SANFORD - Graduation for Central Carolina Community College's Adult High School/General Educational Development (GED) programs was a huge celebration.
The Jan. 22 event at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center honored the achievements of more than 50 students.
"These students have begun to put their lives on a path that leads to better employment, more education, and a better life for themselves and their families," said CCCC President Dr. Bud Marchant.
Bill Tyson, CCCC's Harnett County Provost, welcomed the audience. "To our graduates, we appreciate you letting us share with you and celebrate with you tonight on this great achievement."
Dawn Tucker, Dean of College and Career Readiness, presented the commencement student speakers.
Lidia Moreno Menendez, a Chatham County graduate, came into the program as a teenager. Tucker noted that Menendez was "an encourager to the students, she was a mother figure to others, and her work ethic is impeccable."
"I will not say it was easy, because it was not," said Menendez, who thanked her family and her teacher. "But before all, I thank my God for never letting me down and always being there for me." She concluded by saying, "Remember, graduates, it's never too late and we're never too old to pursue our dreams."
Jennifer Bennett, a Harnett County graduate, talked about discipline, commitment, and courage. "All of these characteristics have empowered everyone that participated in this program," she said. "I enrolled in the GED program and, from that day on, I knew I was destined to succeed.
"There are no words that can truly express this moment, for it was a huge accomplishment for me," she said. "And I would not be here today if it was not for the endless support of my teachers pushing me to do well."
Maria Hall is a Lee County graduate. "Maria is a young woman who believes in the limitless possibilities that her life has to offer," said Tucker.
"Nobody can set our self-worth besides us. No one can tell us we can't do the things in life that we want to do," said Hall. She told her fellow graduates, "Always remember you are priceless and yes you can. Don't stop here. Let this be the first night of the rest of your life."
Three students received CCCC Foundation scholarships, in the amount of $600, to continue their education. The students are Katerina Garima Sinha of Chatham County, Jennifer Bennett of Harnett County, and Maria Hall of Lee County. In addition, each student who participated in graduation will receive tuition for a three-hour curriculum or continuing education course at the college.
Adult High School honor graduates Angela Kristina Green, Lidia Beht Moreno Menendez, Megan Riley Morgan, Amber Cheyanne Pyles, and Juana Leticia Ramos were recognized. Also, Curtis Arthur Stith was recognized as a GED honor graduate. Stith served as Mace Bearer for the graduation.
Dawn Tucker thanked the College and Career Readiness faculty, staff, and coordinators.
Daniel Loges and Melody McGee, College and Career Readiness Coordinators, introduced the candidates for graduation, who each received congratulations from CCCC President Dr. Bud Marchant and CCCC Board of Trustees Chairman Julian Philpott.
Dr. Pamela Senegal, Vice President of Economic and Community Development, closed graduation with a quote from Dr. Seuss, "You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So ... get on your way!"
Following the commencement exercises, family and friends celebrated with the graduates.
Amber Cheyanne Pyles, from Sanford, said she had been waiting for this moment since 2009. What is her advice for those who may be thinking of an Adult High School or GED education? "It's possible. Don't give up. You can do it."
"I am feeling great," said graduate Fredericka Tajuana Berryman, from Cameron. "I have an accomplishment and want to keep on with my journey."
For more information about Central Carolina Community College's Adult High School and General Educational Development programs, visit www.cccc.edu or contact: in Chatham County - 919-545-8661 or dloges@cccc.edu; in Harnett County - 910-814-8972 or mmcgee@cccc.edu; or in Lee County - 919-777-7721 or mmcconnell@cccc.edu. Para mas informacion en espanol - 919-545-8667 or jherbon@cccc.edu.
GRADUATE LIST
Olivia Catalan Aguirre, Lisa Ann Bailey, Brian Wade Barnes, Jennifer Lee-Anne Bennett, Ivy Marie Benson, Fredericka Tajuana Berryman, Joseph Taylor Bickers, Brandy Renee Boahn, Aleah Patricia Boone, Tony Michael Boone, Barbara Newkirk Brinkley, Holden Chase Cummings, Caitlyn Dark, Dallas Christian Faulk, *Angela Kristina Green, Justin Thomas Haeck, Maria Brantlyn Hall, Chelsie Marie Harmon, Kristin Lee Hobgood, Stephan Michael Ives, Diana Laura Jimenez, Mary McLean King, Katie Ann Kolosky, Micheal Anthony Leoczko, Ramon Manuel, Bricel Marcos O'Campo. Lucero Guadalupe Martinez Canchola, Quentin Du-Bois McNeill, Marcus Daniel Meadows, Omari Brunell Mercier, *Lidia Beht Moreno Menendez, *Megan Riley Morgan, Samantha Leigh Naylor, Hunter Marie Page, Colton Michael Pavone, Alexandria Lauren Pealo, Tresalynn Marie Phillips, Josiah David Pierce, Aya Marie Pister, Savannah DaNae Pope, *Amber Cheyanne Pyles, *Juana Leticia Ramos, Lindsay Alane Ray, Marcue Daquan Russell, Jerry Edward Sanders, Katerina Garima Sinha, Rhiannon Ashley Snipes, Curtis Arthur Stith, Micheal Eric Turlington, Eric Jonathan Wagers, Jessica Lynn Watson, Calvin Walter Wrenn.
(* signifies Adult High School Honor Graduate)
The most recent Central Carolina Community College Adult High School and General Educational Development graduates celebrate during commencement exercises on Jan. 22 at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center in Sanford. For more information about Central Carolina Community College's Adult High School and General Educational Development programs, visit www.cccc.edu or contact: in Chatham County - 919-545-8661 or dloges@cccc.edu; in Harnett County - 910-814-8972 or mmcgee@cccc.edu; or in Lee County - 919-777-7721 or mmcconnell@cccc.edu. Para mas informacion en espanol - 919-545-8667 or jherbon@cccc.edu.
Maria Hall, of Lee County, was one of the student speakers at the Central Carolina Community College Adult High School and General Educational Development graduation. For more information about Central Carolina Community College's Adult High School and General Educational Development programs, visit www.cccc.edu or contact: in Chatham County - 919-545-8661 or dloges@cccc.edu; in Harnett County - 910-814-8972 or mmcgee@cccc.edu; or in Lee County - 919-777-7721 or mmcconnell@cccc.edu. Para mas informacion en espanol - 919-545-8667 or jherbon@cccc.edu.
Jennifer Bennett, of Harnett County, was one of the student speakers at the Central Carolina Community College Adult High School and General Educational Development graduation. For more information about Central Carolina Community College's Adult High School and General Educational Development programs, visit www.cccc.edu or contact: in Chatham County - 919-545-8661 or dloges@cccc.edu; in Harnett County - 910-814-8972 or mmcgee@cccc.edu; or in Lee County - 919-777-7721 or mmcconnell@cccc.edu. Para mas informacion en espanol - 919-545-8667 or jherbon@cccc.edu.
Lidia Moreno Menendez, of Chatham County, was one of the student speakers at the Central Carolina Community College Adult High School and General Educational Development graduation. For more information about Central Carolina Community College's Adult High School and General Educational Development programs, visit www.cccc.edu or contact: in Chatham County - 919-545-8661 or dloges@cccc.edu; in Harnett County - 910-814-8972 or mmcgee@cccc.edu; or in Lee County - 919-777-7721 or mmcconnell@cccc.edu. Para mas informacion en espanol - 919-545-8667 or jherbon@cccc.edu.
Savannah Pope, of Harnett County, is all smiles during the Central Carolina Community College Adult High School and General Educational Development graduation. For more information about Central Carolina Community College's Adult High School and General Educational Development programs, visit www.cccc.edu or contact: in Chatham County - 919-545-8661 or dloges@cccc.edu; in Harnett County - 910-814-8972 or mmcgee@cccc.edu; or in Lee County - 919-777-7721 or mmcconnell@cccc.edu. Para mas informacion en espanol - 919-545-8667 or jherbon@cccc.edu.
Graduate Amber Cheyanne Pyles, of Sanford, celebrates with family following the Central Carolina Community College Adult High School and General Educational Development graduation. For more information about Central Carolina Community College's Adult High School and General Educational Development programs, visit www.cccc.edu or contact: in Chatham County - 919-545-8661 or dloges@cccc.edu; in Harnett County - 910-814-8972 or mmcgee@cccc.edu; or in Lee County - 919-777-7721 or mmcconnell@cccc.edu. Para mas informacion en espanol - 919-545-8667 or jherbon@cccc.edu.
Graduate Fredericka Berryman, of Cameron, celebrates with family following the Central Carolina Community College Adult High School and General Educational Development graduation. For more information about Central Carolina Community College's Adult High School and General Educational Development programs, visit www.cccc.edu or contact: in Chatham County - 919-545-8661 or dloges@cccc.edu; in Harnett County - 910-814-8972 or mmcgee@cccc.edu; or in Lee County - 919-777-7721 or mmcconnell@cccc.edu. Para mas informacion en espanol - 919-545-8667 or jherbon@cccc.edu.