. Crystal Harden, Director of Program and Access Initiatives, the program has created opportunities that are often scarce in rural areas, helping local students explore the wonders of science in meaningful and impactful ways. Named in honor of the late Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., a revered Gates County educator and recipient of the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” the program embodies a legacy of community service and educational excellence.
“Graduates of the Saunders Science Scholars Program, congratulations on this remarkable achievement! Watching you explore the wonders of science with curiosity and determination has been truly inspiring,” said Dr. Harden. “Your journey through this program is more than just a testament to your resilience and hard work; it represents the power of opportunity and the brilliance that can emerge when communities unite with a shared vision. As you step into the future, remember that your pursuit of knowledge not only transforms your own lives but also illuminates a path for others in Gates County and beyond.”
Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Director of Gates County Community Partnership and an integral part of the program’s direction, expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments. “As we celebrate the graduation of the first cohort of Saunders Science Scholars, we stand on the foundation of dreams fulfilled through dedication and shared purpose,” he said. “Having been born and raised in Gates County, it fills my heart with immense pride to see our students embrace the wonders of STEM and rise to new heights. Their knowledge is a beacon for our community. I am confident they will continue to inspire and uplift those around them.”
The importance of programs like the Saunders Science Scholars in rural communities cannot be overstated. Zamaria Kinsey, a graduate of the program, shared her perspective: “The Saunders Science Scholars program is not just a STEM program, it’s a family! They gave us the help we needed to do the impossible. We gained educational opportunities that are often not seen in places like Gates, and we carried on what we learned by teaching other people just like us.”
Another Saunders Science Scholars graduate, Logan Kronbauer, expressed, “The Saunders Science Scholars has been a major benefactor in my life. The program incubated my love for science, allowing me to supplement my education in the field of Chemistry. The college campus tours we embarked on allowed me to tour wondrous post-secondary institutions. As a result, I will be attending Wake Forest University in the fall. Additionally, the program allowed me to participate in volunteer opportunities, giving me a chance to help improve my community through the education of scientific subjects.”
Parent Christie Bartoli also voiced her gratitude, noting how the program helped her daughter Bella pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. “Our family is extremely grateful for the Saunders Science Scholars program. Bella has wanted to be a veterinarian since elementary school, and this program allowed her to explore animal science and other STEM fields, ultimately helping her secure a spot at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.”
Superintendent Dr. Phillip Barry Williams emphasized the program’s profound impact: “At the gala, the Saunders Science Scholars program awarded 12 scholarships to Gates County High School seniors heading to prestigious universities. It has truly transformed our students’ educational journeys, fostering curiosity, innovation, and a passion for discovery. The program has instilled responsibility, integrity, and self-awareness, lessons that will serve these young leaders throughout their lives. These students have the blueprint to change the world. We are proud of our graduates and grateful for the opportunities this program has provided.”
As the first graduating class steps into the next chapter of their lives, their success underscores the vital importance of academic enrichment programs in rural communities. The Saunders Science Scholars program stands as a testament to what can be achieved when dedicated individuals, local organizations, and institutions collaborate to open doors and ignite passions in young minds.
Congratulations to the Saunders Science Scholars Class of 2025: Logan Kronbauer, Zamaria Kinsey, Ky’Asia Bunch, Ace Austin, Bella Bartoli, Shalamar Boyce, Ni’Jahe Saunders, Kelsey Evans, Leah Moore, Justin Powell, Clinton Mizelle, and Kent Askew. Your bright futures are a guiding light for Gates County and beyond.