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Central Carolina Community College Class of 2008 graduates

05.09.2008 • Graduations

SANFORD - Cheers filled the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center Friday as members of Central Carolina Community College's Class of 2008 walked across the stage to receive their hard-earned degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

Family and friends greeted the announcement of each name with enthusiastic cheers, applause and the snapping of lots of photos of the memorable occasion.

The joy and excitement were two-fold as the college held two ceremonies. The Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science students received their degrees at a 1 p.m. commencement; diplomas and certificates were awarded at a 4 p.m. commencement.

Those who completed their coursework during the first semester were included in the exercises, because the college does not have a fall graduation. A total of 56 A.A., 12 A.S., and 151 AAS degrees, were earned, with 173 attending the graduation. A total of 115 diplomas and 358 certificates were earned, with some students earning multiple degrees and certificates.

"It's taken me a while," graduate Jose Hernandez, of Sanford, said following the degree ceremony. He earned an AAS in Industrial Systems Technology and will now attend East Carolina University. "I'm the first in my family to graduate college. Without the help of God, I couldn't have done it."

Kennon Briggs, Vice President for Business and Finance for the North Carolina Community College System, delivered the commencement address at both exercises. Dr. Scott Ralls, who became the NCCCS president on May 1, was originally scheduled to speak, but unforeseen circumstances prevented his attending.

Briggs, whose parents were from Harnett County, told the graduating class of the impact of community colleges on his life. His mother married at 17, but later divorced and was left with two sons to support. She graduated from a community college, then went on to further education, creating a successful life for herself and her children.

"It's not where you begin, but where you end," he said, mentioning several students who had overcome challenges to achieve their educational goals. He challenged the graduates to go on and become contributing members of their communities, adding, "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give."

Jennifer Marano, of Sanford, graduated from high school 19 years ago. She finally returned and earned her AAS in Paralegal Technology. Marano served as spokesperson for the 2008 degree graduates.

"It is never too early or too late to get your education," she said. "Remember the greatness that lies within you - and the magic of your childhood dreams."

M. Steven Garrett Jr., President Garrett's son, received his degree in Industrial Systems Technology. The president warmly congratulated his son onstage with a hug. The 2008 spring graduation also held a poignancy for President Garrett because he retires in September after 21 years at the college.

"This is my last spring graduation," he told the graduates and guests. "It's a very special day for me." He then added, "Graduation is always a very special day for the college because it's the culmination of months and years of hard work on the part of the students. It's been a very good year, largely because of the contributions your class has made. As you walk across the stage, we know you are proud of your achievements. We are probably even more proud of you, because you are our finished product. You are why this college exists. Teaching will always be what the heart of this college is about."

During the ceremonies, students with the highest academic averages were recognized: AA/AS programs - Daniel Melvin Smith, Brittany Elizabeth Beckwith, and Orbie Gwinn Etheridge; AAS programs - Sharon Batson Johnson, Nancy Jane King Whalen, Orbie Gwinn Etheridge, and Louise Diane Panatoski; and Diplomas - Raymond Lacy Braxton, James Benjamin Godbee, James Owen Johnson Jr., and Cathy Lynne Holland.

Erica Scott, of Bear Creek, earned her AAS in Early Childhood/Teacher Associate. After the 1 p.m. ceremony, she hugged her proud dad, Larry Scott. With a big smile, she then summed up her feelings and those of all the graduates: "I'm happy!"

Central Carolina Community College Class of 2008 graduates

Erica Scott (right), of Bear Creek, gets a big hug from her dad, Larry Scott, following her graduation from Central Carolina Community College Friday. Erica received her AAS in Early Childhood/Teacher Associate at the college’s 1 p.m. graduation ceremony for Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degrees. A second graduation ceremony was held at 4 p.m. for those receiving diplomas and certificates. Both ceremonies were held in the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

Central Carolina Community College Class of 2008 graduates

Jennifer Marano (right), of Sanford, receives a congratulatory hug from Central Carolina Community College President Matt Garrett after she received her AAS in Paralegal Technology at the college’s graduation Friday at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. Marano, who graduated from college 19 years after she graduated high school, was the student speaker for the degree program graduation. Biology instructor Jessica Brown (left), the college’s 2008 Instructor of the Year, assists with the awarding of degrees.

Central Carolina Community College Class of 2008 graduates

Central Carolina Community College’s graduation Friday at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center was very special to college President Matt Garrett (left). He retires in September, after 21 years at the college, four as president. This was his last spring graduation. Garrett also had the joy of seeing his son, M. Steven Garrett Jr. (right), receive his degree in Industrial Systems Technology.

Central Carolina Community College Class of 2008 graduates

Trey Bowden (left), of Sanford, looks proudly at his wife, Tiana Murchison, following her graduation Friday from Central Carolina Community College. Tiana said she worked hard for seven years to earn her Associate in Arts degree in Business and is now looking forward to starting at NC State University in August. Bowden holds Tre-Shawn, their three-year-old, who isn’t quite sure what all the excitement is about in the foyer of the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center after the event. (Back right) Central Carolina faculty Diane Kannarr (left) and Robin Kohanowich (right) were among those congratulating the graduates in the foyer. 

Central Carolina Community College Class of 2008 graduates

Michael Grenier (center), of Lillington, gets warm congratulations from his mother, Donna Grenier (left) and father, Kenneth Grenier, following his graduation from Central Carolina Community College Friday. Michael earned his AAS in Industrial Systems Technology. Now he has his sights set on finding a job.