SANFORD - Six students are participating in the Central Carolina Community College Ambassadors program for 2018-19.

Ambassadors are students who serve as official hosts of the college, representing it at college and community events both on- and off-campus.

Ambassadors assist with activities such as college special events, high school student campus visits, campus tours, recruitment, presentations to community groups and agencies, registration, graduation, and orientation, and other activities. In return for their service, they receive free tuition and fees.

The six students who are serving as Ambassadors for the 2018-19 school year are Selina Boehm, Frederick Bunao, Melanie Cook, BayLee Jordyn Heath, Isabelle Karis, and Lisa Waynick Kim.

"These Ambassadors are the finest representatives Central Carolina Community College could have," said CCCC President T. Eston Marchant. "I am proud of how they carry out their responsibilities, creating goodwill and respect for the college wherever they give presentations or serve. In addition, their experiences as Ambassadors instill within them qualities that will benefit them, their families, their employers, and their communities for the rest of their lives."

Each year, faculty and staff make recommendations for second-year students to serve as Ambassadors. Selection is based on factors such as academic performance, leadership potential, and communication skills.

The application process to become a Student Ambassadors is very rigorous. Students must meet specific academic criteria to be eligible for candidacy, must receive a formal nomination by a faculty or staff member, submit an application (including a resume, essay, and three professional references), and attend an interview.

Those selected are required to complete 150 hours of service to the college, and must attend 80 percent of all classes and group meetings, maintain good standing in the community and college, maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average, complete a summer honors leadership course, attend called and mandatory events, and participate in a minimum of three public speaking engagements.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit the college website at www.cccc.edu.

MEET THE AMBASSADORS

Name: Selina Boehm

Hometown: Weinheim, Germany

Academic Program: Associate Degree Nursing

Interesting Fact: I grew up in Germany.

Favorite Thing about CCCC: All the support systems in place at CCCC, including programs, supportive staff and faculty members.

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Name: Frederick Bunao

Hometown: Quezon City, Philippines

Academic Program: Applied Science - Information Technology General

Interesting Fact: I love to cook, bake, and make food in general, but I never taste it before it's done. Success rate so far is about 85%!

Favorite Thing about CCCC: The support systems in place that cannot only help students learn, but also help them learn what they truly wish to learn. Remember that growth, not purely academics, is an integral part of the college experience!

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Name: Melanie Cook

Hometown: Blountville, Tenn.

Academic Program: Veterinary Medical Technology

Interesting Fact: I love to adventure off with nature; hiking, kayaking, you name it. What can I say, I love a great adventure! I achieved my GED here at CCCC in five months. I work very hard and stay very focused other than when I am in the mountains.

Favorite Thing about CCCC: My favorite thing about CCCC is that no matter what, the college and the faculty will always help me so that I can do better in life. This is the first school I felt that has ever given me a chance and supported me the whole way.

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Name: BayLee Jordyn Heath

Hometown: Sanford, N.C.

Academic Program: Veterinary Medical Technology

Interesting Fact: I really enjoy getting the opportunity to experience new things, whatever they may be. My most recent adventures have been snowboarding and hiking the mountains of Spokane, Wash., this past winter!

Favorite Thing about CCCC: The faculty and staff have always made it a point to help me at any chance they got and I couldn't be more appreciative toward them for that.

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Name: Isabelle Karis

Hometown: Fayetteville, N.C.

Academic Program: Lasers and Photonics

Interesting Fact: I did ballet for 15 years and, out of those 15 years, 11 of them I was in the Christmas ballet The Nutcracker.

Favorite Thing about CCCC: My instructors would have to be my favorite about CCCC. They make it easy to ask questions, learn the materials, and go to when I need help. They definitely want to make sure that their students succeed at CCCC and when their time is done.

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Name: Lisa Waynick Kim

Hometown: Reidsville, N.C.

Academic Program: Associate of Arts, University Transfer Program

Interesting Fact: Recently, I wrote, illustrated, and published two children's books.

Favorite Thing about CCCC: CCCC truly cares about the success of their students as evident in their various methods of academic support.