RALEIGH: When Sharon Wright-Watson and Charlene Wilson returned from their mission to Ground Zero it was with full hearts and exhausted bodies. "We drove all night and got home at 2 AM, but it was worth it," said Wright-Watson. Wright-Watson is Piedmont Community College Student Government Association and North Carolina Comprehensive Community College Student Government Association (N4CSGA) President. Wilson is N4CSGA Treasurer. The women traveled to New York City on December 18 to deliver a contribution from fellow N4CSGA members to help New York community college students in need.

When the Twin Towers came down on September 11, several surrounding buildings were also destroyed. The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) lost one of its buildings, crippling campus life and affecting students. Community college students in North Carolina heard about the plight of BMCC and wanted to help.

Student Government Associations at several of the 59 campuses of the North Carolina Community College System held fundraisers or made donations after discussing the need in New York at the SGA’s fall meeting. More than $7,600 was raised altogether. The collection was distributed among the NY Relief Fund, the American Red Cross, a NY Firefighters’ organization, and $1,117 went to BMCC. The fundraising continues and more money will be sent to BMCC.

Both women were visibly moved by their trip to NY. On Wednesday, December 19, they met with BMCC president Dr. Antonio Perez and vice president Dr. Michael Haynes, as well as BMCC students who could not believe that North Carolina community college students would be concerned about their needs. Sharon and Charlene and met about 200 of the 17,000 BMCC students during their visit.

In addition to losing a building, other parts of the campus have been involved in rescue efforts. Boxes of food are stored in the BMCC gymnasium, and rescue workers have slept in their facilities. As a result of giving up instructional space for rescue efforts, the school has to hold classes in former lounge areas and has set up computers in lounges.

"Student morale still is high," said Wilson. "They were so touched that we came up there and did something for them," said Wright-Watson who was moved by the sense of unity they experienced. "They treated us like we were a part of them."

The women were also treated to a police escort to the college. When they stopped a policeman for directions, instead of giving them directions, he led them to the college with his lights flashing.

According to Lou Anne Bulik, Public Relations Director for BMCC, the contribution from North Carolina will go into a fund that provides assistance to students with emergency needs. "So many people were affected by the terrorist attack, they need help and this money will fill a real need," she said.

-NCCCS-

Back to previous page.