SANFORD — Central Carolina Community College celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2021 as the school observed a drive-through graduation on Monday, Aug. 9, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford. Nearly 180 people are among the most recent college graduates.
“Without a doubt, Graduation Day is truly our favorite day of the academic calendar,” CCCC Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Dr. Phillip Price told attendees. “Graduation represents the culmination of such hard work, dedication, and sacrifice on the part of our graduates and their families and it also reflects that Central Carolina Community College is doing everything possible in its power to meet the educational and employment needs of our communities.”
The graduation programs began to the skirl of a bagpipe, a CCCC tradition.
Dr. Kristi Short, CCCC’s vice president and chief academic officer, called out the names of each graduate as the vehicle in which they were riding passed in the processional. Dr. Price greeted each vehicle that included a vehicle magnet signifying the student’s graduation from the college.
“I can assure you that our faculty and staff are every bit as excited and proud of you as your families and we join you in celebrating your wonderful achievements,” said Dr. Price. “Congratulations and what a job well done!”
Ken Hoyle, vice president of student services, presented special awards.
During the graduation exercises, students with the highest academic honors were recognized. They include:
• Associate in Applied Science – John Burton Howland (Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigerating); Scottlee Daniel Peterson (Broadcasting Production Technology); Christian Starr (Electrical Systems)
• Associate in Arts – Pooja Paayal Prasad, Paige Alexandra Schrieber
• Associate in Engineering – James M. Williams
• Associate in Science – Sabrina JoAnn Garner, Joy M. Harrison; Diploma – Kassidy Dawn Nixon (Collision Repair and Refinishing), Graham Brian Stafford (Computer Integrated Machining), Addonus Brianna Deshay Frazier (Dental Assisting), Jasmine Maria Garcia (Dental Assisting), Michala Pearl Szubinski (Dental Assisting), Anna E. Westbrook (Dental Assisting), Christopher Ryan Elburn (Motorcycle Mechanics), George C. Maxwell (Motorcycle Mechanics), Carley Jean-Luster Morrow (Paralegal).
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society graduates were also recognized, including Bianca Carrillo, Christopher Elburn, Nuvia Guardado, Adrianna Graulau and Briannca Smith.
“Thank you for choosing Central Carolina, thank you for staying engaged and cooperative with us during such trying times, and I wish for all of you peace, happiness, and nothing but the best in your future endeavors in the years to come,” said Dr. Price.
Pictures from the graduation drive-through ceremonies can be downloaded at www.cccc.edu/slideshows. Graduation ceremonies can be seen on demand at www.4cnclive.com.
For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.