VGCC nominates student for statewide leadership award


Adam Rooker (VGCC Photo)

Adam Rooker (VGCC Photo)

Vance-Granville Community College recently nominated Adam G. Rooker of Norlina, a student in the Criminal Justice Technology program, for the North Carolina Community College System’s Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award.

The award was established in 2004 in honor of Scott, who served as Governor of North Carolina from 1969-1973, and as President of the N.C. Community College System from 1983-1995. Each year, the N.C. Association of Community College Presidents bestows the honor on one community college student in recognition of his or her academic and leadership achievements.

Rooker grew up in Wise and attended Norlina Christian School, where he served as chaplain and president of his class. He graduated from high school in 2013, and later that year, he enrolled at VGCC. A full-time student, Rooker also works in the family business, Grape Hill Farm in Wise. “I have been helping out on the farm for as long I can remember, but for the past eight years, I have been managing the family’s produce stand,” Rooker said. “I am in charge of the money, stock and supply, employees, and sales.”

Rooker became a leader on campus at VGCC in 2014 when he was selected as an Ambassador. He calls that position an “honor,” and for him, it has involved serving as a tour guide, helping with special college events, and even addressing the VGCC Endowment Fund board of directors. “Ambassadors play an important role,” Rooker said. “VGCC picks the best of the best to be Ambassadors, and I am privileged to be included.” He has also received an endowed scholarship, the Glen Raven Presidential Scholar Award, from VGCC and was named to the President’s List for his perfect 4.0 grade-point average in the fall 2014 semester.

Rooker takes on leadership roles outside of VGCC as a member of New Life Baptist Church and volunteers with Rebuilding Hope, a Henderson-based ministry that repairs and rebuilds houses for those in need. He also mentors high school students in a weightlifting program.

Rooker is scheduled to graduate from VGCC in December.

“Adam has a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and the potential to become a great leader within his community,” said Steven Hargrove, one of Rooker’s Criminal Justice instructors and chair of the Public Services department.