Minority Triangle Students Inducted Into National Achievers Society

One hundred students were inducted into the

National Achievers Society

for their good grades and strong leadership.

"To be recognized as a minority for something that we've done that's good instead of something that's bad makes me feel proud," Damion White of Franklinton High School said.

"I really work hard to get good grades and stuff, so it does mean a whole lot to me," Megan Merchant of Franklinton High School said.

Rev. Markel Hutchins of Atlanta challenged the students to achieve greatness.

"Colin Powell is Secretary of State, but where are we really when there are a half-million young minorities in jail [rather] than in college?" he said.

The Urban League, which helps support students in the National Achievers Society, hopes to have more young achievers in the coming years, and the organization looked to the inductees to become recruiters through leadership.

The goal is "getting them to realize and understand their abilities, their gifts and their influence and the influence they have over their peers," said Keith Sutton, CEO of the Triangle Urban League.

Students can apply for next year's National Achievers Society through their school's guidance office.