News

Seven Henderson County seniors graduate from School of Science and Math

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 6, 2025

Seven seniors from Henderson County were among almost 500 from across North Carolina who graduated in the Class of 2025 of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics at the Durham (D) and Morganton (M) campuses.

The local graduates were Samuel Cameron Kowalak (D) - Hendersonville High School; Sabrina Liu (M) - North Henderson High School; Gavin Michael Puleio (D) - West Henderson High School; Ian Nathaniel Richards (M) - West Henderson High School; Julianna Lynn Savage (D) - East Henderson High School; Ella Emilie Smith (D) - Hendersonville High School; and Maggie Juliana Staton (D) - Henderson County Early College.

Students with high abilities in math and science began their studies at their local high school, then as sophomores applied to the nation’s No. 1 public high school (according to Niche.com), which serves all of North Carolina. Those accepted live in residence halls on the Durham or Morganton campuses during their junior and senior years, taking high-level classes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and in the humanities.

Rising sophomores statewide may now apply for the residential program on either campus, or both, or to the NCSSM Online program. The state of North Carolina and private donors cover the cost of tuition, room and board and books.