SANFORD - Two Central Carolina Community College students, Holly Kidd and Wesley Seawell, have been selected as recipients of the North Carolina Community College System’s 2009 Academic Excellence Awards.

The awards recognize academic achievement, community service, and leadership in students from each of the state’s 58 community colleges each year. For 2009, a total of 115 students from among the 800,000 enrolled statewide received the honor.

Kidd and Seawell, both of Chatham County, will be honored at Central Carolina C.C.’s Academic Awards Night May 6.

Holly Kidd

Holly Kidd, of Bennett, earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from N.C. State University in 2005, then became a middle school science teacher. After a few years, she realized she wanted a more hands-on career with animals. That brought her to Central Carolina Community College’s Veterinary Medical Technology program. She will receive her Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology in August.

Holly has served as a Student Ambassador for the college while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. She is now looking forward to using her training to work in a research lab at a university.

Wesley Seawell

Seawell, of Goldston, is a 2001 graduate of Lee Christian School, in Sanford. He enrolled in the U.S. Army after high school and served six years of active duty, including two tours in Iraq. Seawell then enrolled at Central Carolina Community College, where he will receive his Associate in Arts Degree-University Transfer in May. He serves as a Student Ambassador at the college.

Seawell has already been accepted to Campbell University, which awarded him a Presidential Scholarship. He plans to major in government and maybe, someday, run for elective office.

The prestigious Academic Excellence Awards program was initiated and is sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents. All winners are featured on the NCCCS web site: www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/successstories/AEA/. All winners receive a plaque, medallion and ribbon, tote bag, printed program, and a personal letter of congratulations from NCCCS President R. Scott Ralls.