Asheboro Magazine Issue 123

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ASHEBORO

MAGAZINE

THE ORAL SURGERY INSTITUTE OF THE CAROLINAS

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IN THIS ISSUE The Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas 8

REGULARS Ask the Expert

12

Community News

14

Senior living

20

Community News

26

At the YMCA

28

Community News

30

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The Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas

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he Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas (OSIC) is excited to expand their practice into Asheboro, NC. The practice strives to provide an incredible experience of superior oral surgery care and was founded on the principles of compassionate care, innovative techniques, and overarching love for patients and the community. The staff commonly refer to it as the “OSIC Experience.”

The practice owner, Dr. Christopher L. Durham is a North Carolina native. He was born and raised in Henderson, NC. and obtained both his bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following dental school, he completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, VA. Dr. Durham is Board Certified and a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. He is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), American Dental Association, Greensboro 8 | asheboromagazine.com

Medical Society, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, National Dental Association, and North Carolina Dental Society.

While attending college in Chapel Hill, he met his wife, Alison. They returned “home” to North Carolina in 2011 and settled in the Triad and started their family.

They have three children: Channing (10), Emory (8) and Ophelia (6). “We were excited to return south after residency. The Triad area gives us access to many beautiful areas to hike, bike and kayak. We’re also only a few hours from the mountains or the coast,” explained Alison.

Dr. Christopher Durham began working with Dr. Bill Brown in 2011, specializing in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He was made a partner of “Brown & Durham” in 2012 and took over the practice in 2016 when Dr. Brown retired. At that time, the practice was rebranded "The Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas."

The practice recently celebrated their 16th anniversary.

Dr. Christopher Durham has remained committed to the founding principles and to continuing the mission

of providing a superior oral surgery experience.

In 2021, Dr. Marina Bonaventura, a local oral surgeon with an office in Asheboro decided to retire and began looking for just the right person to purchase her practice. She knew Dr. Durham professionally and contacted him because she wanted someone who would take good care of her patients and provide the local community a great option for oral surgery without having to travel to Greensboro if they chose not to. Dr. Durham took over the practice in Asheboro in March and has been busy updating the office and equipment, in addition to seeing patients. All of the office staff that worked with Marina have stayed on and now work for The Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas.

With the addition of the Asheboro office and a commitment to provide an optimal experience for patients and referring doctors, Dr. Durham hired Dr. Kristen Kilgore as a part-time practitioner who travels up from Charlotte to work in the Asheboro office several days a month. In addition to Dr. Kilgore, Dr. Darren Cross will be joining the practice full-time in July and will be located in the Asheboro office.

They will begin looking for one or two more staff

Dr. Christopher Durham

Lobby at The Oral Surgery Insitute of the Carolinas Asheboro office asheboromagazine.com | 9

Oral surgeons are the known experts in Dentoalveolar surgery. Services the office provides includes wisdom teeth extractions, l tooth extractions, facial trauma, bone grafting, oral pathology (cancer of the head, neck, and mouth), phrenrectomy, and dental implants (which can include one tooth or a full mouth restoration).

Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 which is known as the age of wisdom, according to Dr. Durham. The hallmark of wisdom tooth eruption is often pain and crowding. “We see an increase in students in the summer months. When school is out, it's often an ideal time for students who have academic and extracurricular demands during the school year to have their surgery and have extra time to recover,” explains Dr. Durham.

Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth and created to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are a good long-term solution because they are in your jawbone. Unlike a fixed bridge or removable dentures, dental implants will not affect neighboring healthy teeth or lead to bone Dr. Durham reviewing a patient's records loss in the jaw. If properly cared for, dental implants last a lifetime. “Dental Implants and Full Mouth members to round out the team in Asheboro over the Restorations are life altering procedures” states Dr. next few months.

“Dr. Cross brings 35 years of oral surgery experience to the practice. He has worked in private practice and academics while training oral surgery residents” states Dr. Durham. Dr. Cross received his Dental Degree from Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, D.C. He went on to complete his residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Howard University Hospital and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Health Sciences Antigua School Medicine in St. John, West Indies. Dr. Cross is double board certified and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, National Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.

Many local dentists refer patients to The Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas.“Chris is an excellent oral surgeon and I have referred many patients to him over the years. I’m glad to see him expanding his Dr. Darren Cross practice here in Asheboro.” Dr. Henry Vruwink.

10 | asheboromagazine.com

Durham. ‘Implants not only restore a patient’s smile, but increase their self-confidence, decreases bone loss which can accelerates facial aging, improves speech, and eliminates diet restrictions that exist when wearing traditional dentures.”

The team at the Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas will evaluate your individual situation at your initial consultation visit. Implants are a team effort between the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and your restorative dentist. The oral surgeon performs the implant surgery, initial tooth extraction(s) and bone grafting if needed.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are also specially trained to treat injuries to the face. The Doctors at the Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas have privileges at several local hospitals and can provide treatment for facial lacerations; intra oral lacerations; knocked out teeth; fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket) due to car accident or injury; and fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw).

The Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas also has a strong belief in giving back to the local and global community. The practice volunteers and gives back to local organizations. One that Dr. Durham is most proud of the STEM partnership with Guilford County Schools. Each year they provide four $500 scholarships to STEM high school teachers to use for class projects, supplies, or trips. The students vote for their favorite STEM teacher and are awarded the check in their classroom. “My science and math teachers were very influential in my path to becoming an Oral Surgeon and I thought this was a great way to thank teachers and inspire students to enter STEM fields.”

The Oral Surgery Institute has given scholarships to teachers at 30 of the 34 Guilford County High Schools. They will give to the remaining 4 this year with plans to start the list again in 2023.

The practice has also recently supported The Greensboro Children’s Museum, Family Services of the Piedmont, Guilford Green, National Conference for Community and Justice, the United Way of Greater Greensboro, Greensboro Medical Society Foundation, Jack & Jill of America Foundation, Crescent Rotary Club Foundation, and Greensboro Downtown Greenway. Dr. Durham is looking forward to getting the practice involved in Asheboro and Randolph County organizations and being a long-term partner to the Asheboro community. “We have a family zoo membership and have explored several restaurants

and shops downtown. Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming.”- Dr. Durham The Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas’ Asheboro office is located at 303 Ross Street, just behind Randolph Health. Dr. Durham and the entire team at the Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas are looking forward to getting to know the Asheboro and Randolph County communities. Most patients are referral based, but you can call the office at 336.318.1014 to set up a consultation.

Dr. Chris, Alison, Emory, Ophelia and Channing Durham

Enjoying a family day at the NC Zoo asheboromagazine.com | 11

Ask the COMMUNITY expert Taxes NEWS

5 UNEXPECTED INSIGHTS FROM YOUR TAX RETURN Before you box up your tax return for your files, give it one last look for these five missed opportunities. It could save you money next year.

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cross the nation, remote work has boomed during the pandemic. And as the workplace gradually returns to “business as usual,” more employers than ever are opting to make a permanent switch to hybrid or full-remote work. With work-from-home emerging as the new normal, it’s only natural for taxpayers to weigh the tax implications of home offices.

With the 2021 tax filing deadline behind us, it may be tempting to put taxes out of sight and out of mind.

But taking a deeper dive into your tax return can uncover some important insights and help you identify opportunities for optimal planning in the future.

Now is the ideal time to review your current financial situation and consider changes for the year ahead. Here are a few of the most common areas to consider.

1. Review Your Refund (or Tax Bill Owed) People often look forward to getting a refund because it feels like a bonus, but it’s not. It’s an overpayment of your own hard-earned dollars. Getting a large refund isn’t necessarily a good thing — you’re essentially giving an interest-free loan to the government. It may be more beneficial to have that money throughout the year instead.

If you find yourself with a large tax refund or if you significantly underpaid and were charged a penalty, you may want to take another look at your withholdings to see if you should have more or less withheld throughout the year.

2. Understand Your Effective vs. Marginal Tax Rates There’s often a misconception around tax rates and how they work. When we talk about tax rates, we often talk about the marginal tax rate, or the highest bracket into which income falls. However, because the U.S. has a progressive tax system and not all of your income will be taxed at your marginal tax rate, your effective tax rate may be much lower.

For example, if you’re a single filer making $100,000 annually, you have reached the 24% marginal tax bracket, but only a small percentage of your income is actually being taxed at that 24% rate. In 2022, the first $10,275 of your income will be taxed at the 10% rate; income above $10,275 up until $41,775 will be taxed at 12%; the next tier is a 22% rate up to $89,075 and so on. Only income above $89,075 will be taxed at your marginal rate of 24%. To calculate your effective rate, take your tax liability and divide by taxable income.

Knowing these “break points” can help you make financial decisions. For example:

Ryan Dodson has a Masters in Accounting from North Carolina State University. He worked in public accounting with Deloitte and Arthur Andersen. He and his wife Tiffany own and operate Liberty Tax Service.

405 East Dixie Drive•Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 629-4700 12 | asheboromagazine.com

• You may want to be aware of how much more income you could potentially earn without being bumped into a higher tax bracket.

between cash and non-cash contributions. If you have appreciated securities, like stock, it may be more advantageous to gift securities rather than cash.

• If you are anticipating a lower-income year, you could consider doing a Roth IRA conversion to “fill up” your marginal tax bracket. This would entail paying income tax now on the conversion amount, rather than paying tax on IRA distributions in retirement when you may be in a higher tax bracket.

There are a couple notable benefits here. First, if you donate to a charity with stock, you’re both able to take a charitable deduction and avoid incurring capital gains taxes normally associated with selling stock.

Furthermore, if you have a concentrated stock position, this can be an easy way to reduce your position in a taxefficient way.

• Or, if you are anticipating a higher-income year, you could consider giving more to charity to increase your tax deductions in a year when you are at a higher marginal tax rate.

3. Plan for Standard vs. Itemized Deductions Take another look at IRS Form Schedule A — were you able to itemize your deductions for 2021? After the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the amount of the standard deduction and capped the amount you can deduct for state and local income taxes, it has become more difficult to exceed the standard deduction threshold. This is particularly true if you don’t have other areas to itemize, such as mortgage interest or medical payments.

If you weren’t able to itemize this year but want to maximize future planning opportunities, think about updating your charitable giving strategy. If you’re currently giving to charity but not itemizing, you’re not getting the direct tax benefit. You could consider using a donor-advised fund to “bunch” charitable donations into one tax year to help bring your itemized deductions over the standard deduction threshold to optimize the tax benefit from giving.

For example, if you give $1,000 to charity every year, but you don’t itemize your deductions, there is no added tax deduction for making that gift. Instead, consider bunching your giving into one large contribution that you make to a charitable donor-advised fund. With a donor-advised fund, you receive a tax deduction in the year the gift is made, but you can donate the money to charities of your choosing at any point in the future.

5. Revisit Your Retirement Contributions Depending on your level of earned income and eligibility, you may want to consider creative ways to increase your retirement contributions and lower your taxable income. There are several lesser-known rules that could ultimately allow you to contribute more.

For example, retirees who continue to earn income through consulting opportunities can contribute to a SEP IRA. If you’re a solo entrepreneur and hoping to max out your retirement contributions, you could consider setting up a solo 401(k), which operates similarly to the plan one would have under an employer.

A solo 401(k) often allows for higher contributions than a SEP IRA given the different formula.

Another option could be for a non-earning (or lesserearning) spouse to contribute to an IRA for themselves under the Kay Bailey Hutchison Spousal IRA Limit. If filing jointly, this could allow you and your spouse’s combined contributions to be as much as $14,000.

There’s much to be learned from reviewing your tax strategies while it’s top of mind this spring. Review these five steps as a starting point, and don’t wait until the end of the year to make changes.

If you have questions, come by and see us at Liberty Tax, 405 E. Dixie Drive in Asheboro or call us at 336-6294700 to schedule an appointment. Let the tax pros at Liberty Tax be your tax resource.

If you put $5,000 into a donor-advised fund this year, you would receive the full $5,000 charitable deduction in 2022, which could help get you over the standard deduction threshold. You could then donate that money to charities over a five-year period.

4. Consider Gifting in Stock When reviewing charitable contributions in Schedule A, make sure to always take a look at the breakout asheboromagazine.com | 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

FIRST SUSAN HELSABECK SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED AT ANNUAL NIGHT OF THE STARS EVENT

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licia Cruz-Ortega and Natasha Hamlet were named the first two recipients of the Susan Helsabeck Scholarship for Early Educators at the Randolph Partnership for Children (RPC) annual Night of the Stars event, held last night at AVS Banquet Centre.

Ortega is an early educator at Precious Memories Preschool in Asheboro and is attending Randolph Community College (RCC). She is working on an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Hamlet is an early educator at Liberty Early Childhood Center located at Liberty Elementary School. She is currently attending Guilford Technical Community College. She is also working on an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.

The scholarship program is a new addition to the Night of the Stars celebration. The Susan Helsabeck Scholarship was established to provide financial support to early educators in Randolph County enrolled in degree programs in the field. The scholarship was created in memory of RPC’s beloved colleague Susan Harris Helsabeck, who served as professional development specialist from December 2015 to January 2021, when she unexpectedly passed away. Her husband, Oliver Helsabeck, presented the scholarships at the event.

“Susan was deeply committed to ensuring children were well-cared for and that they had every opportunity to thrive and flourish,” Helsabeck said. “We deeply miss Susan and her infectious smile and caring heart. It’s our hope that this scholarship will not only benefit the recipients, but also keep alive Susan’s belief in the importance of advancing higher education for our county’s early educators, who are caring for our youngest citizens.”

RPC Board President Jerry Moore took a moment to recognize longtime staff member Andee Edelson at her final Night of the Stars in her role as director of early care and education at RPC. She plans to retire December 31.

“While Andee would say, ‘let’s keep the attention on our graduates,’ we all want to salute you, Andee, for your amazing leadership and vision for a special blend of Randolph County early education that brings together elements of Reggio, outdoor learning environment transformations, collaboration instead of competition within our local early education community, evidence of quality programs far beyond rating scales, and so much

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more,” Moore said.

Serving as emcee for the evening was Larry Reid, station manager for WKXR and WZOO. He announced the theme for the evening, which was storytelling. He introduced RCC President Dr. Robert S. Shackleford, Jr., who delivered the keynote address.

“I think it’s a wonderful theme selected for tonight— storytelling,” Shackleford said. “People underestimate the power of stories.” After explaining he would have told stories even if it hadn’t been the theme, he told stories from his childhood and his career to demonstrate the impact storytelling has when we use it to teach.

Twelve early educators were recognized for earning degrees in early childhood education and related fields this year, including six who earned Associate Degrees and six who earned Bachelor’s Degrees.

Graduates honored for earning an Associate Degree were Victory Burger, an infant teacher at Randleman Enrichment Center; Kasey Holcomb, a preschool teacher at Connie Redding Head Start; Cheyenne Lambeth,

Oliver Helsabeck with scholarship recipient Alicia Cruz-Ortega

a toddler teacher at Victory Baptist Child Care Development Center; Johnetta Lilly, a preschool teacher at Asheboro City Schools’ Early Childhood Development Center; Brooklyn Marley, a preschool teacher at Beacon Child Development Center; and Meredith Smith, an infant teacher at Randleman Enrichment Center.

Graduates honored for earning a Bachelor’s Degree were Jennifer Miller, preschool teacher at Harmony Place; Alyson Poole, Preschool Teacher at Asheboro City Schools’ Early Childhood Development Center; Kim Radcliffe, Public Education & Early Literacy Assistant at RPC; Mary Vuncannon, a preschool teacher at Shepherd’s Way Dayschool; Karen Williams, a preschool teacher at The Children’s Center of Asheboro; and Stephanie Yarbrough, preschool teacher at Level Cross Elementary School NC Pre-K. Each year, months of planning go into the Night of the Stars event. Members of the RPC Professional Development Committee, who worked to plan this year’s event, include Taylor Dawkins of Beacon Child Development Center, Ann Williams of Beacon Child Development Center, Teryn Millikan of Randleman Enrichment Center, Tonya Shore of Randleman Enrichment Center, Elizabeth Mcleod of Southmont Elementary School NC Pre-K, Jamie Perez of Teddy Bear Child Care Center, Stephan Rietschel of RCC, and Andee Edelson, Patty Sullivan, Kristy Umfleet, and Scarlet Welborn of RPC. Members of the Professional Development Committee extend sincere appreciation to door prize donors and those who provided centerpieces for this year’s event.

Door prize donors included Aloette (Jennifer Miller), Cardinal Rose Tattoo, Central Bakery, Hamilton’s Steakhouse, Lakeshore, Nella’s Boutique, Jamie Perez, Positano, Kim and Peter Radcliffe, RCC, and Margie and Paul Trogdon.

Oliver Helsabeck with scholarship recipient Natasha Hamlet

Centerpieces were provided by Beacon Child Development Center, Asheboro City Schools’ Early Childhood Development Center, It’s A Kid’s World, Precious Memories Preschool, Shepherd’s Way Dayschool, Teddy Bear Child Care Center, The Children’s Center of Asheboro, The Growing Place Child Care Center, and Trogdon’s Daycare.

About the Randolph Partnership for Children: Since 1999, the Randolph Partnership for Children (RPC), a non-profit organization, has positively impacted the lives of Randolph County’s young children. As the community’s lead organization for young children and their families, RPC works with and through diverse agencies, individuals, organizations, and communities to ensure all children enter school healthy and ready to succeed in school and life. RPC is a United Way agency. For more information, visit www.randolphkids.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

RCC GRADUATE SANCHEZ FINDS FOREVER CAREER AS MEDICAL ASSISTANT

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enisse Sanchez loves giving people shots.

It’s just one of the many hats she gladly wears as a Medical Assistant at White Oak Family Physicians in Asheboro. She wouldn’t be wearing those hats, however, without her degree in Medical Assisting from Randolph Community College — or without her children.

“I get compliments,” Sanchez said. ‘You’re a good shotgiver.’ I say, ‘You have no idea how many I do.’ I always tell my patients, ‘I’m going to give you a shot the way I’d want someone to give me or my children a shot.’ I’m always going to take it easy because I know how it can be.”

Sanchez always knew she wanted to work in the medical field, hoping to one day be a pediatrician. Fate, however, took a turn and she became a mom at 19 after graduating from Asheboro High School. Sanchez was a stay-at-

home mom until a friend and classmate suggested they attend RCC together and earn Medical Assisting degrees.

Not sure what exactly Medical Assisting was, the two researched it online.

“We thought, ‘It’s two years. It might not be exactly what we want, but let’s start here,’ ” Sanchez said.

The friends ended up being a part of the second class of Medical Assisting students in school history, helping the College go through the accreditation process. Sanchez smartly got her prerequisites out of the way, so she wasn’t taking a large load of classes her first semester.

She graduated in 2014 with two babies in tow — and the “start” turned out to be a career for both graduates as they are still medical assistants.

“To graduate, finally, and get a degree made me feel

Certified Medical Assistant and Randolph Community College graduate Denisse Sanchez checks the blood pressure and heartrate of a ‘patient’ — in this case, a coworker. Sanchez graduated from RCC’s Medical Assisting program in 2014.

16 | asheboromagazine.com

gotten to the point where we ask them if they’ve had anything to eat. If not, we get them a snack. I try to comfort them — sometimes I’ll have them lie down instead of standing. It’s about making people feel better.

“I learn new things every day, and I feel comfortable enough to ask Meredith if I don’t feel confident in what I’m doing. That level of respect between me and her — it’s big.”

Like all healthcare workers, Sanchez and her coworkers have been through a global pandemic.

“It’s been a huge adjustment,” she said. “It probably made a lot of people not want to do this.”

But that’s part of the job, along with dealing with difficult patients and criticism.

“There’s always going to be something,” Mitchell said.

“Years ago, it was the flu, it was the measles, it was polio.

There’s always going to be a new virus, a new strain.

That’s what they do. They change, they mutate. You have Sanchez works closely with Family Nurse Practitioner to be OK with following protocol with patients and Meredith Mitchell making yourself safe. You have to be comfortable with the idea that change is inevitable. good,” she said. “Because of [my kids], I decided to get my “You have to be a people person. You have to like people, career. I’ve always wanted to understand, when you go to and you have to be OK with the nuances of different the doctor’s office — what are they listening to? And I’m personalities that come in. You have to be very flexible. a people person — I’ve always wanted to work with the You have to be OK with change. That’s huge. Not that I’ve public.” had to give [Denisse] a ton, but you have to be OK with Sanchez has another tool in her toolbox as well — she is constructive feedback to take care of the patient and get bilingual. the job done efficiently. Just the willingness to learn.”

“I’ve been to doctor’s appointments with my parents,” Sanchez has some advice for those considering a career she said. “I’ve seen how people struggle to get their in the medical field. point across. I want to teach my kids that being bilingual “I would definitely say, ‘Just go for it. Give it a shot,’” will not just help you, but also help other people feel Sanchez said. comfortable.”

To learn more about RCC’s Medical Assisting program, Sanchez started at White Oak in February 2015 — sixth visit https://www.randolph.edu/academics/collegemonths after graduating as she was still trying to get into majors/medical-assisting/index.aspx. a routine with her young children.

“I started handing out my resumé — I just took it everywhere,” she said.

Sanchez started as a “float nurse” and then worked with a pair of doctors. When they retired, she returned to float nurse duties. For over a year, she has worked with Meredith Mitchell, a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), who has become a like family for Sanchez.

“We have respect for each other on a professional level, but we’re really good friends,” Sanchez said. “She dog sits for me. She knows my kiddos. We know each other’s families. My husband helped her do remodeling on her house.”

At the office, Mitchell knows she can rely on Sanchez.

“Denisse takes initiative,” Mitchell said. “She does that with patients she’s on the fence about. She has that critical thinking. She’s great. I’m very blessed.”

As a Certified Medical Assistant, Sanchez not only has to think on her feet, but also do everything from blood pressure to blood work to EKGs to home health visits.

The main thing she does, though, is give people steroid, antihistamine, or pain-relieving shots, which means that her patients aren’t always in a good mood when they see her.

Mitchell checks over some paperwork with Sanchez “It’s always the males who faint,” Sanchez said. “We’ve asheboromagazine.com | 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

BARR, OWENS AMONG THOSE HONORED WITH RCC ACADEMIC AWARDS

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hawn Barr of Asheboro was chosen as Randolph Community College’s Academic Excellence Award winner for 2022, while Devin Owens of Randleman was RCC’s nominee for the 2022 Dallas Herring Achievement Award.

Barr, who is studying Advertising and Graphic Design and graduated in May, was one of 58 students from each community college in North Carolina who were recognized in April for academic excellence. AEA selection requirements are consistent with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society criteria. Students must be currently enrolled, must have completed at least 12 semester hours in an associate degree program, and must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of no less than 3.25. A committee at RCC selected the final recipient based on faculty recommendations.

Barr’s interest in Advertising and Graphic Design started when he was little, spending endless hours drawing. When he was in eighth grade, he discovered an illustration program on his science teacher’s laptop that sparked him to create designs for his friends and family. The program and watching how-to videos built a strong foundation but made it so he had to unlearn a lot of what he thought he knew once enrolled in RCC’s program during his senior year in high school. Still, he persevered and took off, not only in the classroom (and the youngest person in the class to boot), but also in his work as a contract designer at Vintage Church. Hard-working, respectful, and reliable, Barr took time at the end of the Summer 2021 semester to learn a new design program the class would be using the next semester. That extra effort meant that Barr graduated just one year after finishing high school.

“Under piles of work and stress, Shawn remained adaptable, empathetic, and genuine,” a classmate said in a recommendation letter. “He was never willing to sacrifice his relationship with his team for a more comfortable position in a project. Shawn was always willing to share knowledge and translate constructive criticism with humility and respect. To be talented is one thing, but to be talented and have good character is what makes a leader.”

The Dallas Herring Achievement Award was established by the North Carolina Community College System to honor the late Dr. Dallas Herring, whose philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go” is the guiding principle of the System. The award is given annually to a current or former community college student who best embodies Dr. Herring’s philosophy.

18 | asheboromagazine.com

Owens is a third-year apprentice with Apprenticeship Randolph, working toward his Manufacturing Technology/ Mechatronics degree, while also working full-time at Energizer. As if that wasn’t enough, Owens secured financial aid last summer to take online Information Technology classes in addition to his already heavy load.

Owens’ goal is to graduate with an associate degree in both departments.

“He is able to do this through hard work, determination, and long hours completing online assignments,” Owens’ recommendation letter said. “Devin gets rave reviews from his mentor at Energizer, who says his work ethic is second to none. He is a leader among his apprentice peer group – always jumping in to help others in need.”

RCC also recognized student achievement with its annual Academic Awards and Curriculum Awards.

The Academic Award is based on the highest GPA in the degree and diploma program of study. Students must have been enrolled in two of the last four terms; have completed at least 40 credit hours at RCC in a degree program, 10 of which are major courses in their current program or 10 credit hours in a diploma program; and have a program GPA of 3.5 or higher.

The Curriculum Award goes to a student in each degree and diploma program who is both outstanding in their academic achievement and has potential for success in the field they have chosen. To be eligible, the students must have been enrolled in two of the last four terms; have completed at least 40 credit hours at RCC in a degree program, 10 of which are major courses in their current degree program or 10 credit hours in a diploma program; have a program GPA of 3.0 or higher; have demonstrated

Shawn Barr RCC’s Academic Excellence Award winner for 2022

expertise in their field of study; and have participated in departmental, campus, and community activities that promote the College.

(All cities are in N.C. unless otherwise indicated.)

Academic Award winners (listed with their program areas) are: Archdale: Noah Deese Jones, Information Technology/Network and Cyber Security Specialist.

Asheboro: Patty Jean Williamson, Accounting and Finance; Scott A. Belus, Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology; Rhonda B. Moffitt, Information Technology/IT Support Specialist; Jonathan Page Mroczkowski, Mechatronics Engineering Technology.

Denton: Maxine Nicole Loflin, Welding Technology.

Greensboro: Rachel Byrd, Business Administration; Emily M. Bennett, Business Administration/Human Resources Management.

High Point: Jesse Osborne, Manufacturing Technology/ Mechatronics.

Kernersville: Logan Ritter McNeill, Welding Technology.

Ramseur: Susan Dawn Wright, Computer-Integrated Machining.

Randleman: Georgia Elizabeth Smith, Agribusiness Technology; Michael Robert Young, Welding Technology.

Seagrove: Austin Reed Atkins, Manufacturing Technology/ Machining.

Siler City: David Stecher, Computer-Integrated Machining.

Sophia: Chance Ian Summey, Automotive Systems Technology; Madison Marie Hayden, Business Administration.

West End: Bradley Scott Taylor, Electrical Systems Technology.

Devin Owens, RCC’s nominee for the 2022 Dallas Herring Achievement Award Curriculum Award winners (listed with their program areas) are: Asheboro: Luke Asher Gaskins, Automotive Systems Technology; Michael Lee Martinez, Computer-Integrated Machining; Brenda Martinez-Santaolaya, Industrial Systems Technology; Jonathan Page Mroczkowski, Mechatronics Engineering Technology.

Denton: Megan Ree-Ann Sexton, Business Administration/Human Resource Management.

High Point: Jesse Osborne, Manufacturing Technology/ Mechatronics.

Randleman: Brittany Faith Jones, Accounting and Finance; Georgia Elizabeth Smith, Agribusiness Technology; Jeremy Ethan Kandies, Information Technology/IT Support Specialist; Daniel Sherwood Faucette, IT/Network and Cyber Security Specialist.

Trinity: Pamela S. Todd, Business Administration.

West End: Bradley Scott Taylor, Electrical Systems Technology.

asheboromagazine.com | 19

VOLUNTEER FOR MEALS ON WHEELS: WHAT’S INVOLVED?

A

re you looking for a volunteer opportunity that makes a big difference in the lives of your neighbors? Do you have a passion for helping others? Look no further than volunteering with Randolph Senior Adults Association’s Meals on Wheels Program. You will deliver meals over the lunch hour and know you are doing your part to bring nutritious food and a social connection to your neighbors.

The program is an excellent opportunity for individuals, workplace teams, and families to give back to the community. When you volunteer to deliver Home Delivered meals, you’re doing your part to guarantee that more than 400 seniors across Randolph County receive nutritious meals, social interaction, and wellness checks.

Delivering meals is also a great social activity – you can do it with a friend or a group and you’ll get to know your neighbors who also deliver. And you’ll leave knowing the eight to 10 people on your route received the nourishment and personal connection they need.

You can choose to volunteer to deliver meals once a week, once a month, with a friend, with a group or on your own – whatever works best for you! All you need to do is sign up, complete a background check, and you’ll be connected with your local senior center to get started.

Still not sure about what all is involved? Read on to learn more about our frequently asked questions.

How does a typical volunteer delivery shift work?

Volunteers drive to their local senior center, pick up 8-10 meals that are stored in easy-to-carry thermal packs, and deliver them to residences using a route designed by the program. You will receive very detailed driving and delivery directions – no preparation is necessary. Once your route is finished, you will return the supplies to the program site.

How long does it take to deliver meals?

Delivery routes are designed to take no longer than

20 | asheboromagazine.com

by Jill Jackson

one hour. For most people, it’s easy to deliver meals during the lunch hour.

When are meals delivered?

Meals are generally delivered between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Can I volunteer with a friend or with a group?

Yes! Delivering meals is a great social activity that you can do with a friend or a larger group. It’s also common for church, social or workplace groups to organize delivery teams. Contact us to learn more about how to start a Workplace Delivery Team.

Will another volunteer come with me on my route?

Even if you are volunteering alone, you can request to be paired with another volunteer for your route. If you’re a new volunteer, it can be helpful to go with someone who has delivered before.

Is there a meal delivery site (senior center) near where I live or work?

Meals are delivered from each of our senior centers. We have senior centers located in Archdale, Asheboro, Liberty and Randleman.

What happens during each delivery?

Volunteers bring the meal to each recipient’s door. Part of the fun of delivering is visiting with recipients but it is important to keep visits brief enough for you to complete your route on time.

Delivering meals also serves as a daily wellness check for seniors. If you find that your recipient might not be their usual self or is in need of assistance, you can contact your local senior center director.

Are there opportunities besides delivering meals?

While finding volunteers to fill delivery routes is our biggest need, there are other ways to get involved.

Call Susanne at 336-623-3389 ext. 212 to learn more.

How do I sign up to volunteer for Meals on Wheels?

Call our Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator Susanne Allen at (336) 625-3389 ext.

212 or email outreach@senioradults.org. After completing a short volunteer application and passing a background check, you will be oriented and begin volunteering.

Sign up today to deliver meals and know you’ll make an immediate impact on the lives of local seniors! calendar online at www.senioradults.org.

About the Randolph Senior Adults Association: Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA), a nonprofit organization, is the community’s lead organization for adults age 50 and over. RCSAA is a United Way agency. For more information, visit: www.senioradults.org.

asheboromagazine.com | 21

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS 1. S.W. gully 7. Japanese polytheism 13. N.H. Academy and town 14. Most aired 16. Prosecuting officer 17. Badger State 19. Atomic #24 20. Moose genus 22. Possessed 23. Make a smooth transition 25. Thug (slang) 26. Locations or places 28. Rivulet 29. The self 30. Not good 31. Obstruct 33. Decalitre 34. Space for sitting 36. Taxi 38. 7th tone 39. Ethiopian lake 41. Tears down 43. Gold 44. Angle (abbr.)

46. Semitic fertility god 47. Beak 49. Digital audiotape 51. Small child 52. 4th caliph of Islam 55. 4840 square yards 22 | asheboromagazine.com

57. Devious trick (Yiddish) 59. Overgarments 60. Large creature 62. Ingest 63. Nuisances 64. -__, denotes past 65. Wine waiter 68. I, Portuguese 69. Compunction 71. Overshadow 73. Emphasize 74. An unsuccessful ending CLUES DOWN 1. Something comparable 2. Rural delivery 3. "Laugh-In" co-host Dan 4. Sheep genus 5. Affirmative 6. Vanilla's flower family 7. In a way, made smoother 8. Belong to he 9. Greek rainbow goddess 10. S.F. football team player 11. Atomic #52 12. Kiss 13. Proverb 15. Lattice support 18. Cereal grass 21. Rome, GA river 24. Disease of cattle

26. Seated 27. A baglike structure in a plant or animal 30. Blatted 32. Murdered in his bathtub 35. Finish 37. Sheep sound 39. Scarlett songbird 40. Kills oneself 42. Broad, flat pieces of stone 45. Auto fuel 46. Derek __, X Harvard Pres.

48. Woman's undergarment 50. Topics of discourse 51. Belonging to the peerage 53. Most recent 54. Point of debate 56. Ostend artist James Sydney 58. Phonograph inventor's initials 59. Eagle's nest 61. Ripped a fabric 63. Lucre 66. Manuscripts (abbr.)

67. Frozen water 70. 41st state 72. Keystone state

ORANGE JULIUS

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Ingredients ½ cup frozen orange-juice concentrate ½ cup milk ½ cup cold water ¼ cup sugar ½ tsp vanilla 5-6 ice cubes

Directions Blend all ingredients on highest speed of blender for 50 seconds.

A very special warm-weather treat.

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MORE THAN A MEAL...

VOLUNTEER!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FUN, EASY AND REWARDING WAY TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY? The Meals on Wheels program for Randolph Senior Adults Association is in need of volunteers to deliver meals. All it takes is an hour of your time on any weekday (Monday-Friday) between 11am and 1pm.

Every knock delivers the food, compassion and care that our older neighbors need. In sharing a smile, along with a little of your time, you will make a lasting difference in the life of a homebound senior.

To learn more about our Meals on Wheels volunteer opportunities, please contact our Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator Susanne Allen at:

336-625-3389 ext. 212 outreach@senioradults.org older neighbors need.

Randolph Senior Adults Association • The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Adult REC 347 W. Salisbury Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 • Phone: 336-625-3389 • www.senioradults.org 24 | asheboromagazine.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS

RCC’S PHI THETA KAPPA CHAPTER INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS

O

n May 25, Beta Theta Rho, Randolph Community College’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, inducted new members into its Five Star chapter, and moved into its 23rd year. A ceremony was pre-recorded and sent to new members due to COVID-19.

The virtual ceremony was led by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) advisor and RCC English/Communication Instructor Clark Adams, who welcomed the new inductees. Following Adams’s welcome, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by PTK Vice President Aliza Abdul, while Public Relations Officer Carrie Johnson led the invocation for the ceremony.

Adams, who has been a PTK advisor since January 2010, recognized the new inductees.

“We are celebrating the accomplishments of our new Phi Theta Kappa members as they have excelled in their academics here at Randolph Community College,” he said. “We are very thankful for their efforts that they have made in making their academics a top priority.”

Johnson referenced the new inductees in her invocation.

“We give thanks for these students who are shining examples for their families and whose very participation in this ceremony serves as a source of hope, encouragement, and inspiration for those who will follow in their footsteps,” she said. “May their induction into Phi Theta Kappa motivate and challenge them to continue to strive for excellence in all that they do.”

Following the invocation, Adams shared information about PTK and explained to the new inductees that “I want you to know that I am proud of what you have accomplished here at RCC thus far. You’re making an effort to complete your education and follow your dreams. This is a difficult task in normal times, but the past two years have made it more difficult and more uncertain. Therefore, I commend each of you for staying focused and going the distance despite these circumstances. Phi Theta Kappa is still honoring and recognizing our students for their success at Randolph Community College.

“You possess characteristics of leaders, characteristics of scholars, and characteristics that make you Phi Theta Kappa members.”

Adams then explained the history, mission, and purpose of PTK, a 104-year-old international academic honors society for two-year colleges that is recognized as the

26 | asheboromagazine.com

official honors society for two-year colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges. Adams also recognized the efforts of chapter officers, chapter advisors, faculty, and administrators who helped to make the induction ceremony possible and who support the mission and work of the honor society. Other chapter advisors in addition to Adams are Ellen Adams (Instructor, Mathematics), Gabby Nall (Instructor, Spanish), and Dolores Vargas-Benavides (Instructor, Spanish).

Following Adams’s remarks, Allison Layton, a 2016 RCC graduate and PTK member, served as the alumni speaker.

Layton, a graduate of the Randolph Early College High School (RECHS) program at RCC, completed her Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and high school diploma in the spring of 2016. She graduated from High Point University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice-Pre Law and completed her Juris Doctorate from Campbell University in 2020. She is currently an Associate Attorney at Sam’s Law Firm in High Point.

Layton’s message focused on the idea of “starting before you’re ready.” She discussed growing up in Franklinville and attending RECHS. She referred to her mother’s encouragement in her educational journey as a motivator and explained that her dreams to pursue a law career

Phi Theta Kappa advisor and Randolph Community College English/Communication Instructor Clark Adams welcomed the College’s new inductees during the May 25 ceremony. The ceremony was pre-recorded and sent to new members due to COVID-19.

took a substantial amount of dedication and sacrifice.

“Start today. Start before you are ready,” she said.

“Randolph Community College is creating opportunities and changing lives. I stand by that statement with every fiber of my being. I questioned if I would ever become a lawyer with a community college degree on my transcript. I questioned if I would be able to transfer into a university without having those first two years to grow with my peers. I could not have been more wrong.”

Layton went on to share advice with how new members could make the most of their time as students at RCC by taking advantage of the time that faculty provide to help students and to become active and involved on campus.

“Randolph Community College is the springboard to the rest of your lives, not the end of the road …,” she said.

“While RCC was one piece of my puzzle, it was arguably the most important one, and it is undoubtedly the one I am most thankful for.”

The keynote speaker of the virtual ceremony was RCC President Dr. Robert S. Shackleford Jr., who has served as President for 15 years. Adams introduced Shackleford, referencing his upcoming retirement and personally thanking him for his support of PTK over the past 15 years and for serving as keynote speaker at nearly every induction ceremony during that period.

Shackleford congratulated the new inductees on being selected for induction into PTK. “Dream big!” Shackleford said, noting the encouraging words his mother told him growing up — that he could be anything he wanted to be in life if he got his education and worked hard. “What would you dare to dream if you knew that failure was impossible? That’s how high you ought to be dreaming.”

Shackleford then encouraged the inductees to work hard and shared a personal story of trying out for the varsity basketball team in high school as a freshman and being cut from the team. He was inspired by a book written by Bill Bradley. Shackleford spent hours and hours practicing in order to get better at basketball and when he returned as a sophomore to try out, he made the team and went on to be team captain and receive a college basketball scholarship.

The last point Shackleford emphasized was to pay it back and give back to others as others have given before.

“The reason I come to work at RCC is because I want to give the gift my mother gave to me, and I want to give it to students now,” he said. “It changed my life, and it can change your life. If you believe you can be anything you want to be, get your education and work, you can live your very best life. That’s my way of paying my mother back.”

Adams then presented the new inductees for membership and recommended them for acceptance into the honor society. PTK President Praise Ayodabo explained the

purpose of Phi Theta Kappa, led the new inductees in the PTK pledge, and explained the significance of the PTK symbol.

RCC Vice President for Instructional Services Suzanne Rohrbaugh presided over the induction and announced the names of the inductees.

Despite the challenges of COVID this year, the chapter has still been active in order to meet the requirements to be a Five Star chapter and received the following awards at the PTK Carolinas Region Convention, held March 4-6 at Forsyth Technical Community College in WinstonSalem.

• Five Star Chapter (19th straight year): Only 14 of 58 community colleges in N.C. received this for 2021, • Distinguished Chapter Honorable Mention, • Outstanding Participation in Carolinas Region Service Program: Carolinas Plastic Pollution Initiative, • Outstanding Participation in Carolinas Region Honors in Action Program, • Distinguished Honors in Action Project Honorable Mention, • Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Honorable Mention.

Students (identified by hometowns) who were inducted May 25 include: Archdale: Katie Elizabeth Allen, Lisa Ean, Emily Jane Farlow, Noor Hussain, Michaela Renae Stubbs, Rachael Hannah Trotter.

Asheboro: Scott A. Belus, Nathan Walker Burris, Kassandra Ciriza Monreal, Jeremy Lee Johnson, Lauren Leigh Jordan, Ricardo Leon Salinas, Cooper Clay Phillips, Hope Makenna Rouse, Mario Antonio Salinas, Erick Ayala Solis, Ethan McCain Swing, Kimberly Dawn Teal, Sara Ruth Zapata Ramirez.

Denton: Kathleen Elizabeth Martin, Sonia Perez-Gobellan, Courtney Elizabeth Smith.

Franklinville: Carrie Grace Johnson.

Greensboro: Sherri Lynn Joyner, Susan Alexandra Lagneau.

High Point: Aliza Abdul.

Lexington: Bryson Elwood Hicks, Ashley Stacy Lapoint.

Liberty: Priscilla Bautista Chahuiz, Owen Nathan Canedy, Heidi Elizabeth Hammond.

Ramseur: Brett Anderson Leonard, Kayla Amber Stout.

Randleman: Amber Anne Busk, Justin Thomas Busk, Trisha Wohlford Dennis, Tory Alexis Dixon, Shayla Marie Fitzgibbon, Shannon Mixon, William Smith Shackleford, Ashley Danielle Simmons, Michael Xavier Underwood.

Robbins: Allison Haley Kostick.

Sophia: Jaiden Ruth Williams.

Staley: Cheryl Lynn Bowman.

Thomasville: Praise Opeoluwa Ayodabo.

Trinity: Austin Michael Johnson, Calie Jade Justus, Danielle Letitia Neel.

Winston-Salem: Taylor Lindsey Freeman. asheboromagazine.com | 27

AT THE YMCA

Discover Your Y This Summer Out On The Splash Pad!

T

he Randolph-Asheboro YMCA has an interactive water park for you to enjoy this summer. This zero depth water park is designed for all ages. Water park activities include spraying, splashing, dumping, and walk through features. This outdoor water addition houses 15 various water features. Fin's Splash Pad features: Magic Touch Bollards, Foaming Geysers, Bullfrog, Ground Geysers, Water Tunnel, Water Cannons, Aqua Dome, Power Volcano, Power Spinner, Rainbow, and Bucket Trio.

Summer campers and after-school children get to enjoy the splash pad on a regular basis. Some of our special events include youth sports night, Member Appreciation Nights, Back to School Bash, Community Day, and other theme parties. The splash pad makes a great venue for birthday parties and field trips that are held at the Y as well.

The Shark Tank concession stand offers cool refreshments including slushies, popcorn, and other snacks for the family (cash only). For assistance while using the splash pad, see one of our friendly water rangers located in the Shark Tank.

Splash Pad Fees: During the Splash Pad season we allow guests to use the Splash Pad. • Y Members: Free • Ages 0 - 2: Free • Ages 3 - 10: $2.00 • Ages 11+: $3.00 • City of Asheboro Rec Card Holders: $2.00 Finn's Splash Pad Rules: • Children under the age of (10) must be accompanied by an adult • Swimsuit is required for anyone using Splash Pad • Swim diaper is required for all children who are not toilet trained • Running and rough play are NOT permitted • Pets are not allowed in Splash Pad area • Glass containers are not allowed in Splash Pad area • Keep food and drinks at tables • Please put trash in trash containers • A (10) minute break will occur each hour for adults to use Splash Pad • Water shoes are recommended

28 | asheboromagazine.com

by Nick McNeill,

COMMUNITY NEWS

RCC’s 2022 College and Career Readiness graduates turn their tassels

NO QUIT: RCC CELEBRATES 2022 CCR GRADUATES Photos by: Photo Specialties AT CEREMONY

P

etra Suarez Hernandez could have given up on earning her High School Equivalency diploma when the COVID-19 pandemic started. She could have given up when her husband lost a family member.

She could have given up when her mother was in a car accident that put her in the hospital.

“In that moment, the only thing coming to my head was, ‘I need to quit.’ ” Suarez Hernandez didn’t quit, however, and Thursday, May 12, she was one of the student speakers at Randolph Community College’s 2022 College and Career Readiness graduation in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium. In all 19 of the 27 graduates of the Adult High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs were on hand to walk across the stage in the first in-person event since 2019.

Vice President for Workforce Development and Continuing Education Elbert Lassiter opened the ceremony, welcoming everyone in attendance and introducing the Board members and Vice Presidents in attendance.

“It’s a great accomplishment that you’ve just completed, and I couldn’t be prouder that I’m here to celebrate with you,” he said. “You’re giving yourself a gift. What do you do with that gift? You can continue your education here at RCC, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree, or you can take it to the workplace. This night is not the conclusion. This is just the beginning. Use it as a ticket to whatever you do next. Congratulations.”

Mikayla Trogdon, the Learning to Lead Deputy Program Manager at Accenture, gave the graduation address.

“Tonight is a wonderful celebration and accomplishment,”

she said. “Each of you have taken an amazing step toward a world of continuous opportunity. For as long as I can remember, I have constantly heard the words, ‘Education is the key that unlocks the door to opportunity.’ And while I absolutely love and echo this statement, I believe it is just as important to remember that education isn’t confined to the four walls of the classroom. In your constant pursuit of knowledge, continue to prioritize and choose a ‘we’ mentality over a ‘me’ mentality.”

Suarez Hernandez then spoke, thanking her instructors, her husband, and her children for their support.

“Thank you for giving me strength along the way on this amazing new journey,” she said, noting she plans on continuing her education at RCC and pursue a degree in Accounting and Finance. “All of these people have been the biggest sidekicks in helping us achieve our goal. I know for sure that I am beyond grateful. Now that I look back at all the exhausting, complicated journeys that we all have been through, I can say we have all learned a valuable life lesson on how to persevere and overcome.

Never think it’s too late to pursue your dreams or your goals.”

Fellow High School Equivalency graduates Hyland and Raini Markwood then spoke. The sisters left public school at 11 and 12, respectively, but were able to complete the program in three months along with earning digital literacy certificates and are also going to pursue their associate degrees at the College.

“The great thing about this program is someone is there to help you get it done at a personalized pace,” Hyland said. “You can make a schedule that works for you and find teachers whose teaching style that will benefit you asheboromagazine.com | 29

the most.”

“We've gained so many great friendships and connections with people we've met here,” Raini said. “The environment you are in can make a huge difference and how receptive you are to the things you are being told.

“Finally, for anyone who may not have support system at home or friends to take courses with, these teachers and counselors will truly help you. This is a wonderful place for anyone looking to further their education, and there will be open arms, no matter what your story is. Fellow graduates, celebrate your day, but do not stop here. Let's make CCR just as proud of us as we are.”

Lassiter then presented the candidates for graduation, and the graduates were awarded their diplomas by RCC Board of Trustees Chair Mac Sherrill.

Director of College and Career Readiness Jordan Williamson closed the ceremony, thanking RCC faculty, staff, and Trustees for their support.

“Thank you to the College and Career Readiness instructors, who go above and beyond,” she said. “It’s incredible to watch the impact that you all have on our students. Our team is always encouraging our students to dream big. As a department, we believe in putting the students first in everything that we do.

“Graduates, we're so proud of all of you and your accomplishments, and we understand the tremendous amount of hard work and dedication that it has taken for you to walk across this stage tonight. Now you have the power to decide what comes next for you with all this amazing support at RCC and from your families and your friends that are here supporting you tonight. We all believe in you.”

The graduates, listed alphabetically by their cities of residence, follow: High School Equivalency Graduates

Asheboro: Sonia Alvarado-Garay, Warren Brumley, Elvira Cruz Galarza, Christian Deel, Caden Fain, Tristan Haltom, Hyland Markwood, Raini Markwood, Sandra Marleni Miranda Lebaro, Christian Moore, Destiny Royal, Christian Saunders, Petra Suarez

Mikayla Trogdon, the Learning to Lead Deputy Program Manager at Accenture, gives the graduation address 30 | asheboromagazine.com

Randolph Community College Vice President for Workforce Development and Continuing Education Elbert Lassiter, left, congratulates graduate Angela Brown, who received her High School Equivalency during the 2022 College and Career Readiness Graduation May 12 in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center on the Asheboro Campus.

Hernandez, JaQwest Summers.

Greensboro: Angela Brown.

Ramseur: Halie Boone, Brittany Hunt.

Randleman: Daniel McKenzie.

Thomasville: Christina Smith.

Adult High School Diploma Graduates

Archdale: Harley Forester.

Asheboro: Leudy Castillo, Natalie Del Hoyo, Carmen Greene, Marco Soto.

Randleman: Katelyn Hammons.

Staley: Mikayla Routh.

Trinity: Vanessa Sanders.

Petra Suarez Hernandez delivers her graduation speech

Raini and Hyland Markwood speak at the graduation

AIKEN NAMED RCC INTERIM PRESIDENT

T

he Randolph Community College Board of Trustees has selected Dr. William (Bill) Aiken to serve as Interim President after approval from the State Board of Community Colleges on Thursday, May 19. Aiken will succeed Dr. Robert S. Shackleford Jr., who will retire at the end of June after serving at the College’s helm for 15 years.

“I am pleased to become the interim president of Randolph Community College,” Aiken said. “Having been a part of the North Carolina Community College System since 2000, I am well aware of the successful legacy of RCC. Hopefully, I can continue the vital role the College plays in serving its many constituents. While I recognize that my appointment is temporary, I will make every effort to keep the college moving forward in a positive direction. RCC’s service to the campus community as well as its role in economic development are crucial to the citizens of Randolph County. Dr. Shackleford is a close personal and professional friend, and I am honored to become his successor.”

Aiken served as President of Sampson Community College for 12 years from 2000-2012 and served as Interim President for seven other community colleges, including Wake Tech, Cleveland, Haywood, Rockingham, Robeson, and Southeastern community colleges and Paul D. Camp Community College in Virginia. He brings more than 40 years of experience in higher education with 20 of those in the North Carolina Community College System.

Aiken earned his bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Wesleyan University and holds both a master’s degree and Doctor of Education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

The search for a permanent president for RCC is underway.

HICKS AWARDED RCC FOUNDATION RETIREE SCHOLARSHIP

B

ryson Hicks has been awarded the Randolph Community College Foundation Retiree Scholarship for the 2022-2023 school year. The scholarship was established to honor retired RCC faculty and staff members.

Hicks, who was chosen among the 2022-2023 Presidential Scholar applicants for the $1,000 scholarship, is seeking an associate degree in Electrical Systems Technology at RCC. The recent Uwharrie Charter Academy graduate earned the 2021 Eagle Scout Award and has worked in landscaping and construction and as a lifeguard.

The RCC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides a margin of excellence for the College by building a strong relationship with the local community, acquiring and managing contributions, and funding activities that support RCC. For information on contributing to the RCC Foundation, contact Lorie McCroskey, Director of Development, at 336-633-1118 or email llmccroskey@randolph.edu. asheboromagazine.com | 31

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