Lenoir County Early College Senior earns prestigious scholarships, commits to returning as educator
Zacchaeus Jones, a senior at Lenoir County Early College High School (LCECHS), is preparing to graduate this spring with not only a diploma, but a future secured by multiple prestigious scholarships and a plan to return to his community as an educator.
Jones, who has spent the last four years at LCECHS immersed in academics and leadership, recently received the James and Connie Maynard Scholarship and the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Award—two highly competitive programs aimed at fostering the next generation of teachers in North Carolina.
The James and Connie Maynard Scholarship provides up to $40,000 over four years to students committed to teaching in eastern North Carolina. Similarly, the NC Teaching Fellows program offers scholarships to students who agree to teach in high-need subject areas, such as STEM and special education, upon graduation.
“I chose to go to East Carolina University,” Jones said. “The Maynard Scholarship is $5,000 per semester until I graduate. In return, I signed an agreement to come back to a rural county and teach.”
Jones plans to return to Lenoir County after completing his education degree at ECU. “I want to come back and give back to the community,” he said.
A leader in and out of the classroom, Jones has served as a Student Government Association representative and treasurer, competed with the Science Olympiad team, and been active on the Activities Committee. He was named a Cognia Student Ambassador for Lenoir County Public Schools and is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. In 2024, he was honored with the titles of Mr. Young Man of the Year and Mr. Beautillion at the annual Beautillion Scholarship Pageant.
He found success at Lenoir County Early College. “From the time that I went to orientation in August until now, I have enjoyed my time,” Jones said. “The small class sizes, the teacher-student ratio, our principal—he’s always there. The family atmosphere and the opportunity for leadership positions made a big difference.”
Jones attributes much of his success and drive to his mother. “With her being a single parent, raising three children, I would say she’s had a big impact on my life,” he said. “She always told me, ‘You can do this. Don’t let the world tell you any different. You will always have a seat at the table.’”
He recalls watching his mother, a teacher, go the extra mile for her students. “I’ve seen how she treats her students like they are her own children. Shopping for them, going the extra mile. And I feel like, as a good teacher, that’s what we should do—see what our students need and be there outside of the classroom too.”
In addition to his academic pursuits, Jones operates a tutoring service for local students, serves as a youth minister, and works as an associate director at a local funeral home. Each role, he said, has helped shape his commitment to service.
He encourages younger students to stay engaged and value their time in school. “Make memories, because time really flies,” he said. “Apply yourself, do the work while you’re at school. It’s not always about what’s inside the classroom—sometimes you can learn outside of it too.”
As he looks ahead to his future in education, Jones remains deeply grateful for the opportunities provided by Lenoir County Public Schools.
“I love the family atmosphere,” he said. “The teachers, how they love their students, the opportunities we have, and the technology—we have everything we need to succeed.”
With a clear vision and steadfast purpose, Zacchaeus Jones represents the best of what Lenoir County schools aim to foster: leadership, service, and a commitment to community.
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