Sandhills Community College’s McNeill-Woodward Green was packed full of cheers and tears as elated graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas or certificates during the 59th graduation ceremony since the college was founded in 1963.
Two hundred and fifteen students obtained associate degrees that may have plans to transfer to four-year colleges, and 283 students obtained Associate Degrees in Applied Science, certificates or diplomas based on credits earned to pursue workforce opportunities.
“This is a hallmark day for our students who studied hard and applied themselves in learning, engaging and belonging as well as the families and friends who supported them along the way,” said President Sandy Stewart in a media release. “We are especially grateful to the wonderful faculty, staff and instructors who made this day possible as well as the to the employers in the region who offered hands on learning and experiences along the way to lead to job positions or the pursuit of higher education at a four-year institution.”
SandHoke Early High School student, Allison Pratt, was one of 73 students at the high school who earned her associate’s degree and was accepted to 60 colleges and was offered over $2 million in scholarships. She will be going to NC State University to study biological sciences with a concentration in molecular, cellular and developmental biology.
“Overall, the graduating class at SandHoke was awarded over $6.7 million, which is a new record for us. We are elated that our students are reaping the fruit of their labor. We truly value the role that SCC has played to preparing our students for these opportunities,” said Principal Leslie Neal.
There were 15 students from Moore County high schools who obtained their associate degrees while in high school, a remarkable achievement while juggling core courses and electives.
Joy Arias graduated with an associate degree in Collision Repair and Refinishing. Joy has a job at Griffin Chrysler Auto Body Shop in Rockingham. She was selected out of 150 candidates. Joy will be a collision estimator and dealing with customers.
Graduate Maria Orellana-Adriazola earned an Associate of Arts and plans to attend NC State University, where she is the recipient of the Goodnight Scholarship. Maria aspires to become a doctor. In addition to maintaining a full course load, Maria also earned an EMT certification and worked many nights as an EMT at a local fire department in Fayetteville. She also served as the Career and College Promise work study this past year.
Also awarded a Goodnight Scholarship was Jose Torres Piñeda. He graduated from SandHoke Early College High School with an associate degree and a high school diploma and will be attending NC State. The Goodnight Scholarships invests in students from low- and middle-income families in North Carolina studying in STEM or STEM education disciplines.
The program empowers Goodnight Scholars to “pay it forward” as transformational leaders at NC State, in North Carolina, and in the world. The value of the scholarship is $23,000 and is renewable for up to four years for first-year students and three years for transfer students. In addition to the scholarship, Goodnight Scholars have access to an assortment of developmental programming focused on their professional and personal growth.
Student award winners were: Mary Luman Meyer Award- Felix Naab- Associate in Arts; Sue Williamson Faculty Award – Jessica Ruggiero, Associate in Applied Science Nursing and Caroline Bradford, Associate in Science; and the Presidents Award – Carson Smith, Associate in Applied Science-Civil Engineering.
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