Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Sarah Williamson
Date: February 19, 2007 Phone: 919/733-5612
EMBARGOED UNTIL 7 P.M.
GOV. EASLEY RECOGNIZES STUDENTS DURING STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
RALEIGH – Here is background on the two students Gov. Mike Easley recognized during his fourth State of the State Address.
Breanna Bodden
Breanna Bodden, 9 years old, is from Spring Lake. Her mother, father and stepfather have been deployed to Iraq. She is currently staying with family friend, Deborah Clark, while her parents are away. Breanna’s mother, Army Reservist Rebecca Hagler, left Oct. 1, 2006 while her stepfather, Fort Bragg soldier Ted Hagler, was deployed in July 2006. Her father, Marine Capt. Henry Bodden, was deployed in January.
Breanna communicates with her mother nearly every day by telephone or e-mail. She regularly receives pictures of her mother and stepfather, who are stationed about 10 miles apart. Breanna will soon be able to talk to her parents and see them at the same time, thanks to a satellite hookup.
Breanna’s mother is scheduled to return for a two-week visit in April and is expected to return home again for good in October. Her father and stepfather will be home this summer.
Breanna is a fourth grade honor roll student at South Harnett Elementary School in Bunnlevel. She takes academically gifted classes. She enjoys reading and soccer.
“Everyday I do not see my parents is tough, but knowing my teachers and other adults at my school have gone to classes to learn how to help me makes it easier,” said Bodden. “I’m glad they know how to help me when I am sad or worried about my family.”
Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams, 16, is a junior at the Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School in Durham. Ashley lives in Durham with her mother and her two younger siblings. She is active in student government.
Ashley believes that attending a Learn and Earn early college high school gives her with an edge over other students. She says she doubts other schools would offer her the opportunities for growth, including extra credit activities and tutoring, she is getting at the Learn and Earn school. Ashley says that being in college classes as a high school student is challenging but it also teaches her responsibility. The best thing about being a Learn and Earn student, Ashley says, is a learning atmosphere that is “very diverse with great peers to learn from.”
Ashley’s future ambitions include completing an undergraduate degree in public administration and political science from Spellman College or N.C. Central University and being elected governor of North Carolina.
“I have always wanted to get a degree, but I never knew how I would pay for it,” said Williams. “Going to early college means I only have to pay for two years of school. If I can get a grant and keep my grades up I will not have to pay for college at all.”