Each year, the Winterville Chamber is honored to receive a generous donation from the May family, preserving the lasting legacy of John Milton and Sue May. The Mays advocated for higher education and community support. In their memory, we choose a deserving local high school senior who has demonstrated a strong commitment to their community and is preparing to attend a four-year university. Thanks to the continued generosity of the May family through their son John and his wife Jeannie, we are able to make this happen.
We are proud to introduce recent South Central graduate Jordan Barrett as the 2025 recipient of the John Milton and Sue May Scholarship. Jordan not only excels academically but also demonstrates a passion for serving others through her involvement in school, church, and other community initiatives. Her positive impact reflects the values that the May family believed in.
“I take really good pride volunteering in my community,” Jordan said. Service has always been a key part of her journey. She has volunteered extensively with her church, who is a chamber member (Koinonia Christian Center), the Ronald McDonald House, and at her local dance studio (Katura Dance Academy). “I feel that volunteering has helped me grow as a person and learn a lot from other people,” she adds.
While attending South Central, Jordan was also dually enrolled at Pitt Community College. “I feel like taking college courses in high school helped me prepare for what’s coming next,” she shared. A dedication to academics, combined with a strong commitment to service, earned her a spot in the National Honor Society—further recognizing her hard work and achievements.
In addition to the academics, Jordan contributed creativity and leadership through South Central’s yearbook club. Through that, she took the opportunity to start her own photography business named Jaesmode Photogrpahy.
Jordan will be attending Elizabeth City State University this fall, a place that already feels like home. “I chose ECSU because both of my parents went there, so I’m very familiar with the school,” she shared. Her parents, General and Andrea Barrett, have been a big part of her journey. “They inspire me to succeed,” Jordan said. ”They always pushed me and told me that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
Jordan’s passion for helping others has shaped her career goals. She is interested in becoming a foster care social worker, a path that’s inspired by her daycare job at Dawnsha’s Loving Childcare Center. “I work at a daycare now, so I really enjoy working with and helping kids,” she explained. “I want to continue that as I get older by helping children in need of homes and placement, just making sure they have a safe place to stay.”
Preparing for this new chapter, Jordan is ready for the new opportunities that college will bring. “I’m most excited about being in a new city with new people,” she said. “Going to college really expands your horizons because you meet people from around the world. You get to see how other people do things, and it opens your mind to new perspectives.”
Receiving the John Milton and Sue May Scholarship is a special accomplishment for Jordan. “It means a lot because it’s coming from my own community,” she shared. “It’s a really big opportunity, and it’s inspiring.” Jordan also hopes her story can encourage others. “When people see this, it might inspire them to apply for scholarships too. They really help not just financially, but by putting your name out there and building your profile.”
Jordan is a great representative for our community. It is an honor to support her as she embarks upon a new chapter. We can’t wait to see the meaningful impact she will make along the way. Congratulations, Jordan!
