Two JCC Students Named Goodnight Scholars

JCC students to be in Class of 2026 Goodnight Scholars Transfer Program at North Carolina State University

SMITHFIELD – Johnston Community College (JCC) has announced two of its students are among those chosen to be in NC State’s Goodnight Scholars Transfer Class of 2026.

Kaylie Baker of Wayne County and Isabelle Martin of Johnston County are this year’s recipients of the honor, which recognizes stellar academic achievement, exemplary extracurricular involvement, change-centered civic engagement, and continued success in the STEM and STEM education fields.

Baker graduated last week from Johnston Community College with an Associate of Science degree. Baker was on the President’s and Dean’s list and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. She plans to major in microbiology at NCSU.

Martin also graduated last week from JCC, earning her Associate of Science. She is also part of the Agree2Degree C3 Program at NC State and plans to major in biochemistry.

The Goodnight Scholars program allows first-year NC State STEM students and transfer students from North Carolina’s community colleges to apply. The award is $23,000 each year and is renewable for up to three years for transfer students.

“We are incredibly proud of these graduates and look forward to seeing their successes at NC State,” said JCC President Dr. Vern Lindquist.

“This program provides not only the financial means for students to transfer to NC State, but additional resources to help ensure a smooth transition from community college,” Lindquist added.

Finalists participate in a rigorous selection process, which includes an application and interview with a committee consisting of current and former NC State faculty, staff, and alumni, and industry representatives from SAS.