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.