Piedmont Community College (PCC) recently celebrated the remarkable journeys of first-generation college students with an inspiring panel discussion and a celebration dinner.
The panel held on November 13 featured first-generation students, alumni and staff who shared their experiences of being the first in their families to attend college. They shared what motivated them to attend college and about the support they received along the way.
On November 14 PCC honored first-generation students with a celebratory dinner featuring live music from Kyle Moore and comedy from Linda Williams. Stan Farrington, principal of Partnership Academy High School in Hillsborough, was the keynote speaker and addressed attendees about turning opposition and obstacles into opportunities and options.
“Each and every one of you are the dream of your ancestors, because some of your ancestors had the hope to go to college, but never had the help to go to college,” Farrington said.
Three $250 scholarships were awarded to first-generation students Victoria Horton, Laura Jones and Keyra Cowan from employee contributions to the PCC Foundation.
“You have taken the first step, and you can only go up from here,” Rosalind Cross, PCC Director, Federal Programs said. “We are here to support your success and look forward to helping you to finish what you started! Keep reaching for the stars!”
Both the panel and dinner were hosted by PCC’s Student Development, Student Engagement and TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) in conjunction with the First Gen Planning Committee.
The EOC is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education and exists to assist adults 19 and older with college access. They meet participants wherever they are on their journey to higher education. The EOC also provides academic advisement, career workshops, information on post-secondary educational opportunities, and free assistance with completing applications for college admission, testing and financial aid. Visit www.piedmontcc.edu/trio for more information.
Pictured left to right: Edna Brown, Director, Student Development, Caswell County Campus; Victoria Horton; Laura Jones, Accounts Payable Technician; Keyra Cowan; Vennesa Williams, EOC Program Coordinator/Data Manager
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