SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College's College and Career Readiness Commencement Exercises was held July 25 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference, honoring the achievements of more than 140 students.

Dr. Lisa M. Chapman, CCCC President, welcomed the audience. "Graduates -- the administration, staff, faculty, and I want to share a heartfelt and proud congratulations to each and every one of you for all you have accomplished. We are honored to join you tonight as we celebrate your achievements," she said.

"You have persevered through a pandemic to ensure your success and you are to be commended on getting to this point. I am so proud of you and so honored to serve as your president -- enjoy this accomplishment and then come on back for more. There is no limit to what you can do and just know we are here to help you go as far as you want to go."

Dr. Kristi Short, CCCC Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, introduced the commencement student speaker.

Sandra Thompson, College and Career Readiness Assistant State Director, Title II with the North Carolina Community College System, was guest speaker. She is former CCCC Associate Dean of College and Career Readiness.

"Thank you so much for inviting me back to Central Carolina Community College to be the guest speaker ... I am honored to be here. Over the course of my career, I have been to many graduations that award all sorts of certificates, diplomas, and degrees - from pre-school to doctorate programs. But hands down - [this] graduation is my favorite. It is because I know how hard you have worked and how much you have sacrificed to get to this moment. So, like your families and friends, your teachers, and the administration at CCCC, I, too, am so proud of you and what you have accomplished," said Thompson.

"As you begin the steps necessary to move forward in your lives post high school graduation, you'll set other goals. And likely you'll likely have issues come up, too, where you must make decisions - some of the decisions will be harder than others," said Thompson. "I'd ask you to ... ask yourself, will this decision that I have to make move me closer to achieving my goal or not? Once you've answered that question, your decision will be easier."

Thompson noted to the graduates that if they're trying to decide or have already decided that transitioning to postsecondary at Central Carolina Community College is their next step, she wanted them to remember these three things:

• You'll be welcome at CCCC.
• You'll have a sense that you belong at CCCC.
• You'll have access to many resources and supports to help you reach your goals at CCCC.

Claudia Farnandez, CCCC Dean of Career and Academic Engagement, recognized honor graduates. Valentina Baker, Heather Johnson, and Johnathan Shadd scored college ready on all High School Equivalency tests. Allyson Dinus obtained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the Adult High School program.

Penny Shoun, CCCC Chief Assessment Examiner, introduced the candidates for graduation, who each received congratulations from Dr. Chapman.

Farnandez noted in her closing remarks: "During this time of success take pleasure and satisfaction in what you achieve, and when you are challenged to figure out what to do next, whether it is to continue your education, start a career, or change jobs, do not hesitate to look for guidance from the people that helped you reach this day."

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 - 919-545-8671, in Harnett County - 910-814-8975, or in Lee County - 919-718-7067.