Friday, August 21, 2009

For the eighth consecutive year, first-year students enrolling in the Honors Scholars Program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington will kick off the new academic year with a beach sweep at Kure Beach in southern New Hanover County, Saturday Aug. 22, 2009, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Media are welcome to attend and cover this event.

"We want to encourage our students to learn about the Cape Fear area that is now their home," said Kate Bruce, program director. "We also want them to be aware of ways to help care for our beach environment, and to meet and talk with local officials about environmental issues. The Honors Beach Survey and Sweep is a great way to do this."

As in past years, the 125-plus students will cover a large expanse of the area, and will spend several hours on the beach picking up trash and assisting the town of Kure Beach with a survey to assess visitors' needs and satisfaction.

The Honors Scholars Program offers academic enrichment to students at UNCW. In addition to their classes, students are encouraged to participate in volunteer service and learn more about the Wilmington area.

To learn more about the program, visit the Honors Scholars Program Web site at http://uncw.edu/honors.