By Susan Welch, CCCC Correspondent

SANFORD -- U.S. Army Lt. Col. Maurice McDougald, former chief supervisor of Homeland Security in Fort Monroe, Va., will be the featured speaker at a ceremony to honor graduates of Central Carolina Community College's (CCCC) Men and Women of Academic Distinction and Excellence program (MADE/WADE). The ceremony will be held Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center in Sanford.

Experienced in Homeland Security and Weapons of Mass Destruction technology, McDougald has also held positions as chief supervisor of Initial Military Training at Langley-Eustis, Newport News, Va., and chief inspector general of the U.S. Army Cadet Command and Installation at Fort Knox, Ky. He was also chief supervisor of Homeland Security Force Protection at the Army Integration Center at Fort Monroe, Va.

Kako Covington, CCCC Diversity Leadership & Mentoring Coach, said the MADE/WADE program focuses on developing well-rounded students in all areas of academic excellence.

"We cover academics, outreach, study skills, and the student's personal investment in education as a means to help students succeed and ensure retention," Covington said. "We work closely with instructors and community leaders to maximize student achievement in everything from completion and accuracy of assignments to involvement in the community."

The MADE/WADE program requires students to complete all assignments and obtain verification of their completion from instructors. They must meet with peer mentors and utilize the resources MADE/WADE makes available to them.

Students are also required to attend weekly workshops focusing on skills and abilities they will need to reach their educational and professional goals. In addition, they must participate in community projects that not only help them realize the value of an education, but the numerous opportunities it affords them.

Through peer and instructor reinforcement, the program provides encouragement and support for students as they work toward their college degree or certification.

Instructors fulfill their program requirements by monitoring students' progress, making sure assignments are recorded and completed correctly and reporting on students who have done well so that they can be recognized for their accomplishments.

Peer mentors meet with both program members and lead coaches to work on leadership skills and encourage students in the importance of setting an example for others. Peer mentors are also responsible for building relationships with the academic assistance teams from the program's Success Center, Writing Center, tutors, and financial aid department.

Among their many responsibilities, lead coaches provide challenging educational plans, establish and maintain a relationship with everyone in the program, introduce students to inspirational and provocative speakers, and address both educational and some personal issues.

For more information about the MADE/WADE program at CCCC, contact Kako Covington at 919-718-7485 or e-mail her at kcovington@cccc.edu.