SCC Foundation awards scholarships | Community Spirit

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Scholarships have become increasingly important to Southeastern Community College students, who are forced to cope with the effects of state-mandated tuition increases and a challenging economy.

The creation of scholarships, whether endowed or annual, rewards SCC students for their academic achievements while at the same time honoring individuals who have left a lasting impression on the donor.

For the fall term, 150 SCC students received $175,000 in scholarship awards through the SCC Foundation. The average award was $1,000. With in-state tuition and fees set at $882.50 per semester for a full-time student, these awards allow students to afford an education that may otherwise be out of reach.

“I encourage readers to take a close look at this scholarship picture and to realize that a SCC scholarship has made the difference in whether or not most of us attend SCC.  As the first recipient of the Fox Family Scholarship, I can tell you that without this gift, I would be unable to achieve my dream of becoming a nurse. I’m sure I speak for most of the recipients. SCC is the most affordable educational option available, but books, uniforms, travel expenses and tuition still add up. The nursing curriculum is very difficult to master and the stress level is high. Knowing that I have a donor who supports my dream removes a huge burden and allows for my success,” stated Amy Clemmons, a student in the SCC Associate Degree Nursing Program.

In addition, an annual Foundation grant of $60,000 to the financial aid division of the College assists approximately 80 students per year.

“The SCC Foundation Board of Directors is aware of the increase in funds needed to be a successful student at SCC. We assist in fundraising activities in support of the Foundation in order to make education possible for SCC students. That has always been our stated mission,” said Foundation President Pat Ray.

A continuing education grant of $10,000 allowed 75 students to enroll in skill-building classes, such as CPR for Healthcare Providers, Effective Teacher Training, Nurse Aide I and Quickbooks Pro during the 2011-2012 academic year.

The Chadbourn Presbyterian Church Nursing Scholarship, the Fox Family Scholarship and the Rhone Sasser Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Honorary Scholarship were awarded for the first time in 2012.

“Creation of new scholarships is actively encouraged,” stated Executive Dean of Institutional Advancement Sue Hawks. “The name and criteria for each scholarship is customized to suit the donor, and gifts can be endowed or contributed on an annual basis. What better gift to give than funds for a scholarship, making an education possible for Southeastern students who in turn build the economy of our county. The SCC Foundation has a strong donor base, allowing ‘excellence funding’ for many projects not funded by the state. Annual gifts of all amounts are encouraged.”

Hawks may be reached for consultation at (910)642-7141, ext. 320 or at sue.hawks@sccnc.edu. Her office is in A-building room 103. The website for the Foundation may be accessed from the College’s website, www.sccnc.edu

Fall 2012 scholarship recipients were: Alexandria Almond, Elizabeth Axelberg, Brittany Barnhill, Courtney Bass, Corey Bolam, Jordan Brooks, Cody Buck, Charlie Butler, Megan Cartrette, Melvin Charles, Kevin Chavis, Steven Clark, Amy Clemmons, Ashlee Clemmons, Amber Cribb, Amanda Creech, Kayla Croft, Jenna Davis, Barbara Dinkins, Joyce Ann Faulk, Kayla Fowler, Rhonda Godwin, Annetta Gore, Gabrielle Gore, Cody Graves, Kea Gray, Christopher Hamm, Chad Hammonds, Matthew Hardin, Richie Hilbourn, Linda Hinson, William Hood, Avian Hope, Paige Horne, Courtney Hudson, Paula Inman, Haven Jones, Daniel Khan, Asia Lee, Jake Leggett, Jaquetta Lewis, Taineka Lewis, D. Long, Taylor Lovin, Kristen Lowery, Jazmyne Manning, Stepanie Manning, Lindsey Merritt, Mariela Meza, Kaitlyn Miller, Chasity Mills, Brittany Mitchell, Danielle Monroe, Kristan Monroe, Jonathan Moore, James McClelland, Matthew McGill, McKayla McNeill, Kyle Nanney, Hannah Norris, Mary Rawson, Kayla Rickett, Ashlyn Rising, Michaela Ritenour, Anna Roberts, Jordan Rodgers, Collier Savage, Lauren Savage, Logan Simmons, Ian Smeigh, Justin Spaulding, Fisher Stanley, Taylor Stevens, Savannah Strickland, Brooke Vance, Becki Ward, Cassie Ward, Emily Ward, Teresa Ward, Whitney Ward, Courtney Watts, John Watts, Chelsie White, Landon White, Haily Wilkens, Zack Wilson, and Ethan Worley.