Lenoir Community College student Samuel Norman-David Yowonske of Kinston was awarded the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) Scholarship for the 2018-19 academic year.

The NCRR’s stated mission is “Putting the North Carolina Railroad Company to work for the good of the people of North Carolina” and by providing scholarships is just one way it does that.

Upon graduation from Kinston High School in 1997, Yowonske enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for 20 years before returning home to attend Lenoir Community College. He is enrolled in the Supply Chain Management program.

He plans to transfer to ECU to complete his bachelor’s degree and then continue his education at Embry-Riddle University to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in the Technical Management program.

“I look forward to continuing my education and to participate in more programs at LCC that assist everyone,” he said. “My military training assists me in being a leader and a role model for others to follow.”

Yowonske was recently inducted in the Omicron Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and he is on the Dean’s List. He received the Meritorious Service Medal and is a three-time Army Commendation Medal recipient, eight-time Army Achievement Medal recipient, five-time Good Conduct Medal recipient, three-time Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, and was awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal with two stars. He is a Distinguished Honor graduate and honor graduate of the U.S. Army.

He is a volunteer with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and with his church. He also participates in blood drives held at LCC.

Yowonske said he was appreciative of the NCRR Scholarship, so he could continue his education.

“I intend to strive to be the best in my field just as I was in the Army,” he said. “I want to assist others in striving to be the best that they can be at what they do.”