On Thursday night, Beaufort County Community College held its 47^th annual graduation ceremonies, giving degrees, diplomas and certificates to a record 298 students.

As families and friends piled into the Washington High School auditorium, the soon-to-be graduates lined up outside of the auditorium and streamed in for their big night.

Once the ceremony started, BCCC President Barbara Tansey announced Lynn Modlin as Faculty Member of the Year and Modlin was given the college’s new mace to keep for the year. The mace, which is an ornamental staff used traditionally at commencement exercises, was constructed by BCCC’s students, faculty and staff.

The graduates and the rest of the audience heard a few words from BCCC Board of Trustees Chairman Russell Smith.

“It is important you leave BCCC prepared,” Smith said. “We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you nothing but the best.”

Dr. Crystal Ange, vice president of academics, presented graduate awards and Tansey introduced former State Treasurer and President of First Bancorp Richard Moore as the commencement speaker.

Moore spoke to students about making smart financial decisions regarding the use of credit cards, loans and saving money. He also told graduates a humorous story that portrayed the importance of honesty.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it is,” Moore said. “Protect your money, protect your credit. Always try to be honest and always try to do the right thing.”

Several graduates were recognized for their outstanding academic presence with the college: Zachary Warren was one of two graduates to be given an award for highest academic average in the college transfer program; William Harris Wallace, Jr. was one of four graduates to receive an award for highest academic average in the associate in applied science degree programs; Vickie P. Wilkinson received the academic achievement award as well as the Who’s Who among students in American junior colleges; and Trina Cobb was recognized for her service as president of BCCC’s Student Government Association.

“I put in applications here and there,” Cobb said. “I’m hoping to get a call back any day now. I’m just excited, trying to hold the tears right now.”

Cosmetology graduate Jessica Vanderweit said, “The road to graduation has been a long one, but that has made it that much more satisfying. It took a while longer than expected to figure out what it was that I wanted to do, but now that I have found it, things have just fallen into place. I’m so happy to be graduating and turning the page to the next chapter in my life. I will be the newest stylist at Sheer Elegance in Belhaven and I am so excited to be a part of such a great, thriving salon.”