ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — The final cohort of the Saunders Science Scholars Program was celebrated on Saturday, May 30, 2026, during the 2026 Saunders Science Scholars Graduation Gala at the Museum of the Albemarle.
Established through a partnership among Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Gates County Schools, and Gates County Community Partnership, the Saunders Science Scholars Program was designed to expand educational opportunities for Gates County students through science enrichment, college and career exploration, leadership development, mentoring, and exposure to experiences beyond the classroom. For nearly a decade, the initiative empowered students to pursue higher education and careers in STEM and other professional fields while developing the confidence, character, and skills necessary for lifelong success.
The gala honored twelve graduating seniors from Gates County High School as they prepare to begin their collegiate journeys and celebrated the lasting impact of a program that transformed opportunities for young people across Gates County.
The event opened with remarks from Dr. Crystal Harden, Director of Programs and Strategic Engagement at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Harden energized attendees by inviting the twelve graduating scholars to stand and recognize the village that supported them throughout their educational journeys. She also encouraged the scholars to thank their mothers, creating one of the evening’s first emotional moments.
Dr. Todd Boyette, Director of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, welcomed guests and reflected on the collaborative effort that made the program successful. He individually thanked program benefactors Stephen and Addie Butts, program director Dr. Crystal Harden, collaborator Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., and Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent of Gates County Schools, for their dedication and commitment to creating opportunities for students.
Following dinner, Dr. Harden recognized members of the Saunders Science Scholars Class of 2025 who were in attendance: Shalamar Boyce, attending North Carolina Central University; Justin Powell, attending UNC-Pembroke; and Bella Bartoli, attending College of The Albemarle.
The evening continued with remarks from Stephen Butts, CEO of Arrivo BioVentures and funder of the Saunders Science Scholars Program. Butts congratulated the graduating scholars and shared four key points of advice as they prepare for college and life beyond high school.
First, he encouraged students to know that they belong and that their perspectives matter. Second, he reminded them that asking for help is a sign of intelligence, not weakness. Third, he challenged them to think deeply about what college is truly about; learning how to think differently and expand their perspectives. Finally, he emphasized that college is about much more than academics; it is about life experiences and challenging oneself to grow.
Butts also shared a memorable piece of advice with the graduates:
“Companies do not hire you because you know things, because you actually don’t. What they are hiring you for is you know how to figure things out.”
Next, Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent of Gates County Schools, celebrated the accomplishments of the final class of Saunders Science Scholars while reflecting on the partnership that made the initiative possible.
Williams emphasized that the program was built through a collaborative effort involving Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Gates County Schools, and Gates County Community Partnership. He noted that the success of the initiative was rooted in people who believed in something larger than themselves, particularly Dr. Crystal Harden and Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., who shared a vision that every student deserves access to opportunities that unlock their full potential.
He encouraged the graduates to continue building upon the foundation established through the program, stating:
“The Saunders Science Scholars program has given you a strong foundation to build a future. You have learned responsibility, accountability, and how to drive through challenges when times are tough. Watch your thoughts because they become your words. Watch your words because they become your actions. Watch your actions because they become your habits. Watch your habits because they become your character. Watch your character because that becomes your destiny.”
Representing the Class of 2026, graduating senior Deshaun Sherman delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of his fellow scholars.
Sherman personally thanked Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr. and Dr. Crystal Harden for providing him a second chance through the program and spoke about the honor of being selected as a Saunders Science Scholar. He challenged his classmates to recognize the power and potential they carry within themselves while acknowledging the support systems that helped them reach this milestone.
“Though we are the future, we are also part of the present,” Sherman said. “Tonight is a reminder that none of us achieve success on our own. We all have a support system of parents, teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends who encourage us to dream big and work harder.”
The evening also featured remarks from Leslie Wright, parent of a Saunders Science Scholar, who spoke with humor, warmth, and authenticity about the impact of the program on students and families.
Wright described the strong sense of community and support the program provided over the years and celebrated the preparedness of the graduates as they embark on their next chapters.
“Scholars, you are now about to begin another journey,” Wright said. “Remember success is not determined by where you start but by your willingness to keep going when life gets difficult.”
She encouraged graduates to dream beyond their circumstances, think independently, and remain humble enough to seek help when needed.
Remarks concluded with Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Founder of Gates County Community Partnership and longtime collaborator of the Saunders Science Scholars Program.
Saunders expressed gratitude to Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for believing in Gates County and investing its expertise, resources, and energy into local students and educators. He also thanked Gates County Schools for its partnership and unwavering commitment to student success, Dr. Crystal Harden for her leadership and dedication, Stephen and Addie Butts for their vision and financial support, and the parents and families who remained active participants throughout the program’s existence.
Saunders reflected on the program’s namesake, his father, Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., and his mother, Aileene Saunders, both retired Gates County educators whose lives exemplified service, leadership, and commitment to community.
He encouraged the graduates to embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for growth and personal development.
“As you move forward, remember this. Life is not about what happens to you, it is about how you choose to respond to what happens to you,” Saunders said. “Adversity will come. Challenges will come. Disappointments will come. But every obstacle carries within it an opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, more disciplined, and more compassionate. What we see as difficult moments are life’s greatest classrooms. Embrace the challenge and remember, a calm and rational mind is one of the greatest strengths a person can possess. Wisdom and sound judgment are born from clarity, not chaos.”
Following the remarks, Dr. Harden shared personalized stories about each graduating scholar before joining Saunders to present bookbags, school supplies, and computers to every senior as they prepare for college.
The evening’s most emotional moment came during Dr. Harden’s closing remarks. Fighting back tears, she reflected on her decade of service to Gates County students and families while thanking everyone who contributed to the program’s success.
She encouraged the graduates to live purposefully, serve others, and become changemakers in their communities.
Reflecting on the significance of the evening, Harden later shared:
“The night was full of emotion. It was a struggle. I missed a lot of what I wanted to say because of the realization of the ending of the program. I gave it my all and I will always be grateful to have been chosen to provide impact in Gates County and help change lives. Systemic change is always the goal, but individual victories matter so much. This program was full of them! Thank you Gates County!”
The celebration concluded with music provided by DJ Mic Check (Michael English), along with dancing, fellowship, and the opportunity for scholars, families, and supporters to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
Class of 2026 Saunders Science Scholars
- J’Yanah Powell – Norfolk State University
- Timberlyn Chappell – Appalachian State University
- London Barber – Chowan University
- Deshaun Sherman – Norfolk State University
- Layla Eggleston – UNC Charlotte
- Jamell Reid – UNC Greensboro
- Jayla Porter – Clark Atlanta University
- Audrina Bowdoin – Manhattanville University
- Christopher Lee – Fayetteville State University
- Logan Roman – UNC Charlotte
- Semiyah Saunders – Winston-Salem State University
- Ayden Wright – UNC Charlotte
Event Partners and Vendors
The 2026 Saunders Science Scholars Graduation Gala was made possible through the support of several outstanding vendors and partners:
- Next Level Operations – Event Planning and Décor
- Currituck BBQ – Catering
- HuthPhoto – Photography and Videography
- DJ Mic Check (Michael English) – Entertainment
As the final Saunders Science Scholars cohort prepares to begin the next chapter of their educational journeys, the legacy of the program will continue through the lives they impact, the communities they serve, and the futures they help shape for generations to come.