VGCC representatives at the North Carolina Community College System’s annual excellence event included, from left, Vice President of Instruction Dr. Angela Ballentine, Vice President of Student Affairs Gene Purvis, Assistant Director of Financial Aid Brian Clemmons, Radiography program head/instructor Angela Thomas, President Dr. Stelfanie Williams, Academic Excellence Award recipient Sharon Lark, Executive Assistant to the President April Perkinson, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Arts & Sciences Deanna Stegall and Director of Human Resources Katherine Williamson. (VGCC Photo)
Vance-Granville Community College student Sharon M. Lark of Bunn was among the individuals honored by North Carolina Community Colleges on April 19 during the state system’s annual excellence event, called “The Great Within the 58,” held at the Raleigh Convention Center. More than 600 people attended the awards luncheon celebrating excellence among N.C. community college students, faculty, staff, presidents and business partners.
Lark, who is currently working toward completing two degrees, an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Administration, was recognized as VGCC’s recipient of the Academic Excellence Award for 2012. One student from each of the state’s 58 community colleges received a plaque and medallion in honor of their accomplishments.
In addition to recognizing student excellence, the April 19 luncheon also included presentations of the system’s Excellence in Teaching and Staff Person of the Year awards. VGCC’s nominees for the statewide Excellence in Teaching Award and Staff Person of the Year Award — Angela Thomas of Hillsborough (program head/instructor for Radiography) and Deanna Stegall of Oxford (administrative assistant to the Dean of Arts & Sciences), respectively — attended as part of the VGCC delegation. Also among the college officials in attendance were this year’s winners of VGCC President’s Leadership Awards: Brian Clemmons of Durham, the assistant director of financial aid, and April Perkinson of Warrenton, executive assistant to the president.
In conjunction with the event, Governor Perdue proclaimed April 15-21, 2012 to be “North Carolina Community College Excellence in Education Week.” The governor praised the many outstanding community college students who, like VGCC’s Sharon Lark, “pursue their studies while working and managing family responsibilities.” She also noted that “North Carolina’s community colleges are at the forefront of education in our state and are vital partners in health care, business and industry, small business and public service, as well as in workforce training and opening the doors of opportunity.”