BCCC Staff Association Scholarship awarded

A Washington student who hopes to work as a computer programmer has been awarded the Beaufort County Community College Staff Association Scholarship to attend BCCC this spring.

La Jena Roberson, 44, has been chosen for the award. A dislocated worker, Roberson is a graduate of Washington High School and has one child.

The staff association has no idea of the impact of this gift,” Roberson said. “I thank them with all of my heart.”

Chartered in 1985, the staff association provides a voice for members of the BCCC staff, works to improve communication among staff and faculty and provides an avenue for fellowship among staff members.

Over the last 26 years, the association has been active on the BCCC campus and has sponsored a number of staff and community service activities, in addition to raising money for the scholarship.

For more information on establishing a scholarship, contact the BCCC Foundation at 252-940-6326. To learn more about the numerous scholarships available at BCCC, visit the BCCC website at www.beaufortccc.edu.

Hall and McLawhorn receive David C. Lee Scholarships

Two students at Beaufort County Community College received the David C. Lee scholarships awarded by the school this semester. Selected for the awards were Mable Ann Hall and Ryan McLawhorn.

Hall, 23, of Plymouth 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, 20, of Vanceboro, 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 Pungo Creek community and Amanda Lee Sawyer of the Seed Tick Neck Road community.

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.

“The BCCC Foundation appreciates the generosity of Mr. Lee’s family in creating this scholarship in his memory,” said Foundation Director Judy Meier Jennette. “This scholarship will make a significant difference in the lives of our automotive and business students for years to come and will continue to be a wonderful testament to David “Junior” Lee’s life and his interest in education.”

Braddy receives Penrod Scholarship

A Chocowinity student, Holly W. Braddy, received the Linda Louise Penrod Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this spring.

Braddy, 32, is a student in BCCC’s Practical Nursing Program. She hopes to work in Beaufort County as a nurse after graduating from BCCC. Braddy and her husband, John, have five children

“It has been my long-term goal to earn my nursing degree and this scholarship has given me the chance to achieve this goal,” she said. “It is with a grateful heart that I accept this award.”

Mr. and Mrs. Leland Penrod of Washington established the scholarship in memory of their daughter, Linda Louise, who died in infancy in July, 1958. The scholarship is designated for a practical nursing student who has completed at least one semester at BCCC and has a 3.0 grade point average.

The Penrods said they designated practical nursing for the scholarship because of the need for nurses in the area and they said they chose BCCC for the scholarship because of their high regard for junior and community colleges.

Three community scholarships awarded for BCCC

Three students were awarded the Community Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this spring. Chosen for the award were George Allen Burgess, Paul Frances Galland, Jr., and Brittany Michelle Midgette.

Burgess, 51, of Washington, is a student in BCCC’s Medical Laboratory Technology Program. A graduate of Washington High School, he plans to work at a local hospital after completing his studies at BCCC. Burgess is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Burgess and has one child.

Galland, 19, also of Washington, is a student in BCCC’s Computer Information Technology Program. A graduate of Washington High School, Galland plans to pursue additional studies in computer programming and business administration after graduating from BCCC. He is the son of Paul and Nina Galland of Washington.

Midgette, 21, also of Washington, is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. A graduate of Washington High School, Midgette also holds a diploma in cosmetology. She is the daughter of Willie Mennia and Mike Hodges of Washington. Midgette is employed as a cashier and receptionist at Pecheles Ford-Toyota in Washington. She plans to work as a nurse after graduating from BCCC.

The scholarship is awarded by the Beaufort County Community College Foundation from funds raised by the foundation’s annual golf tournament and from contributions from individuals members of the foundation’s Board of Directors.

J. Bonner Paul Scholarship awarded at BCCC

A Washington student received a scholarship funded by an endowment established in memory of J. Bonner Paul Sr., former president and co-owner of Paul Funeral Home.

Katrina Spencer, 35, a business administration student at BCCC was chosen for the award. Spencer is a graduate of Northside High School and hopes to get a job in the business department of a local hospital after completing her studies at BCCC. She is the daughter of Linvert and Gloria Spencer of Bath.

“I would like to thank the Paul family and Mr. Hodges for giving this opportunity to the students at BCCC,” she said. “The scholarship is greatly appreciated.”

The J. Bonner Paul, Sr., Endowment was established In November 2008 by Mr. Paul’s wife, Lillian, and current Paul Funeral Home Vice President Robert B. “Bobby” Hodges to provide scholarships for students enrolled in a business or nursing program at BCCC.

Mr. Paul was active in business and civic affairs. He was a life-long member of the First Christian Church in Washington. He was the longest-term member of the Bunyan Ruritan Club, a member of the Orr Lodge # 104 A.F. & A.M., the Beaufort Country Grange, Tau Tribe 19, I.O.R.M. and was one of the charter members of the Washington Jaycees. He also served several terms as Beaufort County Coroner before the county came under the Medical Examiner System.

Mr. Paul served five years on the N.C. State Board of Mortuary Science including a one-year term as president of the board. He also served ten years on the N.C. Burial Association Commission. On June 19, 2003, he was awarded the North Carolina Funeral Director Association Honorary Membership given in recognition and appreciation for his support and contributions to the advancement of the association and practice of funeral service. On October 16, 2007, Mr. Paul was presented a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the members of District 2 for grateful appreciation for his professional service and dedication to the advance of funeral service.

Simpson receives Colin Cratch Arnold Scholarship

A Chocowinity student pursuing an associate in arts degree at Beaufort County Community College received a scholarship established in memory of Colin Cratch Arnold.

Charlotte Yvonne Simpson, 45, was chosen for the award. A graduate of Plymouth High School, Simpson plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University after completing her studies at BCCC. She has three children.

“Thank you for helping individuals like me achieve their goals by lessening their financial burdens,” she said.

Colin Cratch Arnold was born in Craven County on November 5, 1982 and died September 23, 2006 in Pitt County as a result of an automobile accident. He was the son of Robin Arnold and Greg Arnold, both of Washington.

Arnold lived in Grimesland and owned his own business, C & G Jungle Tamers.

He was completing his associate degree in the field of science at the time of his death. His family notes that Arnold was an avid reader and that his future vocational ambition was to pilot his own helicopter in exotic locales to support scientific research and for his own personal amusement.

The scholarship has been established by the Arnold family and friends.

Washington Rotary Scholarship awarded

A Chocowinity student received a scholarship awarded to a Beaufort County Community College student by the Washington Rotary Club.

Receiving the scholarship was Catrena Ross-Keys, a student in BCCC’s Criminal Justice Program. A graduate of Chocowinity High School, Keys is employed as a captain by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office in the county detention center. She is the daughter of Virgel Ross of Chocowinity and Floyd and Evelyn Ross of Washington and has four children. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice after completing her studies at BCCC.

“I want to thank the Washington Rotary Club for thinking of and wanting to help other people,” Ross-Keys said. “Thank you for helping to make my education possible.”

Proceeds from the Washington Rotary Club’s annual barbecue fundraiser provide money for the three scholarships to BCCC students each year. Past fundraisers have generated more than $3,000 for Washington Rotary Club’s service projects, according to club President Mary Jo Vance.

“It’s exciting to see that the Washington Rotary Club can give back to the community in this way,” Vance said. “This is an exceptional individual and I hope that receiving this scholarship will also inspire her to give back to her community after she finishes her studies.”

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 167 countries.

Parrish Endowment awarded

Three students received a Jody Parrish scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this spring. The endowment was established by Parrish’ mother Margaret “Margie” Holder. This year, additional scholarships were made possible through a generous memorial gift from friends and family of Parrish.

Selected for the awards were Juanita Faye Copeland, Cassandra Eborn, and Doris Moore.

Copeland, 39, is a student in BCCC’s Early Childhood Program. She graduated from Washington High School and also received training in Office Systems Technology and Business Administration. She is employed as an assistant manager at Dollar General in Washington. The daughter of Josephine Copeland of Washington, Copeland has three children and one grandchild. After completing her studies at BCCC, she plans to work with children with special needs.

“I want to say thank you for this scholarship,” she said. “I have worked hard this semester.”

Eborn, 25, of Belhaven, is a student in BCCC’s Office Administration Program. She attended Northside High School and earned her General Educational Development, or GED. The daughter of Beverly and Mike Spencer of Belhaven, she has one child. Eborn hopes to find a job in her field and continue her studies after graduating from BCCC.

“I would like to say thank you,” she said. “If it wasn’t for this award, I would be lost.”

Moore, 62, of Chocowinity, is a student in BCCC’s Early Childhood Program. A graduate of P.S. Jones High School, she also holds an associate’s degree in Office Systems Technology and credentials in Early Childhood and School-age Child Care. Moore is employed at the Beaufort County Education Technology Center.

“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to receive such an honorable award,” she said.

The endowment was established by the family of Joseph Edward Parrish, known as Jody. Parrish, the son of Margaret P. Holder and Joe Parrish, died as a result of injuries suffered in an airplane accident in Smithfield just one month after he turned 21 years of age. His family established the endowment to continue the example of his life by helping others realize their hopes for a better life through higher education.

Keeney Scholarship Awarded

A future law enforcement officer received a scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College from an endowment established by East Carolina Bank in honor of its past president.

Kenneth Maurice Rickard, 30, of Fairfield was selected for the award. Rickard is a student in BCCC’s Criminal Justice Program. A graduate of Columbia High School, Rickard is employed at the Bertie Correctional Institution. He hopes to continue his criminal justice studies and pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduating from BCCC. Rickard is the son of Priscilla Rickard and the late Kenneth Rickard. He has four children.

“I am truly grateful for this blessing,” he said.

The endowment was established to honor 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.

Upon Art Keeney’s retirement, ECB established this endowment at BCCC to perpetually honor the work and dedication of both the Keeneys to Hyde County and the region.

Three receive mayors’ association scholarships

Three students received a Beaufort County Mayors Association Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this spring.

Selected for the award were Stephanie Chadwick of Belhaven, Lisa Cornelius of Washington, and Laquanda M. Latham of Chocowinity.

Chadwick, 45, is a student in BCCC’s Accounting Program. A graduate of John A. Wilkinson High School, Chadwick hopes to continue her studies and open her own accounting business after graduating from BCCC.

Cornelius, 49, is a student in BCCC’s Business Administration program. A graduate of Thompson High School in Alabaster, Ala., she also completed studies in Early Childhood Education in 2005. Cornelius is employed at Washington High School as a distance learning facilitator. Cornelius has two children.

Latham, 27, is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. A graduate of Northside High School, she plans to find a job in her field after completing her studies at BCCC. She is the daughter of Levern Waters and has four children.

The Beaufort County Mayors Association is comprised of the mayors of the seven municipalities in Beaufort County – Aurora, Bath, Belhaven, Chocowinity, Pantego, Washington and Washington Park. The association annually contributes money for scholarships for students from Beaufort County to attend BCCC.

Two BCCC students receive Wilkinson/Archbell Scholarships

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

Kelly, 46, of Belhaven, is a student in BCCC’s Mechanical Drafting and Design Program. A graduate of Bath High School, Kelly plans to get a job in his field after completing his studies at BCCC. He has one daughter.

“I want to share my sincere thanks and gratitude for this scholarship,” he said. “It will go a long way towards helping me reach my goal,”

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

“Thank you for choosing me for this scholarship,” he said. “This is truly a gift.”

The endowment was established by a gift from the John A. Wilkinson Foundation, which also made substantial 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.

Two receive Humphreys Scholarship

Two students at Beaufort County Community College received the Carol and Buster Humphreys Nursing Scholarship to attend BCCC this spring - Shamicka Latonya Davenport and Elisha Michelle Knight.

Davenport, 28, of Plymouth, is a student in BCCC’s Practical Nursing Program. A graduate of Plymouth High School, Davenport also holds an associate’s degree in General Education. She is employed at Plumbee Nursing Center and hopes to continue her nursing studies after graduating from BCCC. Davenport is the daughter of Conroy and Geraldine Davenport of Plymouth and has one child.

“I truly appreciate being chosen to receive this award,” she said.

Knight, 24, of Washington, is a student in BCCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. A graduate of Washington High School, she also holds an EKG Technician Certificate. Knight is the daughter of Angelo Graham and the late Lorelei Clark. She is employed as a customer service representative at Blockbuster. After completing her studies at BCCC, Knight hopes to work at a local hospital and pursue a career as a traveling nurse.

“I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys for making this scholarship possible,” she said. “The nursing program is very challenging and it is hard to hold a full-time job while pursuing a degree so this financial help is very much appreciated.”

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

Jennette receives Tankard Scholarship

Carmen Jennette has been chosen to receive the Dorothy and John Tankard Memorial Scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College this spring. Jennette, 50, of Belhaven, is a student in BCCC’s Business Administration Program. A graduate of Ayden-Grifton High School, she hopes to work in a local bank after completing her studies at BCCC. She has two children.

Funds for the scholarship were raised at the Seventh Annual Cutthroat Croquet Tournament held in Bath in May. Additional proceeds from the tournament were designated for the Historic Bath State Historic Site to make improvements to its historic properties.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a BCCC student living in the Bath or Belhaven area. Dorothy “Dot” Tankard was dedicated to the preservation of Historic Bath and served as director of the Bath Historic Site for many years. John Tankard was a member of the BCCC Board of Trustees from 1980 through 1990.

BCCC Foundation croquet tourney is set

Registration is now under way for the Eighth Annual Cutthroat Croquet Tournament to be held Saturday, May 14 along the waterfront in Bath. The tournament is an annual fund-raiser to continue the Dorothy and John Tankard Memorial Scholarship for a Bath or Belhaven student at Beaufort County Community College and for enhancing Historic Bath, to which the Tankards were dedicated. This year, the tournament will have a new look intended to provide more playing time for those interested in less aggressive play. The first round of the tournament will be used to flight players into one of two flights - the Cutthroat Flight for more aggressive players or the Rapscallion Flight for those who enjoy more leisurely play. Each flight will offer booty for the top four finalists. The tournament will be held in conjunction with Bath Fest, a day-long series of activities that will also include historic demonstrations, homes tours and a crafts show all within walking distance in Bath. As players complete their play, they may tour the entire area at no charge. Southern Bank and Trust Co. of Belhaven, Rod Cantrell, CFP, Edward Jones Investments of Washington and Tankard Farms are the corporate sponsors of the tournament. The registration fee for the tournament is $35 for each player. The fee includes at least two rounds of croquet and a picnic lunch. Spectators may join participants for lunch for a fee of $15. All players must register beginning at 9:30 a.m. They will begin play as soon as a group of four has gathered. To register for the tournament, interested persons can contact Marcia Norwood at 940-6218.

BCCC Golf Tournament

BCCC Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 21, 2011. More details to follow.

Croquet Tournament

BCCC has scheduled their annual Croquet Tournament for Saturday May 14, 2011. More details to follow.