SANFORD — Dana Stone, of Dunn, was honored by the North Carolina Community College System for academic excellence during its “Great Within the 58” Excellence Event April 14.

Every year, each of the 58 community colleges in the NCCCS selects one of its outstanding students to be recognized at the state level. Stone was selected by Central Carolina Community College for excelling academically while overcoming a learning disability, dealing with the challenges of being a single mother, and being involved in service and student organizations at the college. She is a Criminal Justice Technology major. 

“I feel honored to be one of the few chosen,” Stone said. “I do know that I never believed I was college material, but CCCC has shown me that I can overcome any obstacles.”

The Excellence Event was held at North Carolina State University’s McKimmon Center, with a reception at the Executive Mansion. Each of the 58 awardees was presented a plaque and medallion by NCCCS President Scott Ralls and Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, chair of the State Board of Community Colleges.

“Excellence occurs every day at each of our community colleges,” said Ralls. “The people we recognized today are shining examples of how community college staff, faculty and administration continue to pull together and offer hope to the students who enter our doors looking for new opportunities and beginnings.”

Stone came to CCCC to train for a new career after her job of 24 years as a manufacturing set-up technician disappeared in the recession. She said the instructors and staff worked with her in overcoming her learning disability and encouraged her to succeed. 

She has maintained a 3.85 grade point average and has served as a Student Ambassador, SGA senator, Phi Theta Kappa honor society vice president, teacher assistant, lab assistant, and tutor. 

Stone is the first of her six siblings to attend college. Her career goal is to work with juveniles in the criminal justice system.