SANFORD - Carol O'Brien Thomas joined other donors and scholarship recipients during Central Carolina Community College's Scholarship Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

"I enjoy being able to help students who want to further their education and may need some extra assistance," said Thomas, who was in attendance to represent the scholarship in honor of her late husband, Raymond Francis O'Brien Jr.

CCCC President Dr. T.E. Marchant expressed his appreciation to the donors. "You have made a difference in these students' lives that will pay dividends for the rest of their lives. We do thank you from the bottom of our hearts," said Dr. Marchant.

The student speaker for the event was Karley Mitchell of Moncure, a second-year Veterinary Medical Technology student.

"Education is the most transcendent gift one can be given and it's because of generous donors like you that give sacrificially for students like us that allow our dreams to become a reality," said Mitchell. "Scholarship money lightens the financial burden of each individual student and allows us to focus more on the most important aspect of school -- learning. We, as recipients, are humbled, privileged, and honored to receive such generous support.

"For as long as I can remember, animals have always been a part of my life. They have taught me to laugh love, cuddle, cry, and even scream at times. Now, as an adult, it is my turn to return the favor to them and to my community," said Mitchell. "My lifelong dream of becoming a registered veterinarian technician is becoming a reality at CCCC because of donors like you who have invested your love and confidence in students like us. Every single donor has a part in enhancing the lives of all of CCCC's students."

Mitchell said that the charity of the donors had allowed each scholarship recipient to become one step closer to achieving their lifelong dreams. "Words alone cannot express our appreciation for your sacrificial gift," she said. "We promise to work hard, give back, and make you proud. We hope to one day be able to also help others reach their goals in higher education by assisting them the same way that you have us! Thank you!"

Julian Philpott, Chairman of the CCCC Board of Trustees, thanked the donors for their monetary gifts and kind support. "You're helping to transform lives and making lives better," he said.

The Foundation thus far has awarded $197,800 in scholarships to 199 students for the 2016-17 school year.

Dr. Pamela Senegal, CCCC Vice President of Economic & Community Development, provided welcoming remarks. Recognition of donors/recipients was by Dr. Brian Merritt, CCCC Vice President of Student Learning, and Julian Philpott, Chairman of the CCCC Board of Trustees.

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, Central Carolina Community College. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of CCCC and uses them to promote the educational mission of the college and assist students through scholarships and grants.

"Like all schools, Central Carolina Community College depends on the generosity of our friends, donors, and alumni to help us handle our growth and plan for the future," said Emily Hare, Executive Director of the CCCC Foundation. "These gifts support CCCC's goals for educational excellence through student scholarships, faculty professional development, and the funding of state-of-the-art technologies.

"Our success has a lot to do with the leaders and citizens of our communities, like you, who step forward, get to know our students, and invariably decide to help many of them," said Hare. "By aiding today's students, you are making an impact not only on their lives, but on the community and region as a whole, strengthening our local community. Thank you for investing in our students, our community, and our future!"

For information on giving to the Foundation or its fund-raising events, contact Emily Hare, executive director of the CCCC Foundation, 919-718-7230 or ehare@cccc.edu. To apply for a scholarship, contact the CCCC Financial Aid Office, 919-718-7229.