SANFORD - One hundred sixty students earned their Adult High School Diploma or High School Equivalency credential from Central Carolina Community College at its 2020 College and Career Readiness graduation.

The ceremony on July 29 was held online during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn't dampen enthusiasm for students celebrating their achievement and what it means for their careers and their lives.

As each name was read, the screen was filled with a graphic honoring the graduate and cheers went up from friends and family watching at a distance.

Before graduates were introduced and their diplomas were conferred by CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman, guest speaker Trinity J. Faucett offered some words of encouragement. Faucett, who serves as Director of Human Resources for the college, spoke briefly about her father, who also graduated from CCCC with his High School Equivalency. She was just 12 years old at the time, but still recalls how proud he looked at the ceremony that day.

Her father worked hard as a mechanic to achieve meaningful success, she said. It may not have been the kind of success some people celebrate -- he wasn't rich and didn't achieve any lofty job title -- but he was justifiably proud of what he accomplished.

He was proud of his work. And he was proud of his family.

"My message here is do not let society or anybody set your standards of measurement for success or goals," Faucett said. "And definitely do not try to live up to the fake standards you see on social media. Remember that nobody ever posts their failures on social media.

"Everybody's journey is different. Take pride in your journey and your successes."

Other college leaders spoke to the graduates as well. Dean of Student Learning Jairo McMican noted that many students came through rough times to achieve this goal and encouraged everyone to use those experiences to go even further in life. And Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Brian S. Merritt reminded graduates about the "The Little Engine That Could" as a metaphor for their own perseverance to climb this mountain and reach the peak.

One of those making the climb was Michael Paul Chillari, a graduate who was presented the CCCC Foundation Scholarship, a $600 award for college study announced by Dr. Nutan Varma, Harnett County Coordinator of College and Career Readiness.

"We are immensely proud of our 2020 College and Career Readiness graduates," said Sandra Thompson, CCCC's Associate Dean for College and Career Readiness. "They have demonstrated determination and resilience to get to this point, in spite of being interrupted by a global pandemic. These traits will serve them well as they transition into postsecondary education and careers."

To learn more about Central Carolina Community College and its programs, visit www.cccc.edu.