What is Brunswick Built? It is not only a scholarship; it has many other meanings to it. “Brunswick Built is committed to supporting the school system with the goal of ensuring that all students succeed by building a strong educational foundation.”
“Basically, we’re looking at a mission that ensures student success for all students through community partnerships within the school,” said Principal Justin Hayes. “It’s providing personalized support for individual students throughout the school and the school district, and keeping a safe and orderly environment for the students and staff.”
Though many people don’t know about it, it has built a strong base all over the county. Brunswick Built is steadily gaining support through many people in the school community, public involvement, and with the dedication of those who recognize its value. Something that has started off small has now grown with lasting impact, reaching more people every year.
“Brunswick Built Teacher Scholars is a scholarship program available to Brunswick County Schools graduates who are planning to pursue a career in teaching and would like to return to teach in Brunswick County,” said COAST teacher Jennie Bryan, who coined the term. “Students receive $2500 a year for up to four years, ($10,000 max) and they make an agreement to teach in Brunswick County Schools for each year they receive financial aid,” A four year award would mean a 4 year commitment of teaching in Brunswick County Schools.” This is very similar to how the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program.
In just two years, Brunswick County Schools has awarded or pledged a total of $55,000. The award has been offered to eighteen students all of whom are either Brunswick County Schools graduates or current BCS employees enrolled in classes to obtain their teaching license. A few WBHS grad recipients are; Maisy Morse class of 2021; Amanda Jacobs, class of 2022; Morgan Bellamy, class of 2023; and Amadis Levasa, class of 2025.
“I lead our BCS Teacher Scholar Academy at The COAST, so I am always working with our future teachers and looking for ways to recruit students into this profession, Said Bryan.” I’ve learned about similar programs that other school districts have around the state to encourage their graduates to return home to teach.
“Well, I think it’s all one focus,” said Hayes. “It’s all one mission, and we want to make sure we’re on the same page whether it’s north, south, west, or in our middle and elementary schools. We want to see all of our students succeed, not just those from one specific school.”
“The longer this program is in place, I’m hoping we will see an increasing number of students return to be guest speakers in my Teaching as a Profession classes to share with my students what their college experiences have been like”, Said Bryan what they are learning about in their college education courses. The ultimate reward is seeing our best and brightest BCS students return to us as amazing classroom teachers who feel supported and ready to begin a meaningful and fulfilling profession in the community and schools that built them. That’s what #BrunswickBuilt is all about!
