Student Success
Exceptional Students Recognized with Top College Honor
RALEIGH, N.C. (October 9, 2025) – Three outstanding Wake Tech students have been named Scott Scholars, the most prestigious and sought-after honor the college bestows, for the 2025-26 academic year.
Kiranpreet "Kiran" Kaur, Neha Amaraneni and Wei Hu will each receive up to $3,500 to cover tuition, fees and books, as well as a laptop computer, a summer internship placement, a mentor from senior administration and opportunities to participate in special projects and events. The merit-based Scott Scholarship is designed to provide leadership development opportunities for outstanding students in associate degree programs.
Eighteen-year-old Kaur is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree and is already an accomplished leader, serving as state president of Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate and vice president of Wake Tech's Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Kaur, an active member of the college Honors Program, is also a Student Government Association (SGA) senator and a Student Ambassador, representing the college at official events and activities.
As a Scott Scholar, she strives to redefine leadership, "not just in title, but in action, influence and impact." Reflecting on her experience at Wake Tech, she said, "I've already learned so much in just my first year, from collaborating with peers to managing club responsibilities, and I look forward to continuing that growth." Kaur aspires to continue her education at a top business school, to expand her leadership and analytical skills and have a meaningful impact in the field of business.
Amaraneni, an international student from India, is also an SGA senator and a Peer Tutor. She is pursuing Associate in Science and Associate in Engineering degrees. In June, she earned second place, along with Kaur, in the Business Presentation team competition at the Collegiate Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference. Amaraneni co-founded Giantwheel Buddies Foundation, which offers scholarships to assist neurodiverse students in pursuing their career dreams. She co-authored "The Cyber Clues: A Key to the Past," a mystery adventure that teaches essential cyber skills to elementary school children, and hopes to distribute the book to local schools and libraries.
As a Scott Scholar, she plans to continue helping others: "I want to create an environment where others feel empowered and inspired. This scholarship will help amplify my ability to have a positive and lasting impact, on campus and beyond."
Hu is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Accounting & Finance. She enrolled at Wake Tech after moving to North Carolina from China, where she worked in Human Resources and established a start-up company. She also volunteered with a charity in Shanghai for nearly 20 years, organizing weekend reading activities for children and helping establish libraries for schools in mountain areas. Hu continues to volunteer in North Carolina, providing aid to Chinese families in need.
As a Scott Scholar, she is committed to further developing her leadership while giving back to her community in meaningful ways. "I hope to bring my community service passion and experience to Wake Tech by mentoring fellow accounting students or organizing workshops for free tax support. To me, success isn't just about personal achievement; it's also about helping others along the way. This scholarship would empower me to do both."
"Kiran, Neha and Wei are wonderful examples of how students can dream big, expand their skills and talents, and serve others while pursuing their education goals," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. "I know that, as Scott Scholars, these exceptional students will have a positive impact at Wake Tech and in our community. We are indeed lucky to have them serving as student leaders!"
The Scott Scholars program is named in honor of Wake Tech's third president, Dr. Stephen C. Scott, who retired in 2018 after 15 years at the helm of the state's largest community college. It was established in 2012 with a $25,000 endowment from Wake Tech alumni Mark and Rachel Selisker. The program's goal is to raise $1 million to support four Scott Scholars each academic year.
