From Beaufort County Community College

Every year, Beaufort County Community College holds its Academic Awards Ceremony prior to graduation to recognize students who have achieved a higher degree of academic success. The ceremony recognizes students as Summa Cum Laude (GPA of 4.0), Magna Cum Laude (GPA of 3.8 or greater) or Cum Laude (GPA of 3.5-3.8). This year, the college awarded gold tassels to 56 members of the graduating class for their academic success.

At the main graduation ceremony on May 11, they will have their names listed in the program, along with standing out from the crowd with their gold tassels. This is a huge honor, as these students have spent many extra hours working on projects, studying for exams and getting the details right to achieve these grades. High achievers were recognized from a diversity of programs, including sciences, automotive systems technology and general education.

“These are our students who really push themselves,” said Dr. Crystal Ange, VP of Academics. “Often they are looking at continuing to a bachelor’s or even a graduate program. You see them after classes in the library, in study groups. They’re inquisitive. They speak up in class. They work hard, and they deserve the recognition.”

Faculty representing each academic program hand out awards. Student Government Association members and BCCC Foundation representatives were also be recognized.

NC Community College System board member Frank Johnson awarded Katelyn Kincer the 2017-2018 BCCC Academic Award. Kincer is part of the Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nursing (RIBN) program, where she will continue her nursing education at East Carolina University. Nominations for the award are based on a grade point average of 3.5 or better and a student’s involvement on campus and in the community. Instructors within their academic divisions nominate the students.

Families filled the room as their proud loved ones were recognized. The Academic Awards Ceremony is just one of the many end of year ceremonies leading into the main graduation ceremony for BCCC this Friday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m. at Washington High School.