SCC hosts graduation ceremonies, presents awards

Stanly Community College held commencement at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center on May 9.

Nearly half of the 631-person graduating class walked across the stage and received their credentials as faculty, staff, family and friends cheered them on.

SCC held three ceremonies honoring graduates from Health Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing Industry and Trades, Public Services, Business, Technology, University Transfer, College and Career Readiness, Stanly Early College and Stanly STEM Early College. The graduates ranged in age from 15 to 68, with 78% female and 22% male.

SCC officials, including Dr. John Enamait, president; Dr. Carmen Nunalee, vice president of Student Success; Dr. Jeff Parsons, vice president of Academic Affairs and chief academic officer; Joe Brooks, chair of the SCC Board of Trustees; and associate vice presidents of the respective programs, presented the candidates with their awards, degrees, diplomas and certificates.

In closing remarks, Enamait stated, “On this special day, we are celebrating these graduates’ wonderful accomplishments over their careers at Stanly Community College. To the graduates, may the skills you have developed be the foundation on which you build successful careers and lives. On this joyous day, I hope you are filled with gratitude, humility and love.”

All three ceremonies are available for viewing on StanlyTV, SCC’s YouTube channel.

A Student Honors ceremony was held the night before graduation, where 100 students received honor cords and the following award winners were recognized:

(Above) Callie Ball, Associate in Science, received the Dianne H. Burton Community Service Award, created in 2006 to honor the service of the past college registrar. This award is presented to the graduating student who has contributed to the community through service learning. Ball’s commitment to community service shines through her volunteer work at her church, nonprofits and leadership roles at SCC. With more than 650 hours of service, she has been organized community events centered around Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Veterans Day and has supported activities at West Stanly Christian Ministries. After obtaining her Nursing Assistant certification and working at Spring Arbor, Ball plans to pursue further studies in healthcare at Wingate University. (Contributed)

(Above) Brennan Dagenhart, Addiction and Recovery Studies, received the Annie Ruth Kelly Leadership Award. The Annie Ruth Kelley Leadership Award was created in 2001 to honor the service and leadership of the first chairperson of the college’s Board of Trustees and the first woman to chair a community college board in this state. Kelley served for 28 years as a college trustee. In keeping with the tenets of Kelley’s service record, this award is presented to the graduating student who has excelled in providing leadership to fellow students, the college and the community. Brennan, maintaining a near 4.0 GPA, secured a full-time position in addiction and recovery in August 2023. He now leads substance abuse groups as part of his employer’s community outreach program while juggling full-time studies at SCC and caring for his daughter. In addition, Brennan volunteers, assisting sober living homes, leading group sessions at rehabilitation centers and aiding in community outreach efforts. Passionate about aiding individuals in recovery, he obtained his Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor-Registrant (CADC-R) from NCASPPB in October 2023. Brennan plans to pursue full certification, a bachelor’s degree and further licensure after graduation. (Contributed)

(Above) Trey Hinton, Class of 2014, received the Outstanding Alumni Award. Each year, one or more Stanly Community College alumni are recognized for their contributions to the college, the community and their profession. Eligibility for this award requires that the student must have participated in the college as either a curriculum, continuing education or basic skills/literacy student. The SCC Executive Leadership Team selects the award recipient out of the eligible nominations. Hinton graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training program at SCC in 2014. During his training, he was employed by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer. Following graduation, he was hired by the Kannapolis Police Department as a patrol officer and as a vice/narcotics officer. In 2017, he received the Roger Dale Carter Outstanding Officer/Detective Award. He received a Lifesaving Award for extracting and performing CPR on a driver involved in a traffic accident. He returned to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department in 2018 and was named the CMPD Officer of the Year for 2022. Hinton also works as a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike, a non-profit that teaches children how to ride bikes. He has continued his education, earning a master’s in criminal justice from East Carolina University. (Contributed)

(Above) Donte Davis, Medical Assisting, received the Dr. George E. Eddins Jr. Award of Distinction in Allied Health Education. This award is named in honor of an Albemarle physician whose support of the SCC Foundation has allowed hundreds of students to attend college. This recognition was established in 2003 and is awarded to an Allied Health student with a 3.5 GPA or higher, demonstrated leadership ability, and a record of service to the community. Davis excelled academically with a high GPA, actively engaged in discussions and inspired peers with his passion for learning. (Contributed)

(Below) Three graduates received the Edward J. Snyder Jr. Exceptional Scholars Award and served as commencement speakers: Nathan Hart, Joshua Saylor and Toby Neal. This award honored the second chair of the college’s Board of Trustees. Snyder was a member of the State Board of Community Colleges and the first chairperson of the College Foundation, a position he held for more than three decades. His support of the college provided scholarships and other resources for SCC for nearly four decades. An award was established in 2002 in honor of his services. A student must be nominated by a faculty or staff member, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, submit an essay and complete an interview with a selection committee to qualify for the award.

(Above) Toby Neal earned an Associate in Arts degree and will attend Yale University this fall for political science. His dedication and academic prowess, evidenced by multiple perfect essay scores, set him apart. As the collegiate National President of FBLA, he displayed leadership and a drive for positive change. His achievements and unwavering commitment made him a deserving candidate for future success. (Contributed)

Nathan Hart, a graduate from SCC’s Collision Repair and Refinishing program, maintained grades and perfect attendance while actively participating in his church and community. Hart, 17, has expressed his dream to work with his father at Hendrick Motors. He excelled in Skills USA competitions, earned credentials at the PPG Paint Training Center and received the 2024 CCA Tool Grant for his dedication to autobody and collision repair. (Contributed)

An Information Technology Network Management graduate, Joshua Saylor consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating dedication, patience and positivity. He was a role model to his peers, displaying exceptional academic performance, leadership and ethical conduct, making him an outstanding candidate for future endeavors. (Contributed)

(Above) Carolyn Johnson, High School Equivalency, received the Shirley Dennis Basic Skills Outstanding Student Award established in 2012 in memory of Shirley Diane Dennis. This award recognizes a high school equivalent or adult high school graduate who, while overcoming challenges, remains committed to education and demonstrates leadership skills among peers. (Contributed)

(Below) SCC is one of 58 colleges in the North Carolina Community College System. The NC System has long served as an example of the nation’s community-based education. To showcase statewide success, the system initiates three awards for which each college may nominate a student.

The Dallas Herring Achievement Award is named in honor of the system’s first president and is presented to a recent graduate of each college for academic and leadership success. (Above) Nicholas Meades was recognized for his motivation to successfully complete a difficult course, despite a serious health issue. (Contributed)

(Above) Gage Barrier, the recipient of this year’s NC Community College Academic Excellence Award, graduated with an Associate in Arts degree boasting a flawless 4.0 GPA. Additionally, as president of the SCC Student Government Association, Barrier has secured state and national awards in Future Business Leaders of America-Collegiate competitions. (Contributed)

(Above) Following his term as governor, Bob Scott served as the system president for 12 years. Upon his retirement, the system established a student award for outstanding campus leadership. Toby Neal was the SCC recipient and he was recognized for his involvement in various campus activities and organizations. His leadership roles in Future Business Leaders of America garnered state and national attention for SCC. His award-nomination essay highlighted his journey from a homeschooled graduate to a nationally recognized student. In March, he made history as the first SCC nominee to win the state award. (Contributed)

(Below) Student leadership medallions were awarded to students who provided outstanding student organization leadership. Recipients included Gage Barrier, Callie Ball, Tim Karabet, Toby Neal and Lani Pope.

(Above) Gage Barrier

(Above) Callie Ball

(Above) Tim Karabet

(Above) Lani Pope

(Above) Toby Neal

(Not Pictured) Kaylee Malcomb, Cosmetology, received the Jerrie Sue Moffitt-Morton Award. The recipient of this award demonstrates the ability to overcome adversity, maintain integrity and keep clients’ needs as their priority. The recipient will be known for putting others before herself while possessing a fighting spirit when faced with adverse circumstances.

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