Thursday, August 26, 2010

17th Annual Golf Tournament set for Sept. 10


The 17th annual Beaufort County Community College Foundation Golf Tournament will be held Friday, Sept. 10, at the Washington Yacht and Country Club.

The tournament, sponsored by PCS Phosphate, is held each year to raise money for scholarships to BCCC.

Co-sponsors of the tournament are Lee Chevrolet-Buick, East Carolina Bank, First South Bank, Embarq, Flanders Filters, JFK Architecture, P & G Manufacturing Inc., Tideland EMC, Carver Machine Works and Park Boat Company.

The tournament format will be a four-person super ball with teams pre-flighted based on each golfer's handicap. There will be two tee times offered ― 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.- with a limit of 20 teams per session.

This is the third year that the tournament will offer two tee times to accommodate the growing number of golfers who want to participate, according to Judy Meier Jennette, director of the BCCC Foundation.

"In recent years, we offered two tee times and this was a very popular format with our players so we wanted to continue that same format this year," she said.

The entry fee remains the same as last year ― $70 per player ― and includes lunch, cart rental, greens fee and two Mulligans.

The largest single annual fundraising event for the college, the tournament typically raises more than $10,000 for scholarships and programs supported by the BCCC Foundation.

Team prizes will be awarded by 18-hole score in each of three flights in the morning and afternoon session. Four prize packages for "closest to the pin" shots will also be awarded. Hole-in-one prizes sponsored by Lee Chevrolet-Pontiac-Buick and Park Boat Company will also be available.

Team and hole sponsorships are now being accepted.

For more information or a registration form, contact Marcia Norwood at 252-940-6218 or visit www.beaufortccc.edu.


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Three receive Gautier Nursing Scholarship


Three Beaufort County Community College students have been awarded scholarships provideded in honor of Hyde County native, Nina Mae Berry Gautier, by her daughter. Chosen for the award were Andre L. Browning Jr., Bailee Nicole Cowan and Deborah Rollins.

Browning, 24, of Robersonville, left, is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. A graduate of Bertie High School, he is the son of Alvin and Daivie Browning of Windsor. He and his wife, D’Jara, have three children. He hopes to find a job in his field after completing his studies at BCCC.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “This really helps me and my family.”

Cowan, 19, of Williamston, below left, is also a student in BCCC’s ADN Program. A graduate of Williamston High School, Cowan is the daughter of Margaret and Larry Pierce. She is employed as a cashier at Piggly Wiggly. She hopes to work at a local hospital and continue her education after graduating from BCCC.

Rollins, 46, of Greenville, right, is also a student in BCCC’s ADN Program. A graduate of Gates

County High School, she hopes to work in surgical intensive care nursing after completing her studies at BCCC. She was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician in 1982 and works at Pitt County Memorial Hospital as a

nursing assistant. Rollins is the daughter of Joyce Moore of Eure, N.C. She and h

er husband, Bobby, have four children.

“I would like to say thank you very much,” she said. “The scholarship will be put to good use. It will help ease the financial burden of going to school and working part-time.”

Mrs. Gautier was born in Hyde County in 1912. She trained as a registered nurse, graduated and worked for Tayloe Hospital in Washington. After she and her husband James married, they moved to Dalgren, Va., where they lived for over 50 years. Mrs. Gautier left nursing in the late 1950s and started a floral business. Mrs. Gautier was active in local garden clubs throughout her life. In her later years, she returned to Washington. She had four children, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. After Mrs. Gautier’s death in 2009, her daughter, Barbara Gaumont-Lanvin, known to her friends as Bobbie, donated the scholarship funds in her mother’s memory.


Rita B. Toler Scholarship awarded


A Belhaven student at Beaufort County Community College has been chosen to receive a scholarship awarded from an endowment established in memory of long-time BCCC Controller Rita Boyd Toler. Rydia M. Spencer has been chosen for the award.

Spencer, 56, is a student in BCCC’s Accounting and Business Administration programs. A graduate of John A. Wilkinson High School, she hopes to continue her studies after graduating from BCCC. Spencer is the daughter of Maggie Moore of Belhaven. She and her husband, Willie, have four children.

“I would like to thank the Toler family very much,” she said. “This scholarship will definitely help me.”

Following Mrs. Toler’s death in October 2003, her husband, Gary W. Toler, and her daughter, Kelly Toler Harding, established the endowment in memory of Mrs. Toler’s long association and love for Beaufort County Community College.

From 1968 to 1970, Mrs. Toler worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for J.D. McCotter Marina at Broad Creek before joining the staff at Texasgulf Sulfur, now PCS Phosphate, in 1971. Mrs. Toler later joined the staff at Beaufort County Community College as controller, a post she held for more than 30 years before retiring in 2003.

Thomas receives Uniforms PRN Scholarship


A Beaufort County Community College nursing student has received a scholarship that will enable her to by textbooks as a result of a contribution from a local business that sells uniforms for health care professionals.

Sharon Thomas, 54, of Plymouth was chosen for the Uniforms PRN Book Award. Thomas is a student in BCCC’s Practical Nursing Program. She is a graduate of Plymouth High School and is employed at Plumbee Nursing Center in Plymouth. Thomas hopes to work in an area hospital or nursing home after graduating from BCCC. Thomas has two children.

Lou Waters, the owner of Uniforms PRN is a graduate of the BCCC nursing program and she wanted to help other nursing students through the program. Her business, Uniforms PRN, located at Washington Square Mall in Washington, provides high quality medical scrubs, lab coats, hospital uniforms, nursing scrubs, and clogs to health care professionals throughout the area.


Two BCCC students receive first Wilkinson/Archbell Scholarships



Two Beaufort County Community College students have received the first scholarships awarded from an endowment created by a gift from the trust of Beaufort County lawyer John A. Wilkinson. Chosen for the award were Amanda Holland and Blake Paszt.

Holland, 32, of Pinetown, left, is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. A graduate of Washington High School, Holland is also a cosmetology graduate. She is employed at Capelli Salon as a stylist. She is the daughter of Waverly and Judy Holland of Washington. After graduating from BCCC, she plans to work as a nurse while continuing her education.

Paszt, 18, of Pinetown, right, is a student in BCCC’s Electrical Engineering Program. He is a graduate of Northside High School and plans to continue his education at East Carolina University after completing his studies at BCCC. He is the son of Deborah and Richard Paszt of Pinetown.

The endowment was established by a gift from the John A. Wilkinson Foundation, which also made gifts to other charities, including the George H. and Laura E. Brown Library, following Wilkinson’s death in 2001.

Wilkinson, a Beaufort County native, practiced law in the county for over 60 years. He served in the law firms of Ward and Wilkinson, Wilkinson and Vosburgh and Wilkinson and Rader before retiring in 1995. He also served as president of the Second District Judicial Bar Association.

Wilkinson was active in civic and political affairs in Beaufort County and North Carolina throughout his life.

A U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II, Wilkinson was a member of American Legion Post 15 and a member of the Washington Masonic Lodge #675 A.F. & A.M.

He was a delegate for 40 years to the Republican National Convention and served on the National Republican Committee in 1983 to 1984, among other party positions. He was a candidate for the N.C. House of Representatives in 1966, 1980 and 1982. In 1988, Wilkinson was inducted into the N.C. Republican Party Hall of Fame.

Under guidelines established by the college and foundation representatives, the gift will be invested with a portion of its earnings to be used to fund scholarships and faculty and staff awards that promote excellence in education.


Welch Scholarship Awarded


A future teacher from Beaufort County was recently awarded the Louise and Dorsey Welch Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this year. Lisa Cornelius received the award.

Cornelius, 49, is pursuing an associate in general education degree at BCCC. A graduate of Thompson High School in Alabama, she holds a credential in Early Childhood Education. She plans to continue her studies and pursue a bachelor’s degree in education after graduating from BCCC. She is employed as a student services secretary at Washington High School.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity to continue my education,” she said. “After sending two daughters though college, I now have a chance to succeed.”

Established in 2001, the Louise and Dorsey Welch Scholarship memorializes a couple who made life-long contributions to the community. For many years, Dorsey Welch operated Welch’s Drug Store on Main Street in Washington. Mrs. Welch was a teacher.

Recognizing Mrs. Welch’s work, this scholarship is awarded annually to a student who, after completing his or her initial course work at BCCC, plans to go on to earn a teaching degree. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 grade point average to be eligible for the scholarship.


Washington Woman’s Club Scholarship awarded


Jessica Pierce has been awarded the Washington Woman’s Club Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this fall.

The scholarship is awarded through the Washington Woman’s Club Endowment, established in 1999. The fund provides an annual scholarship to a second year nursing student living in Beaufort County. Recipients must have a 3.5 grade point average and be willing to work in Beaufort County for one year after they graduate from the nursing program.

Pierce, 28, is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. A graduate of Bertie High School, Pierce also holds bachelor’s degrees in exercise and sports science and recreation and leisure studies. She hopes to work as a geriatric nurse after completing her studies at BCCC. She is employed as a consultant in the Memory Care Program at Heartfields of Cary. She and her husband, Al, live in Washington.

“I cannot say ‘thank you’ enough to the Washington Woman’s Club for their generosity and kindness,” she said. “I am honored to receive your assistance to help me pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I will not let you down.”


Wallace receives first Frances and William Roberson Jr. Scholarship


A Washington student has received the first scholarship awarded from an endowment established by a bequest from one of Beaufort County’s most prominent businessmen and civic leaders.

Heidi Catherine Wallace, 37, who is pursuing an associate in arts degree from Beaufort County Community College, was recently chosen for the Frances and William R. “Bill” Roberson Jr. Scholarship. Wallace, a graduate of Pacifica High School in Garden Grove, Calif., plans to transfer to East Carolina University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work after graduating from BCCC.

“I want to thank the family of Frances and Bill Roberson very much for their kindness and the resources in establishing this scholarship,” she said.

The endowment was established through a bequest made in Mr. Roberson’s will following his death in January 2009.

Mr. Roberson and his wife, Frances Morgan Roberson, were active in the civic and religious life of not only of Beaufort County but the state.

Mr. Roberson was chairman and chief executive officer of Roberson’s Beverages, Inc., a family owned business operating several bottling plants in eastern North Carolina from 1946 until 1982. He was past president of both the North Carolina Soft Drink Association and the National Soft Drink Association. He served 12 years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Dr. Pepper Company, Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Roberson also had a long and varied career in broadcasting starting with being a founder of WRRF Radio in Washington in 1942 and WRRZ Radio in Clinton in 1946. A companion FM station in Washington followed in the 50s. He was a founder and for 30 years was chairman and chief executive officer of WITN-TV, an NBC affiliate which went on the air in 1955.

Mr. Roberson was a founding partner of Washington Square Mall and the Smallwood Subdivision.

Among numerous other civic interests, the Robersons were active supporters of the arts in Beaufort County and North Carolina. Mr. Roberson was a member of the board and president of the North Carolina Art Society. He was a trustee of the North Carolina Museum of Art. In 1997, Roberson created a fund at the North Carolina Museum of Art to establish and perpetuate the “William R. Roberson Jr., and Frances M. Roberson Endowment for North Carolina Art.” Proceeds from this endowment are to be used to acquire works of art by North Carolina artists for the museum. The Robersons also contributed a substantial number of paintings from their personal collection to the museum.

Mr. Roberson served as a representative in North Carolina General Assembly from 1966 until 1974 and was an active supporter of education in eastern North Carolina during that time. He introduced or co-introduced legislation Beaufort County Community College, which at that time was a branch of Pitt County Technical Institute, and was active in passing legislation that made possible East Carolina University and the ECU School of Medicine.

Mr. Roberson served as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation from 1981 to 1985.

The Robersons were long-time members of the First Presbyterian Church in Washington, where Mr. Roberson served as an Elder and Deacon.


Practical Nursing student receives James “Wyatt” Respess Blanks Scholarship


A student pursuing a Practical Nursing degree has been chosen to receive a scholarship named in memory of James “Wyatt” Respess Blanks.

Bresha D. Ross, 20, has been chosen for the award. A graduate of Washington High School, Ross hopes to work in a doctor’s office or an area hospital after graduating from BCCC. She also plans to continue her education. Ross is employed at Kingdom Kids Academy as a receptionist. She is the daughter of Jennifer Ross of Washington. Ross and her husband, Wayne Sean Williams, live in Washington.

The James Wyatt Respess Blanks Scholarship is an award funded through the James Wyatt Respess Blanks Memorial Endowment, established with generous contributions from Wyatt’s friends and family after his death. Through the endowment, a scholarship will be awarded to a BCCC student pursuing an associate’s degree who has at least a 2.5 grade point average. If the student maintains their grade point average, the scholarship can be renewed for a second year.


Six receive Tayloe Drug scholarships





Tayloe Drug Company Inc. has awarded scholarships to five students to attend Beaufort County Community College. Those selected are Andre L. Browning Jr., George Burgess, Amanda Lea Colon, Shenita James, Drewkinny Norman and Constance Williams.

Browning, 24, of Robersonville, top left, is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. A graduate of Bertie High School, he is the son of Alvin and Daivie Browning of Windsor. He and his wife,

D’Jara, have three children. He hopes to find a job in his field after completing his studies at BCCC.

Burgess, 50, of Washington, middle left, is a student in BCCC’s Medical Laboratory Technology Program. A graduate of Washington High School, he hopes to work in the laboratory at Be

aufort County Medical Center after completing his studies at BCCC. He is the son of HenryC. Burgess and Versia M. Burgess of Washington and has one child.

Colon, 24, of Chocowinity, bottom left, is also a student in BCCC’s ADN Program. A graduate of Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, N.C., she holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from East Carolina University. Sh

e is the daughter of Mary Ann and Dale Mitchell of Chocowinity. After completing her studies at BCCC, she hopes to work as a nurse in Beaufort County or eastern North Carolina and continue her education to become a family nurse practitioner.

James, 30, of Plymouth, top right, is also a student in BCCC’s MLT Program. A graduate of Plymouth High School, she hopes to work at Pitt County Memorial Hospital after completing her studies at BCCC. She has four children.

Norman, 30, of Washington, middle right, is also a student in BCCC’s MLT Program. A graduate of Plymouth High School, he hopes to find a job in his field after graduating from BCCC.

Williams, 26, of Greenville, bottom right, is also a student in BCCC’s ADN Program. A graduate of Jamesville High School, Williams holds associate degrees in arts and in medical assisting. She is employed at Eastern Dermatology in Greenville as a Certified Medical Assistant. She hopes to work for an area hospital as a registered nurse. Williams is the daughter of Glenn and Martha Williams of Jamesville.

Tayloe Drug Co. ma

“I am pleased that Tayloe Drug Co. can help BCCC students achieve their goals and encourage their participation in the health care field. Our Board of Directors believes it is important to support our medical community and the college in this w ay,” said Pharmacist Wells Armstrong.de the donation to the BCCC Foundation to encourage students to pursue studies related to medicine.

Rogers receives Southern Bank Scholarship


A Belhaven student has received a scholarship from an endowment established by Southern Bank and Trust Co. to attend Beaufort County Community College this fall.

Chosen for the award was Jessica Rogers. Rogers, 29, is a graduate of John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. She hopes to continue her education at Elizabeth City State University after graduating from BCCC. She has one child.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue to show my daughter that education is a top priority,” she said.

With its corporate headquarters in Mt. Olive, Southern Bank and Trust Co. operates three banks – one each in Aurora, Bath and Belhaven - in Beaufort County.

For many years, Southern Bank and Trust Co. has supported the BCCC Foundation through annual contributions for scholarships and as a corporate sponsor of the Foundation’s annual Cutthroat Croquet Tournament.

The Southern Bank and Trust Co. Endowment was created through the visionary leadership of Pearson Chrismon, the recently retired manager of the bank’s Beaufort County branches. Chrismon worked with the corporate executives in Mt. Olive to make the bank a permanent part of education in Beaufort County.

First priority for the scholarship is given to applicants living in Aurora, Bath or Belhaven.

Shereda Bailey Scholarship awarded


A nursing student at Beaufort County Community College has been chosen to receive a scholarship from an endowment that memorializes a student who died shortly before her graduation from BCCC.

Receiving the scholarship is Kenyetta Lynch. Lynch, 21, of Belhaven is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Porgram. A graduate of Northside High School, she is employed as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Autumfield of Belhaven. She is the daughter of Betty Gatlin of New Bern and Sean Fields of Belhaven. After graduating from BCCC, she hopes to work as a nurse at a hospital in eastern North Carolina.

The Shereda Tremaine Bailey Scholarship is funded by an endowment established with contributions from her friends and family. Bailey, 21 years old when she died in 2006, was a senior in BCCC’s nursing school at the time of her death. Bailey’s mother, Sheila Brooks, and her aunt, Harriet Hickey worked diligently with their entire family and numerous friends to establish this endowment within a very short period of time. They wanted to make sure that other young nursing students had an opportunity to fulfill the same dream that Shereda had – helping others.

Foundation Director, Judy Jennette stated, “Shereda’s family serves as great role models for our entire community. They have taken a tremendous personal tragedy and forged it into a legacy of hope. I stand in awe of their indomitable spirit and love for their fellow man.”


Two receive SECU scholarships


Two area students were recently chosen to receive the State Employees’ Credit Union Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this year. Selected were Gwendolyn Allen and Destiny Tyson.

Allen, of Plymouth, is pursuing an associate’s degree in general education at BCCC and hopes to study nursing at the college. She holds a Pharmacy Technician Certification as well as a Nurses Aid Certification. She is currently employed at Bertie Correctional Institution as a correctional sergeant. She hopes to either continue her work with the N.C. Department of Correction or work in an area hospital after graduating from BCCC.

“My goal is to simply work in an environment where I am able to help people and know that somehow I made a difference in their lives,” she said. “I know that with this scholarship award, I will be able to complete my studies and my dream will become a reality.”

Tyson, of Washington, is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. A graduate of Washington High School, she hopes to work in an area hospital and continue her education after completing her studies at BCCC.

The scholarships for the BCCC students are two of 116 two-year scholarships – two for each of the 58 community colleges statewide – given by the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation each year.

The SECU Foundation is the charitable, non-profit arm of the State Employees’ Credit Union established to identify and address community issues that are beyond the normal scope of SECU itself. Its mission is to promote local community development primarily through projects in the areas of education, health and human services.

Foundation projects are initiated through local SECU branch advisory boards and approved by the Foundation Board.

Money to fund the scholarships comes from credit union members. The SECU has agreed to temporarily assign $1.00 of the per month maintenance fee that all members pay on their checking accounts to the foundation.

“The SECU Foundation wants to support projects that help people and this is the perfect choice for our first effort,” said Tom King, chairman of the SECU Foundation Board. King is a former member of the State Board of Community Colleges. The SECU Foundation wants “to help student who fall between the cracks – those who need help to finish school but aren’t eligible for other programs.”


Robert C. Page Scholarship is awarded


A Williamston student has been awarded the Robert C. Page Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this fall.

Established by Lena Page in 1992 in memory of Robert C. Page, this annual scholarship is awarded to a nursing student who demonstrates high academic achievement and financial need.

Bailee Nicole Cowan, 19, has been chosen for the award. A graduate of Williamston High School, Cowan is the daughter of Margaret and Larry Pierce. She is employed as a cashier at Piggly Wiggly. She hopes to work at a local hospital and continue her education after completing her Associate Degree Nursing at BCCC.

For more information on establishing a memorial scholarship, contact the BCCC Foundation at 252-940-6326. To learn more about the numerous scholarships available at BCCC, contact the Financial Aid office at 252-940-6219 or the Foundation office.


Jackson receives Margaret Hodges Hackney Scholarship


The scholarship is funded by the Margaret Hodges Hackney Endowment. Established in 2005 in memory of Mrs. Hackney, the endowment makes permanent the long-time, annually-funded scholarship Mrs. Hackney gave in memory of her father, Ralph H. Hodges.

Since 1988, the scholarship has been given annually to a BCCC nursing student who demonstrates financial need and academic merit – with special consideration given to students in the Practical Nursing program.

Mrs. Hackney’s interest in nursing grew from her 24-year association with the Beaufort County Community Advisory Committee. Mrs. Hackney was appointed to the group – whose members serve as ombudsmen for people in nursing homes – when it was formed in 1977 by then- Gov. James B. Hunt Jr.

The group was instrumental in working with BCCC to establish the Licensed Practical Nursing, or LPN, and Nursing Assistant programs. Today, over 40 percent of the region’s nursing personnel are graduates of BCCC.

Ralph H. Hodges was a respected businessman, farmer and dedicated public servant in Washington. His many contributions to the community include over 20 years service as a city alderman and mayor during the challenging World War II era. Hodges was the head of the local school board and was instrumental in establishing the George H. and Laura E. Brown Library.

Mrs. Hackney chose to support an academic field that would not only reflect the compassion of her father but also would bolster quality of care for the elderly in the community.


Lucille Edwards Carowan Dibble Scholarship awarded


A Washington man has been awarded a scholarship from an endowment created in memory of a long-time supporter of the college - Lucille Edwards Carowan Dibble.

Richard D. Crisp, 28, of Washington, has been chosen for the award. Crisp is a student in BCCC’s Mechanical Engineering/Drafting and Design Program. A graduate of Washington High School, he hopes to find a job in the engineering field after completing his studies at BCCC. He and his wife, Sandra, have three children.

“Thank you on behalf of my whole family for this contribution to my education,” he said.

The Lucille Edwards Carowan Dibble Endowment was established in 2007 by her husband, Lewis M. Dibble, daughters Gladys Carowan Howell and Clarissa Carowan Phillips of Washington, Mary Carowan Mertz of Durham, and Martha Carowan Zito of Matthews, as well as support from Mrs. Dibble’s friends. It funds an industrial technology scholarship for a student attending BCCC.

Over the years, Mrs. Dibble was active in many civic and church activities. She played an important role in BCCC’s history. Mrs. Dibble chaired a $600,000 bond issue to fund capital improvements at then Beaufort County Technical Institute which included construction of the institute’s first library. For seven years, Mrs. Dibble also chaired BCCC’s College Parallel Committee which oversaw changes in the school’s curriculum which were needed during the transition from being a technical institution to becoming a community college.


Lane Endowment Scholarship awarded



Two students have been chosen to receive the Lane Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this fall. Chosen for the award were Mary H. Cherry and Christy A. Ward.

Cherry, 50, of Plymouth, right, is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. A graduate of Creswell High School, Cherry is employed at Cypress Manor as a Certified Nursing Assistant I. She hopes to work as a public health nurse after graduating from BCCC. She and her husband, Ronnie, have two children.

Ward, 30, of New Bern, left, is pursuing an associate’s degree in applied science from BCCC. She is a graduate of New Bern High School. Ward is the daughter of Bobbie Ward of New Bern and Thomas Green of Riverside, California. She hopes to work at a local hospital and continue her education to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing after graduating from BCCC.

The Lane Endowment was established in 1997 in memory of Harold Alton Lane Jr. and in honor of Constance Lane Howard by their parents, Harold and Louise Lane. Scholarships are awarded annually to nursing or other associate degree students enrolled at BCCC.


Kimberly Anne and David Teeter Scholarship awarded


The Kimberly Anne Teeter Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this fall has been awarded to Courtney Norwood.

Norwood, 19, is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree from BCCC. A graduate of Washington High School, she plans to continue her education and earn a bachelor’s degree after graduating from BCCC. Norwood is employed at CVS Pharmacy in Washington.

“I want to thank the Teeter family very much for this scholarship,” she said. “I appreciate their helping me earn an education.”

The scholarship is awarded annually by the Kimberly Anne and David Teeter Endowment, established in 1994 in memory of Kimberly Anne and David Teeter, children of Ruth and Vernon Teeter.

Vernon Teeter, now retired, was the lead instructor in BCCC’s machinist program for 20 years. The scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in the college transfer curriculum, with preference given to the child of a BCCC faculty or staff member.

Norwood is the daughter of Al and Marcia Norwood of Washington. Her mother is public relations and foundation specialist at BCCC.

Keeney / ECB Scholarship Awarded


A future nurse from Swan Quarter has been chosen to receive a scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College from an endowment established by East Carolina Bank in honor of its past president.

Chosen for the award was Jordan Leigh Dunbar, a student pursuing an associate’s degree in general education at BCCC. Dunbar is a graduate of Pungo Christian Academy and is employed at O’Neal’s drug Store. She hopes to continue her studies as an associate degree nursing student and work at a local hospital after completing her studies at BCCC.

“I would like to thank East Carolina Bank very much for making this scholarship possible,” she said. “It gives me motivation to try my hardest in everything I do.”

The endowment was established in honor of Art Keeney, former president and chief executive officer of East Carolina Bank, and his wife, Alice, Hyde County planner. The Keeneys have been active in civic affairs in Hyde County and eastern North Carolina since moving to the area from Baltimore, Md. Among many civic activities, Art Keeney is a member of the BCCC Foundation Board of Directors.


Jowdy Scholarship Awarded


Michael Lilley was recently awarded the Albert Jowdy Memorial Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this fall.

Lilley, 32, of Washington, is pursuing an associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. A graduate of Washington High School, he hopes to obtain a job in his field after completing his studies at BCCC. Lilley has one child.

“I want to thank the family and friends of Albert Jowdy from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “This financial blessing will be put to good use.”

The Albert Jowdy Endowment was established in 1991 by family and friends in memory of Albert Jowdy, a longtime resident of Washington. Jowdy was a charter member of the Washington Jaycees and owned a radio and appliance sales and service business on Main Street for many years. Jowdy got his start in the business repairing radios in his brother’s store.

Jackson receives Tayloe Memorial Scholarship


Barbara Jackson was selected to receive the Tayloe Memorial Scholarship to attend BCCC this fall.

Jackson, 57, is a student in BCCC’s Practical Nursing Program. A graduate of Washington High School, Jackson is employed as a broker/realtor at Coldwell Baner Coastal Rivers Realty in Washington. She and her husband, Luke Jackson III, have two children. After graduating from BCCC, Jackson hopes to get a job in her field either in a local doctor’s office, hospital or home health agency. She also hopes to continue her studies.

“Without the help from this scholarship, it would have been a financial hardship for me to continue with my goal of becoming a nurse,” she said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The Tayloe Memorial Scholarship is funded from an endowment begun in 2003 by Mrs. Sam Tim Carter, with encouragement from her children Libba, Lou, Clay, and Mary. The endowment memorializes Mrs. Carter’s grandfather, Dr. David Thomas Tayloe and honors his numerous descendants who have made significant contributions to the medical community of Beaufort County. Scholarships generated by this endowment are awarded to BCCC students enrolled in any medically related program.


Two receive Humphreys Scholarships



Two practical nursing students at Beaufort County Community College have been chosen to receive the Carol and Buster Humphreys Nursing Scholarship to attend BCCC. Barbara Jackson and Demetrice Jones have been chosen for the award.

Jackson, 29, left, is a graduate of Washington High School. She is employed as a broker/realtor at Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty in Washington. Jackson and her husband, Luke Jackson III, have two children. After graduating from BCCC, Jackson hopes to get a job in her field either in a local doctor’s office, hospital, or home health agency. She also hopes to continue her studies.

Jones, 38, of Plymouth, right, is a graduate of Creswell High School. She also holds associate degrees in Medical Laboratory Technology and General Education from BCCC. She is employed as an EMT for the Bertie Ambulance Service. The daughter of Robert and Lillie Norman of Roper, she has three children. Jones too, hopes to find a job in her field and continue her education after graduating from BCCC.

“I want to thank the Humphreys for their generosity,” she said. “I appreciate being given this opportunity.”

The scholarship was established last year by Henry C. “Buster” Humphreys Jr. of Washington and his wife, Carol, to provide financial assistance to a BCCC nursing student.

Humphreys, retired president of National Spinning Co., is a member of the BCCC Board of Trustees. Humphreys is past chairman of the Beaufort County Community of 100, a group of private citizens promoting economic development in the county, and a former member and past chairman of the Board of Directors of the University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina.

Recipients of the scholarship must have a 3.0 grade point average or better. Recipients who maintain a 3.0 GPA are eligible to receive the scholarship each semester until they graduate.


House receives Hulbert Scholarship


A nursing student at Beaufort County Community College has been chosen to receive a scholarship funded by an endowment in memory of a long-time Washington minister and his wife.

Selected for the award was Christy Woolard House. A student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program, House, 37, is a graduate at Washington High School. She also holds an associate’s degree in applied science. She is employed at Beaufort County medical Center as a Medical Laboratory Technician. House is the daughter of Bonnie and Linda Woolard of Washington. She and her husband, Sammy, live in Washington and have two children. After completing her studies at BCCC, House hopes to find a job in her field and continue her studies to become a nurse anesthetist.

“I want to thank the Hulbert family very much for helping me to pursue my dream,” she said. “It really means a lot to me and my family.”

The Irwin and Frances Hulbert Scholarship is funded by an endowment established by the Hulberts’ sons, Ned Hulbert of Harrisville, N.H.; Robin Hulbert of Peterborough, N.H., and David Hulbert of Wilmington, and their families and friends.

The Hulberts served Episcopal parishes and their larger communities in Jesup, Ga.; Hopkinsville, Ky., and Georgetown, S.C. before coming to Washington in 1965. They served St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Washington and Trinity Episcopal Church in Chocowinity for over 40 years.

Mrs. Hulbert served on the board of the Beaufort County Community College Foundation and sponsored numerous scholarships for technical, vocational, and nursing students through the foundation.


Belhaven student receives Hollowell scholarship


A Belhaven nursing student at Beaufort County Community College has received a scholarship established by a former Roanoke Rapids Postal Service employee in honor of his parents.

Receiving the scholarship is Kenyetta Lynch. Lynch, 21, of Belhaven is a student in BCCC ’s Associate Degree Nursing Porgram. A graduate of Northside High School, she is employed as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Autumfield of Belhaven. She is the daughter of Betty Gatlin of New Bern and Sean Fields of Belhaven. After graduating from BCCC, she hopes to work as a nurse at a hospital in eastern North Carolina.

Clarence W. Hollowell, Jr., then supervisor for city delivery for the U.S. Postal Service in Roanoke Rapids, established the endowment in 2003 to honor his parents, Mildred and Clarence Hollowell.

Hollowell’s father, Clarence, was a native of Belhaven who served until his retirement in the U.S. Coast Guard. After Hollowell’s retirement from the Coast Guard, the family moved to Belhaven. Clarence Hollowell, Sr., and his wife, Mildred, had six children. A daughter, Debbie H. Smith, graduated from BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing program in 1977.


Ross-Keys receives Hoffman scholarship


Catrena Ross-Keys, a captain with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department, has been selected to receive a scholarship honoring Dr. Gordon Hoffman, long-time instructor at Beaufort County Community College. Ross-Keys is pursuing an associate’s degree in criminal justice from BCCC.

Ross-Keys, 42, is a graduate of Chocowinity High School. She is employed in the detention center as a captain. Ross-Keys is the daughter of Virgel Ross of Chocowinity and Floyd and Evelyn Ross of Washington. Upon graduation from BCCC, she plans to continue her work at the sheriff’s department while pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Created from the sale of land donated to the BCCC Foundation by Hoffman, the endowment provides a scholarship awarded to a law enforcement officer seeking to further his or her education with a degree in criminal justice and who does not have access to other financial assistance.

Before his retirement in 2003, Hoffman was the director of BCCC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program. He is now living in Florida.

“I want to thank Mr. Hoffman very much,” she said. “Even though I work, money is still very hard to come by. I needed this scholarship to help assure me of making it at least one more semester.”


Helen Thorne Brooks Boyd Memorial Scholarship Awarded


A Belhaven student pursing a degree in office administration is the most recent recipient of the Helen Thorne Brooks Boyd Memorial Scholarship at Beaufort County Community College, college officials announced recently.

Cassandra Eborn, 24, has been chosen for the award. Eborn attended Northside High School and earned a General Educational Development, or GED, before attending BCCC. She is the daughter of Beverly Spender and has one child. She hopes to continue her education after graduating from BCCC.

The Helen Thorne Brooks Boyd Memorial Scholarship was established in 1997. Mrs. Boyd was a resident of Belhaven and a BCCC trustee and foundation board member until her death. The scholarship is restricted to a full-time student, with financial need, who is enrolled in an associate degree program, is in good academic standing at the college, and is a resident of Bath or Belhaven Township.


Cole receives Hannah Page Memorial Scholarship


A Chocowinity student has been selected to receive the Hannah Page Memorial Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this fall.

Andree Renee Cole, a student in BCCC’s Medical Office Administration Program has been chosen for the award. Cole, 29, is a graduate of Chocowinity High School. She is the daughter of Karl and Jean Dickerson of Blounts Creek. She and her husband, Toby, have two children. After completing her studies at BCCC she hopes to work in a local doctor’s office or hospital.

The Hannah Page Memorial Scholarship is given annually to a second-year business student enrolled in the BCCC Business Division. Family and friends of Hannah Page, a long-time member of the BCCC faculty, established the endowment in December 1999.


Hyde County student receives first PAS Scholarship


A Hyde County student has received the first scholarship awarded from a donation from PAS to attend Beaufort County Community College this fall.

Chanta Gibbs, 28, of Fairfield, has been chosen for the award. She is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. A graduate of Mattamuskeet High School, she holds an associate’s degree in Human Services Technology. She is the daughter of Roy Gibbs of Manteo and Patricia Peterson of Engelhard. After completing her studies at BCCC, she plans to continue her education at East Carolina University.

“I am truly grateful for this scholarship,” she said.

PAS, or PRETTL Appliance Systems, located on 15th Street Extension in Washington, donated funds to the BCCC Foundation this year to provide a scholarship to help defray the costs of textbooks for a student. PAS manufactures and markets control panels for house hold appliances, primarily washers and dryers. PAS also has an ongoing relationship with BCCC in providing customized training for its employees.


First Floyd J. Lupton Sr. Scholarship awarded


A Washington man has received the first scholarship awarded from an endowment established at Beaufort County Community College in memory of the long-time congressional aide to former U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones.

Larry Thomas Woolard, 42, has been chosen to receive the Floyd J. Lupton Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Woolard is a student in BCCC’s Medical Laboratory Technology Program. He is a graduate of Washington High School and plans to study nuclear medicine after graduating from BCCC. He and his wife, Kim, have two children.

“This scholarship could not be more needed,” he said. “It is going to help me meet my goals for the future and help others through my medical training.”

For 26 years, if Northeastern North Carolina needed something done, they called Mr. Lupton who served from 1966 until 1991 as chief of staff to then-U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones. He died in 2005.

A native of Pantego, Mr. Lupton graduated from Pantego High School. Later he attended North Carolina State University, leaving there to join the Army, where he served in the 99th Infantry Division, seeing action at the Battle of the Bulge, Remagen Bridgehead and battle of Central Europe. He was decorated with the Bronze Star and honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant.

Upon returning to the United States, he was reunited with his sweetheart, Doris Ambrose, and they were married on July 25, 1948. She died in 1996.

Mr. Lupton’s career encompassed many avenues. From working on the family farm in Pantego to years with Norfolk Western Railroad, the NC Wildlife Commission, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Department, and the NC Board of Parole.

During his tenure in Washington, D.C., Mr. Lupton earned the reputation as a dedicated, tireless, and invaluable representative of the people of the former 1st Congressional District. Day or night, whenever someone was in need, they could call the office and hear the familiar Southern accent of Floyd Lupton.

Mr. Lupton received many honors and recognitions which always humbled him. Among those are the 1980 Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award from the Belhaven Chamber of Commerce; September 8, 1983 designated as Floyd Lupton Day in Beaufort County; the "Dare Days" Award in June of 1992; the Order of the Long Leaf Pine presented by former Governor Jim Hunt; a "roast" by the Partnership for the Sounds, and a Department of Transportation ferry bearing his name, among numerous other recognitions, resolutions, and honors of appreciation.


Farish Scholarship awarded to BCCC Business student


A Business Administration student attending Beaufort County Community College this fall have been chosen to receive financial assistance from an endowment created in memory of one of Washington’s most successful businessmen.

Jessica Rogers of Belhaven has been chosen for the award. Rogers, 29, is a graduate of John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. She hopes to continue her education at Elizabeth City State University after graduating from BCCC. She has one child.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue to show my daughter that education is a top priority,” she said.

Known to his friends as “Bobby,” Farish was a successful businessman and entrepreneur whose business and civic interests are reflected in the programs at BCCC whose students receive scholarships from the endowment.

A native of Norfolk, Va., Farish attended the Carolina Military Academy and graduated from Washington High School in 1969. He continued his education throughout his life including Atlantic Christian College; Advance Individual Training in MOS: 95B10, Military Police School, Ft. Gordon, Ga.; Ford Marketing Institute classes in Dealer Operation and Truck Selling Courses, and Wachovia Bank Business Development and Management Training.

Farish’s military service included ROTC from 1966 to 1968 while he attended Carolina Military Academy, Advanced Individual Training in MOS and Military Police School, Ft. Gordon, Georgia in 1971. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve National Guard in 1976.

Farish had numerous business interests. He was a real estate developer and worked in several venues of service throughout his life including Bob Farish Ford Mercury, Washington Motor Company, builder and developer of the Farish Building and Brasswood Apartments, co-owner of Whalebone Motel, the Castaways Inn, Quality Inn & Suites and Brownstone Inn, among many other business interests. Farish was also co-owner and vice-president of Hillside Funeral Service from 1997 until his death in June 2004 at the age of 52.

Hall, McLawhorn receive David C. Lee Scholarships



Two students at Beaufort County Community College have been chosen to receive the David C. Lee scholarships awarded by the school. Selected for the awards were Mable Hall and Ryan McLawhorn.

Hall, 22, of Plymouth, left, is a student in BCCC’s Business Administration program. A graduate of Plymouth High School, she is employed by CHILL, Changing Hearts Instead of Losing Lives. After completing her studies at BCCC, Hall hopes to open a non-profit business that helps unwed mothers and their children. She is the daughter of James Midgette and the late Willie Mae Gant. Hall and her husband, Gerald, have one child.

McLawhorn, 19, of Vanceboro, right, is a student in BCCC’s Automotive Technology Program. A graduate of Southside High School, he is the son of Dennis and Susan McLawhorn of Vanceboro. He hopes to find a job in his field after graduating from BCCC.

The scholarship was established by David Clifton Lee Jr.’s wife, Betty, of Washington, and children Steve and David H. Lee of Washington, Debra Lee Perry of the Woodard’s Pond community, Larry Lee of the Terra Ceia community, and Amanda Lee Sawyer of Belhaven.

A native of Beaufort County, Mr. Lee was born in 1927 and died in 2003. He was a graduate of Pantego High School and attended Mars Hill College. In 1970, Lee founded Lee Chevrolet, Inc. in Washington, now Lee Chevrolet-Pontiac-Buick, Inc., which continues to be owned and operated by his family. Mr. Lee was active in the automobile business in Beaufort County for over 50 years and in civic affairs throughout his life, including service on the Beaufort County Board of Education for a number of years.


Tyson receives Cypress Landing Scholarship


Victoria B. Tyson has been chosen to receive the scholarship awarded from contributions to an endowment at Beaufort County Community College by residents of Cypress Landing.

Tyson, 41, of Chocowinity, is studying computer programming at BCCC. A graduate of Washington High School, she is employed by United Way of Beaufort County. Tyson hopes to find a job in her field after completing her studies at BCCC. She has one child.

“Thank you very much helping me and my family,” she said.

In 2007, the Cypress Landing Homeowners Association raised money among its members to create a $5,000 endowment to provide a scholarship for a student to attend BCCC. Since that time, the endowment has grown to more than $15,425 thanks to generous contributions from the association’s members. Mrs. Helen Sommerkamp and Mr. Chris Harris lead the initial effort to organize the campaign. This scholarship is awarded to a BCCC student living in Beaufort County and who demonstrates need.


BCCC Foundation Scholarship awarded

A Washington student recently received a scholarship awarded by the Beaufort County Community College Foundation to attend the college this spring. The scholarship was awarded with funds raised by the annual foundation golf tournament.

Receiving the award is Larry W. Latham, 31, an electrical engineering student at BCCC. A graduate of Northside High School, Larry Latham hopes to find a job in his field after completing his studies at BCCC. He has two children.


James E. and Evelyn Smith III Scholarship Awarded


A Washington student has received a scholarship awarded from an endowment established by a Beaufort County Community College staff member in honor of her parents. James R. Shrader has been chosen for the award.

Shrader, 57, is a student in BCCC’s Human Services Technology Program. He attended Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Calif., and earned a General Educational Development, or GED, before enrolling in BCCC. He hopes to continue his studies and work with at-risk teens after graduating from BCCC.

“I want to thank the donor for this scholarship and all who have helped me get back into the swing of school,” he said.

The endowment was established by Mandy Jones, a counselor at BCCC since 1990, in honor of her parents to commemorate their life-long love of learning. The endowment will fund a scholarship, to be awarded annually to a curriculum student with preference given to a student who is “differently-abled” and challenged to turn obstacles to opportunities.

The Smiths have had a long-standing association with BCCC both as teachers and students. James Smith taught economics in the early years of BCCC, when classes were held over the old fire department on Market Street. He also taught the personal income tax course through continuing education for several years on the college’s current campus on U.S. 264 east of Washington. Evelyn Smith took classes at BCCC to help with the family business.