Success Stories

North Carolina's community colleges are creating success for students across the state.

Chelsea Smith, College of The Albermarle, Excellence Award 2013

I chose College of The Albemarle’s Associate Degree Nursing (A.D.N.) program because of its incredible reputation as one of the best in the state.  I packed up my life and drove 4 hours north to the tiny town of Elizabeth City with one thing in mind – doing whatever it takes to become an RN.  Sin

Nicole Mena, Craven Community College, Excellence Award 2013

From day one at Craven I was given support and guidance, yet empowered to be in control of my education and decisions at the same time. When my family relocated to North Carolina, I decided to change career paths and follow my longtime dream of becoming a teacher.

Crystal Overcash, Davidson County Community College, Excellence Award 2013

Pursuing a dream is not easy. My dream has always been to become a labor and delivery nurse. That dream became secondary while I raised my young daughter as a single mother, but finally at age 30, I was able to start college and my dream came back into focus.

Erin Souther, Durham Technical Community College, Excellence Award 2013

Erin Marie Souther has been selected as Durham Technical Community College’s Academic Excellence Award recipient for 2013. Souther is planning to graduate in May 2013 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Laboratory Technology.

James Patrick Philips, Edgecombe Community College, Excellence Award 2013

Edgecombe Community College has been an academic oasis during this initial phase of my college journey. Without a doubt, the College’s faculty has had a decisive impact on my intellectual formation.

Tiana Bombard, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Excellence Award 2013

My name is Tiana Bombard, and I attend Fayetteville Technical Community College. I am a military spouse to my amazing husband, Patrick, and we have a beautiful son, Wyatt.

Aubrey Gardner, Gaston Community College, Excellence Award 2013

My journey began as an Adult High School student at Gaston College. From that experience, I realized that education was the most important thing in my life. I am not only dedicated to my academics but also to campus life and my community. I am a Senator for the Student Government Association.

Gustavo Smith, Guilford Technical Community College, Excellence Award 2013

I was motivated to change my life after I held my two daughters from birth and promised their lives would not be like mine. As a single parent, I decided to enroll full-time at GTCC to accomplish my goal of becoming a community fitness educator.

Jennifer Rice, Coastal Carolina Community College, Excellence Award 2013

My early mentor is an amazing nurse who reached out to me as a teen and provided a sofa for me during my difficult youth.  I am currently enrolled in Coastal’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, and my goals include graduation, licensure, and subsequently earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursin

Shane Chase, Cleveland Community College, Excellence Award 2013

Working as a frontline supervisor at Cleveland Yutaka, Shane Chase knew he wanted to improve himself and the company he was working for.

Riyam Al Ghrary, Central Piedmont Community College, Excellence Award 2013

As I look back on my accomplishments and personal breakthroughs, I notice a common denominator. Almost all have been achieved with the help of the inspiring professors and supportive faculty of Central Piedmont Community College. During my time at CPCC, I have grown as a student and a leader.

Jessica Cain, Bladen Community College, Excellence Award 2013

My name is Jessica Cain. I am 19 years old and I am currently enrolled in my fourth and final semester at Bladen Community College. I will graduate in May 2013 with my Associate in Arts degree.

Danielle Tate-Maccaroni, Blue Ridge Community College, Excellence Award 2013

After being a stay-at-home mother for five years, I enrolled in college when my son began kindergarten. I felt that the time had come to invest in my intellect and the future security of my family by pursuing a degree.

Bryson Benton, Brunswick Community College, Excellence Award 2013

My first three semesters at Brunswick Community College have been very successful, and I hope to continue my success during the spring and beyond. With some success has come some adversity, but these obstacles have strengthened me as a student and person.

Dakota Crapps, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, Excellence Award 2013

Since I can recall, my parents have always stressed the importance of education. They told me that playing sports and participating in any other extracurricular activity would be a privilege earned by making good grades. I learned early in my education that dedication was key.

Christopher S. Kennedy, Cape Fear Community College, Excellence Award 2013

  I have never considered myself a successful person until I became a student at Cape Fear Community College. This journey has set me on a path that I would have never been able to envision for myself.

Thomas Stroud, Carteret Community College, Excellence Award 2013

A 32-year-old, single dad is the top student at Carteret Community College for 2013. 

Jill Hoerr, Catawba Valley Community College, Excellence Award 2013

In my early thirties, I found myself to be a single mother with a failed career. The financial hardships were overwhelming but, more importantly, my self confidence was shaken, and I questioned my ability to succeed.

Seth Tom, Central Carolina Community College, Excellence Award 2013

Right before I enrolled at Central Carolina Community College, I was laid off from my job.  I did not see a great deal of potential in my future.  I was tired of working dead-end jobs, and I knew I needed a college degree to properly take care of my wife and two kids.  That is why I returned to s

Kyrian Scott, Halifax Community College, Excellence Award 2013

My name is Kyrian Scott. I am thankful to be Halifax Community College’s nominee for The Great Within the 58. I previously attended another institution, but was not ready for college at the time and never earned GPA over 2.0.

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