HAMLET — Richmond County Schools students now have a new opportunity through Wingate Wayfind: The Caddell-McGee Scholars Program.
This program offers selected middle and high school students ongoing support and the opportunity to earn a full-tuition scholarship to Wingate University. Applications are open for the first class of scholars, who will begin the program later this school year.
The program is supported by Danny Caddell and his brother, Dr. Jerry McGee, who served as president of Wingate University from 1992 to 2015 and is now president emeritus. Both Richmond County natives credit their parents with making college possible at a time when it was far from guaranteed, an effort that shaped their decision to create new opportunities for local students.
“We wouldn’t be here without our parents,” Caddell said. “We grew up in Roberdel, and college was expected. They found a way to make it possible. My reason for being involved in this is gratitude to them for what they did for us, and we hope to pass that forward to students here.”
McGee said the success of Wayfind in Union County made him think immediately of Richmond County.
“When we first had the idea for this program, there were people who doubted it would work because of the cost and the risk that students might not finish the program," McGee said. "But when it began to succeed, I immediately thought about another place where it could work. Richmond County was the first place that came to mind. There were a lot of kids in Roberdel, Cordova, and other communities who were just as smart as we were but never had the chance. If this program can give even a few students that opportunity, it will be worth it.”
“This partnership brings a valuable resource to the students in Richmond County,” shared Dr. Joe Ferrell, superintendent of Richmond County Schools. “We are grateful for the investment and looking forward to seeing the impact on the first group of scholars.”
Richmond County Schools staff and Board of Education members recognize Wingate Wayfind benefactors Dr. Jerry McGee and Danny Caddell during the September meeting.
RCS
Wayfind is a selective program that begins in eighth grade and continues through high school. Applications open each fall for current eighth graders, and for the inaugural year students in ninth and tenth grade are also eligible. Students apply with recommendations from their teachers or staff, and school leaders work with program directors to select each year’s class, with priority given to those who would be the first in their families to attend college.
“This program creates consistent support during a pivotal time,” said Dawn Terry, program liaison for Richmond County Schools. “They will have mentors walking alongside them, experiences that prepare them for the next step, and the knowledge that a tuition scholarship is waiting when they complete the program.”
Once chosen, scholars are paired with Wingate University students who provide guidance, encouragement, and exposure to college life. The program also offers support for families navigating the college process and opportunities for campus visits that help build confidence in pursuing higher education.
Anesu Simango - Wingate University
Dr. Rhett Brown, president of Wingate University, said expanding Wayfind into Richmond County reflects the university’s commitment to opening doors for students.
“For me, earning a college degree meant more opportunity, more options, and more agency — the ability to chart my own path," Brown said. "Wingate University made that possible for me, and through the expansion of our Wayfind program into Richmond County, we’re committed to opening those same doors for students who may not have thought college was within reach. We believe in their potential, and we’re ready to walk alongside them as they discover it.”
Applications for Richmond County’s inaugural class of Wayfind Scholars will remain open through Oct. 10. Ten students will be selected to join the first cohort. Students who are interested should contact their school’s guidance counselor or assistant principal for more information.
