By ALLISON FLYNN
Daily Courier Staff Writer

SPINDALE - Sixty-eight seventh graders accepted a challenge Thursday night as they were inducted into New Century Scholars at Isothermal Community College.

Now in its seventh year, the program - which was developed by Isothermal and Rutherford County Schools - provides support in hopes of building self-esteem, interpersonal skills and career exploration skills.

In her welcome to the students and their families, Dr. Kim Gold, vice president of academic and student services at Isothermal Community College, said the program began in June 2002, with its first induction of 60 students in the fall of 2003.

“With your induction we are almost to 400 now,” Gold said. “By signing that contract you are reaffirming your commitment to New Century Scholars and to learning.

“We believe in you, your dreams and abilities. You are now a part of Isothermal Community College.”

Johnny Smith, New Century Scholars Coordinator and director of the career center at Isothermal, told the students their parents were applauding because by becoming a New Century Scholar, they’d be saving their parents money. Those who complete the program receive tuition to Isothermal.

“I know my parents were textile workers and didn’t have that opportunity,” Smith said.

Smith said as he looked at the crowd, he saw doctors, nurses, lawyers and engineers.

“We want to see you realize that dream,” he said. “We’re delighted to be alongside you.”

Gold addressed the audience again and spoke of those who supported the students - teachers, counselors and principals and also those who have donated to the program and have never met the students.

“What those investors are looking for is to see you grow and achieve your potential,” she said.

“If you don’t hear anything else I say tonight ... Your future and your dreams are not because of luck or fate. Your future happens because you want it and invest in it.”

That’s not to say there won’t be bumps along the way, said Janet Mason, assistant superintendent of Rutherford County schools.

“The grades from seventh to twelfth grade are not easy. I know that there are going to be tough days ahead of you,” Mason said. “I always want you to remember even when you doubt yourself, so many people don’t doubt you.

“I look forward to the bright future you are going to have.”

New Century Scholars for 2009-2010 are Ronnie Lee Aiken, Lindsey Bailey, Tiffany Barnes, Jillian Barnowski, Dillon Berryhill, Angela Bradley, Journey Cassie Bradley, Lillian Rose Bradley, Eric Brigman, Jadaeja Arriel Brown, Lauren Buckner, Adam Gregory Burnette, Jordan Burnette, Caleb Byars, Anisha Canady, Juan Castrellon, Mia Chapman, Ashley Champion, Ricky Chavez, Alleya Curtis, Adrianna Leigh Cuthbertson, Angelica Deleon, Charleigh Ellison, Sara Evansek, Madison Francis, Taylor Funderburke, Liliana Gonzalez-Duran, Kaileigh Elisabeth Gray, Philip Raphael Guadagno, Ajoyia Hamilton, Sarah Hamrick, Trent Head, Blake Henderson, Lauren Holt, Jacob Horton, Chassidy Hoyle, Morgan Jolley, Houston Jones, Brianna Kingery, Kayla Brooke Kirkland, Danielle Michelle Lane, Harley Todd Lattimore, Allyshia Jade Logan, Tyran Dante McEntyre, Alexis Marie Maher, Sierra Whitney Morse, Marshall Adam Nanney, Tyler Nguyen, Peyton Noschese, Reese Palmeri, Garet Parry, Makenzie Philbeck, Tyra Phillips, Gaither Rollins, Nancy Sebastian, Summer Shytles, Sarah Grace Summers, Ashley Thompson, Maggie Upton, Douglas VanderLaan, Ashlyn Vickers, Sarah Walker, Amanda Wells, Allison White, Spencer Lawson White, Caylin Elliott Whiteside and Cecilie Bree Wilkins.

New Century Scholars Coordinators are Tammy Campbell and Trudy Jones, Chase Middle; Denise Hill, East Middle; Sherry Jolly, R-S Middle; Debra Harrill, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy; and Linda Sage, Polk County Middle.

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