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Team UCPS is thrilled to bring you this special edition highlighting the achievements of a group of remarkable students from Monroe and Forest Hills high schools. These students have successfully navigated the challenging road to higher education with the help of the Wayfind program, a partnership between UCPS and Wingate University. The inaugural class of Wayfind scholars has achieved a significant milestone, as 10 students have received full four-year scholarships to Wingate University.

Inaugural Wayfind class comes full circle with scholarships to Wingate University

From Left to right: Ramiro Salinas, Jorge Gutierrez, Alexander Jose-Sanchez, Jose Solis Bello, Tessa Stewart, Celina Tovar Castro, Victor Quintanilla, Carson Corley, Jordan Galindo Sanchez and Alan Capote.

For many students, the road to college can be daunting, especially for those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. But for a group of Union County Public Schools (UCPS) students from Monroe and Forest Hills high schools, the Wayfind program has made that road a little easier. For the inaugural class of Wayfind scholars, that road has led them back to where it all began: Wingate University.


Wayfind, a partnership between UCPS and Wingate University, pairs middle and high school students with mentors to prepare them for college. The program represents a gift of college and a promise of a better future, especially for potential first-generation college students. Among the first Wayfind scholars, 10 have made it a reality. 


Wayfind inducted its first class of eighth-grade students in February 2019. Over the next four years, these students would work with mentors to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college and beyond. On Friday, April 28, 2023, those scholars came full circle, celebrating their accomplishments and the doors Wayfind has opened for them. As a result, each of them is eligible for a full four-year scholarship to Wingate University.


Scholars were honored for their achievements at the university's Laverne Banquet Hall. The room bustled with excitement and pride as the scholars, their families and guests gathered to commemorate the day. Dr. Jeff Frederick, the Provost at Wingate University, began the ceremony with opening remarks. He conveyed his joy in being part of such a monumental moment and thanked all involved.

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How did they get here?

Achieving excellence: what success looks like for Wayfind scholars

The Wayfind program has had a significant impact on students' academic performance at both high schools.


The mean weighted GPA for Wayfind scholars at these schools is 3.66.


Additionally, Wayfind scholars have excelled in their End-of-Course proficiency exams.

  • Biology: 87.5% proficient
  • Math I: 100% proficient
  • Math 3: 82% proficient


Wayfind scholars have also successfully met all expectations for attendance and discipline.


Collectively, this group will be entering Wingate University on full scholarships valued at more than $1.5M.

In their own words...

What do the scholars plan to study at Wingate University?


Monroe High

  • Alan Capote, Nursing
  • Jorge Gutierrez, Music
  • Jose Solis Bello, Math
  • Alexander Jose-Sanchez, Undecided
  • Ramiro Salinas, Undecided
  • Celina Tovar- Castro, Elementary Education
  • Victor Quintanilla, Human Services


Forest Hills High

  • Carson Corley, Psychology
  • Jordan Galindo, Psychology
  • Tessa Stewart, Finance

Thank you, Wayfind mentors

Wayfind Mentors, undergraduate students at Wingate Uiversity, have been mentoring scholars in the class of 2023 for four and a half years. 


Mentorship includes academic and social enrichment as well as guidance about transitioning from high school to college.


"I've been a mentor for three years. I'm a psychology major so I want to work with children and adolescents. Working with these students has helped me understand what they are thinking daily. They have taught me how to be more relatable and vulnerable," said Jaida Brown. "I've seen them develop their communication, leadership and advocating skills. It has also taught them to be themselves."

Walking down memory lane

On February 22, 2019, a group of eighth graders from Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle and East Union Middle were inducted into the Wayfind program at Wingate University.


"Four years ago, I got accepted into Wayfind without knowing the importance and the opportunities it would bring me and the other scholars. Here, I am four years later, with the other nine scholars accomplishing something that will always be remembered. We are the first cohort of the Wayfind family," said Celina Tovar Castro, Monroe High senior. "As an eighth-grader, I didn't know what college-ready meant. As a senior, I see the impact of everything that was taught to us. If it wasn't for Wayfind, I wouldn't know this campus by heart, I wouldn't have attended a conference in California and I wouldn't have the opportunity to go to such an amazing college to get a degree in elementary education."

A few more blasts from the past!

In the news...

In 2019, Tessa Stewart was interviewed by WSOC, and they recently caught up with her at the Wayfind celebration to reflect on her journey and hear her thoughts on starting the next chapter in her life. To watch the coverage, visit WSOC.

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