July 2018 - Hometown News Magazine by Hometown News Magazine

July 2018

Hometown News Serving Chatham, Lee And Moore Counties

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In Honor of Alexander “Sandy” Brower III

Featured in This Issue ... Volleyball Program Gains Five New Athletes see page 8

Candace Matlock Land 2018 Teacher of The Year see page 9

College And Career Readiness Graduation see page 12

Martin Kendrick #Winning see page 10

2018 James F. Wertz Oratorical Participants see page 3

JULY 2018

Hometown News Magazine

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JULY 2018

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2018 James F. Wertz Oratorical Participants

Congratulations to Nyla Blanding (First Missionary Baptist Church, Carthage,NC) and Keshaun Smith (First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Sanford, NC) for their “”Awesome Presentations” at the NC General Baptist State Convention’s James F. Wertz Oratorical competition held in Fayetteville, NC at Mt Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, June 25-27, 2018. They wrote their own speeches and their orations were Excellent! Nyla is the daughter of Ms. Emily Blanding and the granddaughter of Rev Lincoln and Mrs Carolyn Blanding. Keshaun is the grandson of Rev Dr. Thomas Smith and Rev Sarah Smith. They represented the Deep River Missionary Baptist Association with Excellence!

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JULY 2018

CCCC BLET Program Graduates Find Success She was only supposed to be a chaperone when Carol Lewis agreed to accompany her son on a field trip to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Training Academy. But as she wandered through the grounds, learning about the agency’s culture and history, Lewis started wondering what a career in law enforcement might be like for her. She was an employment consultant at the time, a state administrator who reviewed unemployment claims when people were fired or quit. It provided a good income and she wasn’t unhappy in her job. Still, she kept thinking about that visit to the state highway patrol. Then, she made her move. After an intense application process, she was admitted to the academy. But then her unlikely journey took another odd turn, when Lewis injured her knee and had to leave training. “I thought I was done for,” she recalls. “I had no money. No job.” That’s when her highway patrol recruiter suggested Lewis enroll in Basic Law Enforcement Training at Central Carolina Community College. She jumped at the opportunity. Two weeks after leaving the academy, with her knee still in a brace, she drove to Sanford to pursue the plan and left with an acceptance letter and financial assistance. Even as her knee recovered, the challenge remained formidable. Lewis was the oldest in her class, a single mom who got up at 5:30 a.m. to avoid the worst traffic between her home in Raleigh and the Emergency Services Training Center in Sanford. On the other hand, where else could she launch a new and rewarding career in just a few months? So, that’s what she did, successfully completing her training three years

ago in December and beginning her new career two months later at NC State University, where she currently is a police officer in their crime prevention unit, working directly with students, faculty and staff to enhance public safety. “It was life-altering for both of us,” she says, looking back on that field trip with her son and the career it launched. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.”

IT to SRO As CCCC’s Department Chair of Public Safety and Basic Law Enforcement Training Director, Robert Powell remembers Lewis well, calling her a “humble, but talented person who has the ‘it’ factor” and “a tremendous leader who will be a police chief some day.” He also uses her example to make the point that Basic Law Enforcement Training students come from all different walks of life. Then he offers another prime example: David Schau, someone Powell calls “one of the hardest working cadets who ever went through this academy.” Schau currently works as a deputy sheriff and school resource officer at Warren Williams Alternative Elementary in Sanford, where he helps create a safe and orderly environment for young children from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. But less than two years before accepting that position, he was a former U.S. Air Force computer maintenance specialist working in the information technology sector, where he held a variety of positions over 25 years until being caught up in a business contraction and laid off from his job. The shift from information technology to deputy sheriff may seem strange enough. But here’s the

Robert Powell is Director of the Central Carolina Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training program. For further information on the program, contact Powell at (919) 777-7774 or email to rpowell@cccc.edu. Or, learn more about the program at www.cccc.edu/blet/.

kicker: On the second day of Basic Law Enforcement Training, Schau celebrated his 60th birthday. “I felt like the Lord called me to it, so I knew then, in my heart, I had to give 100 percent,” Schau says. “I was three times the age of the youngest cadet in my class and it was going to take me two weeks longer than the kids to get dialed in.” But he got dialed in, even after securing a clean bill of health from colon surgery just a few weeks before the first day of class and working to catch up with his younger classmates. Now, Schau is in a job he wanted, in a setting he’s loved ever since he started reading to students years ago as a volunteer in his wife’s second grade classroom. When he first had the thought of moving into law enforcement, he knew becoming a school resource officer was his calling, and everything fell into place. Traditional Students, Too

Not all Basic Law Enforcement Training students enter the field mid-career or even as retirees. Johnsie Holbrook followed the more traditional path, finishing her associate degree in criminal justice at CCCC before working in the family restaurant until she was old enough to enroll in the academy. It’s something she always wanted to do. One of her four brothers is in law enforcement, too, and another is a corrections officer in the military, so it seems inevitable that Holbrook also would enter the field. But even she had to overcome some obstacles to make her dreams come true. In short, her family had reservations about the idea. “It wasn’t really that my family didn’t want me to do this, but they understand it can be dangerous,” Holbrook says. “I was their only girl, so they didn’t particularly like the idea, but they support me 100 percent.”

Holbrook says she needed that support because the program was so rigorous. She goes into detail about how difficult the testing was — how she worried for days before each exam and realized that, as the youngest student in her class, she didn’t bring as much experience to training as many of her peers. And then there was the “Red Man.” As part of the training, students learn combative techniques in case they’re needed to control and arrest people on the street. Then, they demonstrate what they’ve learned by fighting an instructor dressed in red padding from head to toe. For two minutes. With nothing but a baton. Having never been in a fight or altercation in her life, Holbrook says she was nervous when she stepped onto the mat, and she took her share of contact. But she made it to the end and remained smiling the entire time “so they didn’t know if I was

crazy or didn’t know what to do with myself.” Now, Holbrook also is an officer on the NC State University Police Department, having emerged from the “Red Man” experience — and all of her law enforcement training — proud of her accomplishment. She calls it “probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

The Big Attraction Though they come from different directions and walks of life, Basic Law Enforcement Training students have some things in common. Powell says many want to test themselves — like Holbrook, whom he describes as “a tenacious spirit who will not quit, either physically or intellectually.” And they have a genuine desire to serve others and give back to their community — including Lewis, who carries that sense of public service into the community as volunteer coach for the see BLET, page 10

JULY 2018

Hometown News Magazine

CCCC Graduates 60 From EMS Program

Sixty Central Carolina Community College Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students graduated during a June 19 ceremony held at the CCCC Harnett Health Sciences Center in Lillington.

Sixty Central Carolina Community College Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students graduated during a June 19 ceremony held at the CCCC Harnett Health Sciences Center in Lillington. Welcome was by Lisa Godfrey, CCCC Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services. Susan Macklin, EMS Program Director, introduced t speaker Capt. W. Tramp t Dunn, who has served as CCCC Fire Academy Coordinator. There was a special presentation to Dr. Mark Glaser, who has been Medical Director since the inception of the CCCC s Paramedic program. He is retiring effective July t 31. Richard Stump, Lead — Paramedic Instructor, presented a plaque to Dr. s Glaser. Dr. T.E. Marchant, CCCC President, awarded e the graduation certificates. e Instructors Richard Stump and Michael Braxton — were present and particio pated in the ceremony. Dr. Brian Merritt, CCCC Vice President of Student Learning, had closing remarks.

Many of the graduates already have jobs and one was approached at the ceremony with a job interview. EMT graduates were (listed by county): Chatham County: Logan Brooks, Ayesha Chaudhry, Amanda Collins, Shelly Coltrane, Robert Cox Jr., Rebekah Gessner, Jonathan Grimes, Apexaben Parekh, Charles Quinlin, Evan Shaw, Spencer Shaw, William Sturdivant, Ralph White. Harnett County: Thomas Connelly, Elias Dove, Samantha Gagliardi, Tanner Hicks, Matthew Lasater, Olivia Truelove, James Turlington, Michael Wilson. Johnston County: John Ennis, Beverly Hernandez, Angie Posoda, Morissa Stanley. Lee County: Kendall Andrews, Derek Dyson, Connor Gaines, Austin Hart, James Hilliard, Bailey Howard, Lonnie Kiker IV, Tyler Kruger, Christopher McDonald, Austin Roberts, Steven Seagroves, Zachary Thomas, Max Whitaker III, Tessa Wilson.

Dr. Mark Glaser, who has been Medical Director since the inception of the Central Carolina Community College Paramedic program, received a plaque from Richard Stump, Lead Paramedic Instructor, during the CCCC Emergency Medical Services graduation on June 19 at the CCCC Harnett Health Sciences Center in Lillington.

Moore County: Bailee Simler. Orange County: Heather Ragan-Kwakye. Randolph County: Avery Jones. Sampson County: Tony Strickland. Wake County: Charles Wilson-Woodard. Wayne County: Jeffrey

Bryan. Paramedic graduates were (listed by county): Chatham County: Matthew Brooks. Cumberland County: Vanessa Lucas, Benjamin Prince. Harnett County: Marissa Bartlett, Jonathan

Crawford, Kevin McLamb. Lee County: Brittney Gaines. Moore County: William Britton, Justin Cole, Jon Smith, Trenton VanBoskerck. Richmond County: Billie Chambers, Dustin Paul. Scotland County: Janet

Britt. Wake County: Kaleb Janson. For more information about the college’s EMS program, visit www. cccc.edu/ecd/emergencyservices-training/ems-emt/ or contact Susan Macklin at smack271@cccc.edu or 919-777-7776.

Hometown News Magazine

JULY 2018

Summer Bridge Program Under Way

The Central Carolina Community College Summer Bridge program is under way. Summer Bridge eases the transition for new university transfer students at CCCC and help them tap into resources that will help them succeed in the classroom. Kevin Pearson, who directs Summer Bridge, says the idea is to get new students comfortable on campus even before they begin classes. It also teaches what he calls “soft skills” — expertise students need to manage their time and schedules, think critically, solve problems, and even communicate effectively with college faculty. Students can earn up to four credit hours

through Summer Bridge. First, ACA 122 (College Transfer Success) helps students develop clear academic and professional goals for beyond the community college experience. Second, COM 231 (Public Speaking) prepares students for the delivery of speeches in the public setting and in-group discussions. Both courses are transferrable under the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. In addition, Summer Bridge has partnered with the TRiO Upward Board program to provide supplemental academic support as well. “A lot of colleges offer some kind of first-year experience or freshman seminar course, and this is what we’re doing at CCCC,” Pearson

says. “We’re combining general academic skills with information specific to our college that students can use from the very beginning.” Pearson believes experiences like Summer Bridge are essential for success. He cites studies showing that the transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, and when students can’t handle it, they struggle during their first semester — or even drop out altogether. Pearson views Summer Bridge as a prime opportunity for students to get a head start on their college educations. And even their careers, since those all-important “soft skills” have a significant impact on job interviews and

Central Carolina Community College officials recently held a Meet and Greet event for the 2018 Summer Bridge participants.

see BRIDGE, page 10

Meeting Notice

The Central Carolina Community College Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at 7 p.m. at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford for its Summer 2018 meeting. The Trustees will have dinner from 6:30 to 7 p.m. The CCCC Board of Trustees’ committee meetings will be held on Monday, July 23, 2018, at the CCCC Lee Main Campus, Science Building Conference Room, Sanford. The committees will meet at the following times: * Student & Academic Support Service Committee: 9:30 a.m. * Program Committee: 10:30 a.m. * Building & Grounds Committee: 11:30 a.m. * Personnel Committee: 1 p.m. * Finance Committee: 2 p.m.

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Hometown News Magazine

Area High School Teachers Explore Community College & Career Pathways

Central Carolina Works (CCW) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an educational initiative by a consortium including Central Carolina Community College, local schools, business, industry, and community leaders â&#x20AC;&#x201D; presented the 4th Annual Bridging Education and Careers summer symposium on June 18 at Sanford Contractors.

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JULY 2018

Volleyball Program Gains Five New Athletes Central Carolina Community College has added five new athletes to its volleyball program. The five new additions to the CCCC volleyball program are: * Kylie Javens, who attended North Moore High School in Robbins. * Khalicia Lee, who attended Greene Central High School in Snow Hill. * Sanastasia Powell, who attended Red Springs High School in Red Springs. * Abigail Sean from Asheboro, who attended Penn Foster Online High School. * Paige Weaver, who attended Lee County High School in Sanford. “The Cougars will rely on Sanastasia Powell to provide big blocking at the net, Khalicia Lee to contribute with all-round play, Paige Weaver with valuable serving, Kylie Javens to lead the defense, and Abigail Sean to set up the offensive attack,” said CCCC Volleyball Coach Bill Carter. Earlier, Daylene Thompson, of Laney High School in Wilmington, agreed to join the Central Carolina Community College volleyball program. “I am very excited about the Fall 2018 recruiting class and it looks to be setting up for a great Cougar volleyball season,” said Carter. “I hope everyone will come out to our home matches to support the program.” The CCCC volleyball regular season opens at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, at home versus Marshalltown Community College of Iowa. For more information about Central Carolina Community College and its programs, visit its website, www.cccc.edu or call the college at 919-775-5401.

(TOP) Paige Weaver (left) signs with the Central Carolina Community College volleyball program. She is seated beside CCCC Volleyball Coach Bill Carter. For more information about Central Carolina Community College and its programs, visit its website, www.cccc.edu or call the college at 919-775-5401. (MIDDLE) Sanastasia Powell, Kylie Javens, and Khalicia Lee have agreed to join the Central Carolina Community College volleyball program. For more information about Central Carolina Community College and its programs, visit its website, www.cccc.edu or call the college at 919-775-5401. (BOTTOM) Abigail Sean (right) signs with the Central Carolina Community College volleyball program. She is seated beside CCCC Volleyball Coach Bill Carter. For more information about Central Carolina Community College and its programs, visit its website, www.cccc.edu or

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Hometown News Magazine

Candace Matlock Land 2018 Teacher of The Year Candace Matlock Land daughter of Bruce and Zelda Matlock is the 2018 Teacher of The Year for The Floyd L. Knight School.

BIO I am a graduate of Fayetteville State University and received my Bachelor of Science in BirthKindergarten (Teaching). I was one of the first to graduating class in 2008. I received my Masters in Early Childhood Studies (Teaching Adults) in 2012. The majority of my teaching career has been in serving preschoolers with various disabilities and delays. I have worked in separate setting preschool; co taught for Wake County Preschool in collaboration with Head Start and blended preschool programs. I have served as a mentor and supervising teacher in my previous position and find that rewarding. I am a trained parent educator, Triple P- Positive Parenting Program. I acquired this certification in 2015 in an effort to support parents with the challenges they may face with parenting their children with disabilities. I believe that parent education is a huge part of the early intervention process and strengthens the family for long term success. This year I became a CSEFEL (Center for Social and Emotional Foundation for Early Learning) coach. CSEFEL is focused on promoting the social and emotional development and school readiness of young children. I am the mother of two smart Southern Lee High School students. Jayson is 17, played football all four years for Southern Lee (Go #66). He will be attending Western Carolina in the fall. Caylin is a freshman. She is enjoying the Academy of Business and plays basketball. Teaching Philosophy “Whatever it takes!” I adopted that from a professor at Fayetteville State and was given a pin that states the phrase. Whatever it takes means that for each student and family I serve, I am committed to doing “whatever it takes” to help them reach their individual goals. There is no cookie cutter way to teaching or reaching a child. We have to be passionate problem solvers. Inspiration for Teaching Teaching was in my blood. My grandmother who helped raised me is a retired teacher. My aunts, an Uncle and even my grandfather

taught. My grandfather was blind and taught at the Mississippi School for the Blind. However, I ran from teaching. I tried everything else but my heart was conflicted. The turning point was seeing my son, who had Developmental Delays transform into a speaking, smart and funny boy emerge after attending a quality PreK class in Charlotte Mecklenburg School System, I knew that I had to give back. The Best Teaching Experience My best teaching experience came from one of my “tough days”. I was on cafeteria duty or something like that and an older student did something and took off running. Several of us went after him. When I caught up with him, (out of breathe I’m sure) I asked him to stop. He screamed back, “Lady why are you chasing me?” I was speechless and responded because you ran. The moment was funny; we (the adults) laughed and talked about it for awhile. After the humor faded, I couldn’t help but find the lesson in it. The lesson I took from it is that you have to choose your battles. A fight or a chase takes two people and sometimes the teacher (myself) is the silliest one in the situation. This is so important as you work with our students with challenging behaviors. That day reminds me to be the calm and not just RUN without knowing why. Advice for Future Teachers I would advice future teachers to join us, but only if they are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and their community. I would tell them that no other job has the benefits that teaching gives you. Not the State benefits either but the joy that comes from watching a child do something they haven’t done before or a parent gain confidence in themselves or child. I would encourage them to spend time with children of different ages and settings. You have to know where your best fit is and you won’t know that until you spend time with them. I would tell them to take a drama class as well as some social work classes, as you need both skills equally. Organizations I am an active member of Ebenezer Gospel Training Center, Pastor Delois Washington Curry. I serve as our Youth Department Chair Person.

Candace Matlock Land (left) with Nyomi Thompson.

Hometown News Magazine

BLET

Continued from page 4 Carolina Eagles Track and Field Club in Raleigh. But another big attraction, Powell says, is the opportunity to prepare for an important, rewarding career in just 16 weeks taking day classes or less than eight months in the evening. “They each overcame the odds and now they serve as law enforcement officers in their communities,”

BRIDGE

Continued from page 6 success in the workplace. “I can look back and say that if I had something like this, I would’ve been much more successful with my first semester and, really, with my entire first year,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity for students and a real help to them being

Powell says about his former students, Lewis, Schau and Holbrook. “Where else can you find results that quickly but at a community college?” CCCC BLET For further information on the CCCC Basic Law Enforcement Training program, contact Robert Powell, BLET Director, at (919) 777-7774 or email to rpowell@cccc.edu. Or, learn more about the program at www.cccc.edu/blet/. successful in the future.” Students who may be interested in Summer Bridge 2019 can contact CCCC College Success Coordinator/Advisor Kevin Pearson at 919-7187386 or by email at kpearson@cccc.edu. To learn more about Central Carolina Community College, visit the website www.cccc.edu.

CCCC Cross Country To Host Camps

CCCC Cross Country Coach Jacob Ashworth.

Central Carolina Community College will host cross country youth camps for ages 12-18. Camp 1 is Mechanics Day and will be held Friday, Aug. 3. Registration/check-in is 5:30 p.m.,

with sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. The $50 registration fee includes T-shirt. Camp 2 is Run Day/ Fun Day and will be held Saturday, Aug. 4. Registration/check-in is 6:30 a.m., with sessions from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The $75 registration fee includes T-shirt. Register for both camps for $100 (includes T-shirt). For more information or to register for the CCCC Cross Country Camp, contact Coach Jacob Ashworth at jashworth@cccc.edu or Athletic Director Jonathan Hockaday at jhockaday@ cccc.edu. To learn more about Central Carolina Community College athletics, visit www.cccc. edu/sports/.

JULY 2018

Martin Kendrick #Winning Mr. Martin S. Kendrick, Jr, Junior at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, Theme was “# Winning”: The Three R’s Refusal Skills, Resilience, Respect, June 24, 2018-C.E.D. Children’s Day and Awards Day Ceremony Fair Promise A.M.E. Zion Church Youtube Site: MR. MARTIN S. KENDRICK, JR- THEME: “# WINNING” https://youtu.be/dSs31yGqbag

JULY 2018

Hometown News Magazine

$199,490 Grant To Connect Students With Apprenticeship Opportunities

Central Carolina Community College has announced a $199,490 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation to be used to fund tuition for students participating in area apprenticeships and will allow for significant equipment updates to the following programs at CCCC — Welding Technologies, Computer Integrated Machining, and Industrial Systems Technologies.The funds will be used to connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities. County leaders from Lee, Chatham, and Harnett Counties accepted the check presentation from Indira Everett, Duke Energy District Manager for Lee, Chatham, and Durham counties. Pictured are, left to right: front row, Dr. T.E. Marchant, CCCC President; Larry “Doc” Oldham, Lee County Board of Commissioners; Indira Everett, Duke Energy District Manager; and Dr. Emily Hare, CCCC Foundation Executive Director; back row, John Crumpton, Lee County Manager; Julian Philpott, CCCC Board of Trustees Chairman; Jim Burgin, CCCC Board of Trustees Vice Chairman; Amy Dalrymple, Chair of Lee County Board of Commissioners; Diana Hales, Chair of Chatham County Board of Commissioners; Gordon Springle, Chair of Harnett County Board of Commissioners; Paula Stewart, Harnett County Manager; Renee Paschal, Chatham County Manager; and Howard Penny, Vice Chair of Harnett County Board of Commissioners.

Central Carolina Community College has announced a $199,490 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will be used to connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities. The investment will be used to fund tuition for students participating in area apprenticeships and will allow for significant equipment updates to the following programs at CCCC — Welding Technologies, Computer Integrated Machining, and Industrial Systems Technologies. “Apprenticeships are a key strategy for our community to help solve labor market’s challenges and create a workforce for the future,” said Dr. Brian S Merritt, CCCC Vice President of Learning & Workforce Development. “We are grateful to Duke Energy for this generous gift, and we look forward to working with our industry partners to help create new work-based learning opportunities for our students.” Area industry or business leaders — in any occupational sector — who are interested in hosting an apprentice or participating in the apprenticeship consortium can contact Drew Goodson, CCCC Dean of Career & Technical Education, at 919.718.7445 or by email at dgoodson@cccc.edu.

“It’s important that we support programs that strengthen the pipeline of highly-skilled workers who will move North Carolina forward,” said Indira Everett, District Manager, Duke Energy. “Our investments come full circle when many of the students go on to work for area industries, and those industries then gain skilled workers trained to meet specific, local needs.” This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce. About Central Carolina Community College Central Carolina Community College offers a wide variety of programs at its three campus locations and multiple instructional locations throughout Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties. Within these programs, students can earn associate degrees or college transfer credits, diplomas, or certifi-

cates. Some programs are offered entirely, or in part, via online distance education. Courses also are available in such areas as Short-term Job Training, College & Career Readiness, Personal Interests, Business & Industry, and Emergency Services Training are available. For more information, visit www.cccc.edu.

About Duke Energy Foundation The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture. Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit www.duke-energy. com/foundation.

Hometown News Magazine

JULY 2018

College And Career Readiness Graduation

Central Carolina Community College’s College and Career Readiness Commencement Exercises was held June 20 at Lee County High School’s McLeod Auditorium, honoring the achievements of more than 135 students. Dr. Brian S. Merritt, CCCC Vice President of Student Learning/Chief Academic Officer, welcomed the audience. Sara Lambert, CCCC Interim College and Career Coordinator in Chatham County, introduced the commencement student speaker. Student Speaker Ronda Goldston, of Chatham County, said, “In the 11th grade, I was asked to write a paper about what I wanted to be when I grew up. What was my response? I wanted to be a good mother, because at 16 I was pregnant with my first daughter … So when I had her, I tried to be the best mother I could be and made the difficult decision to leave school without getting my diploma. I promised myself

I would go back eventually, but life happened and I had to be an adult. I was busy raising my children and working, so I kept putting it off and never went back — but I never felt complete or good enough. “So I finally decided to get my GED. I started and I quit! But in 2017, I went back again more committed than before and this time I didn’t quit! It wasn’t easy working and going to school, or being in class with people half your age … But in May of 2018, I finally passed my last test after much prayer, work, and support from the best support team ever! “I am truly thankful to CCCC and the instructors at the Siler City Center for never giving up on me. And lastly, I want everyone to know it’s never too late and the process to improvement is and should be a lifelong journey. So if you have something on your heart that you want and need to complete, be like Nike and — Just do it!” Sandra M. Thompson, CCCC Associate Dean of College and

Career Readiness, recognized the honor graduates. Several students received CCCC Foundation scholarships to continue their education. The students are Samantha Lynn Lunsford, Claire McDonald, Derrick McLeod, and Matthew Noel. Devontre M. Farrar was recipient of the W.B. Wicker Memorial Scholarship. Daniel Loges, CCCC College and Career Readiness Coordinator in Lee County, introduced the candidates for graduation, who each received congratulations from Dr. T.E. Marchant, CCCC President, and Julian Philpott, Chairman of the CCCC Board of Trustees. Following the commencement exercises, family and friends celebrated with the graduates. For more information about Central Carolina Community College’s College and Career Readiness programs, visit www.cccc.edu or contact: in Chatham County – 919-5458663, in Harnett County – 910-814-8971, or in Lee County – 919-777-7701.

Ronda Goldston was the commencement student speaker at Central Carolina Community College’s College and Career Readiness Commencement Exercises on June 20.