SANFORD, N.C. - Mariah Reed, of Sanford, N.C., is Central Carolina Community College's nominee for the Gov. Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award sponsored by the N.C. Association of Community College Presidents. Reed is working toward an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree.

This award, named for the former North Carolina governor who also served as president of the N.C Community College System, is designed to highlight outstanding curriculum student leadership and service.

Reed, whose hometown is Olean, N.Y., serves as President of the Central Carolina Association of Nursing Students and Publication Director for the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students. In addition, she is a National Student Nurse Association Leadership University Honor Society Member. Reed has attended the National Student Nurse Association Leadership Summit and the National Student Nurse Mid-Year Professional Conference.

Reed has been a volunteer at Grace Chapel Church, the Bread Basket of Sanford, Reach Out Pregnancy Center, and Haven of Lee County NoScare Fair.

Jamie Ferguson, CCCC Nursing faculty member, says of Reed: "She serves as a wonderful peer mentor for fellow nursing students. Her ability to inspire and motivate her peers has resulted in a more cohesive and supportive nursing student community. ... Mariah doesn't merely excel in her pre-professional organizational roles; she also consistently goes above and beyond in her academic pursuits. Her commitment to academic excellence, coupled with her active involvement in extracurricular activities, showcases a well-rounded individual who is not only dedicated to her personal growth but also to the collective advancement of her fellow nursing students."

"Over the last 18 months, as I have embarked on my newfound journey of being a student leader, I have learned that leadership is not about control, but rather about inspiring, empowering, and motivating people toward a positive change," said Reed.

"This leadership experience has meant more to me than I could have ever imagined. Prior to this experience, I would have never considered myself a leader, let alone a nominee for such an esteemed leadership award," said Reed. "I hope one day I can inspire another person who may not see themselves as a leader to step outside their comfort zone and go for it, just like my nursing instructors at Central Carolina Community College have done for me. The joy that this leadership journey has brought to me is something I wish every person could experience."

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.