Education briefs

Published 12:00 am Thursday, September 10, 2015

Clemson graduate

Alexander Samuel Craig of Kannapolis graduated Aug. 7, from Clemson University with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.

 

National Merit semifinalist

William L. Jones, who attends a home school in Salisbury, is one of 16,000 semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring.

Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2016. Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis.

About 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by approximately 250 corporations and business organizations for finalists who meet their specified criteria. In addition, about 190 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 3,900 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2016 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.

 

RCCC recognizes student ambassadors

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College recognized its latest group of student leaders at a recent board of trustees meeting.

The Rowan-Cabarrus Student Ambassador Program is a group of students selected to represent the college in multiple capacities. Student ambassadors reach out to prospective students, conduct campus tours, participate in and help promote various college events and assist new students become acquainted with the campus.

RCCC began the program in 2010 with its first class of student ambassadors. The program has grown to include a leadership development program.

“I’m very proud of the Rowan-Cabarrus Student Ambassador Program and excited to welcome this new group of leaders into the program’s ranks,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. “We believe that developing our students into community leaders and active citizens is a part of our job at the college. These students will definitely leave Rowan-Cabarrus equipped to lead in their careers and communities.”

The 2015-16 Rowan-Cabarrus Student Ambassadors include: Delfina Erochenko of Concord, associate in arts; Teresa Lowenstein of Mecklenburg, associate in arts; Patrick Magana of Salisbury, associate degree in radiography; Marco Mercado of Salisbury, associate in arts; Rachel Morgan of Concord, associate in arts; Eric Torres of Concord, associate in arts.

Student Ambassadors are dedicated to student success, diversity and strengthening student connections. Ambassadors enjoy working with people, are committed to creating change in their respective communities, and are excited about sharing their experiences at Rowan-Cabarrus with others.

The program is supported by the college foundation and the Student Life Department. Student ambassadors earn a scholarship for their service to the college.

 

East Spencer firefighter receives scholarship

East Spencer Firefighter Brittany Alexander received a $6,000 scholarship from the North Carolina Firemen’s Association scholarship program. Alexander will apply this scholarship fund in her pursuit of a bachelor’s of science degree in fire protection administration and in fire, arson and explosion investigation. She plans to study at Eastern Kentucky University.

The North Carolina Firemen’s Association provides regional scholarships annually to assist firefighters in advancing their education.

 

Golden Leaf scholarships available at DCCC

Davidson County Community College announced scholarships are available for the fall, spring and summer terms through a grant made by the Golden LEAF Foundation to the North Carolina Community College System.

Curriculum students may apply for up to $750 per semester and occupational education students are eligible for up to $250 per term. Golden LEAF Scholarships can be used to assist with tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation and childcare expenses related to attending classes during the 2015-16 academic year and industry-recognized credential testing expenses that address skill gaps, upon course completion.

Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and live in rural counties that are tobacco-dependent and/or economically distressed. Scholarships for both occupational and curriculum students are available during the fall, spring and summer semesters. The deadline for applications for the fall term is Sept. 25. Contact the financial aid office at 336-249-8186, ext. 6393, to receive information about the scholarship program and an application.

The Golden LEAF Scholarship program, designed to help North Carolinians attend the state’s community colleges, is funded through a $750,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation.

 

South Rowan High to host community visit

South Rowan High School will host the first of the Rowan-Salisbury School System’s community school visits for the 2015-16 academic year.

The visit will be 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. on Sept. 16. It will begin in the school’s newly remodeled media center. Light refreshments will be followed a brief presentation about changes that have been made and those being made at South Rowan. Student ambassadors will then share their experiences with visitors and lead tours.