Hunter Latimer is the first Gray Stone Day School student to receive the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Morehead-Cain Scholarship.
Criteria for selection include scholarship, leadership, moral force of character and physical vigor.
Recipients receive a full four-year scholarship covering tuition, books, room and board, a laptop computer and four summer enrichment experiences involving public service, international research and private enterprise opportunities.
Less than 4 percent of all nominees receive the scholarship, making the Morehead-Cain one of the most competitive merit scholarships in the country. It is valued at $100,000 for in-state students.
“I was born and raised a Tarheel fan, and I have dreamed about the Morehead-Cain scholarship since I was in the seventh grade,” Latimer said. “I am thrilled to be attending my first Scholar Enrichment Program this summer and UNC-Chapel Hill next fall.”
The Morehead-Cain is more than just a scholarship. It is a program that will offer Latimer more opportunities to discover, explore and pursue her passions; more encouragement to broaden her perspective, establish meaningful relationships and impact communities; and more support through an extraordinary, active network of fellow scholars, alumni, staff and trustees.
Latimer is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and was the 2011 Student Athlete of the Year at Gray Stone.
She has served in many offices of Student Council, and is currently serving as senior class president.
Latimer was a junior marshal, a National Merit Commended Student and an AP Scholar.
She has participated in cross country and track all four years, and is an all-state runner, a four time Stanly County runner of the year in both cross country and track, five time conference runner of the year, and 2011 state champion in the 4×800-meter run. She also tutored at-risk youth and served as a lifeguard during the summer. She organized a 5K run for the Youth Services Bureau and Rowan Helping Ministries, raising $5,000.
Latimer is the daughter of Harrison and Carol Latimer of Salisbury, the granddaughter of Jane Pittman and the late John B. Pittman of Rockingham, and John and Katherine Latimer of Chapel Hill.
She plans to study business and Spanish.