SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College's College and Career Readiness Commencement Exercises was a huge celebration. The June 15 event at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center honored the achievements of more than 180 students.

Jon Matthews, CCCC's Harnett County Associate Provost, welcomed the audience.

Sandra Thompson, CCCC's College and Career Coordinator in Lee County, introduced the commencement student speaker.

Parice Womble said her journey to complete her Adult High School diploma began in 2016. "To achieve this, I knew there would be many obstacles to overcome. I had to first understand that 'I' was the only person standing in the way of accomplishing anything in my life," she said.

Womble told the audience that she was a participant of Basic Skills Plus, a program that allows students to earn an occupational credential while simultaneously completing their high school credential. "While obtaining my high school diploma, I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant Certification and am proud to say that I am currently working in the nursing field," she said.

"In closing, I want to leave you with an encouraging thought: If there is anyone in the audience who has not completed an educational goal, do it! Remember, the only person who can stand in the way of you achieving your goals is yourself! Thank you, Central Carolina Community College, for assisting me in achieving mine!"

Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of College and Career Readiness, recognized the honor graduates.

Several students received CCCC Foundation scholarships to continue their education. The students are Melanie Cook, Raheim Lord, Sabrita Malone, Jada Staton, and Parice Womble. Recipient of the W.B. Wicker Scholarship is Terikue Vandunk.

Daniel Loges, College and Career Readiness Coordinator in Chatham County, introduced the candidates for graduation, who each received congratulations from Dr. Pamela Senegal, CCCC Vice President of Economic and Community Development, and CCCC Board of Trustees Chairman Julian Philpott.

Dr. Senegal told the graduates, "You all can do and go as far as you care to go. You have everything in you that is required to go and be all that you can be. This is just the beginning. I am so incredibly proud of all that you've done to get to this point."

Following the commencement exercises, family and friends celebrated with the graduates.

For more information about Central Carolina Community College's College and Career Readiness programs, visit www.cccc.edu or contact: in Chatham County - 919-545-8663, in Harnett County - 910-814-8971, or in Lee County - 919-777-7701.