SANFORD - Donors and scholarship recipients were recognized during Central Carolina Community College's Scholarship Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

Among the donors in attendance was Frank Blalock and wife Sonya, who were at the luncheon in honor of the Vannie A. Rouse & Margaret K. Blalock Friendship Scholarship. "I think it's extremely important for a school such as CCCC to continue educating the young people and adults of this community," said Blalock.

"The Foundation is an opportunity to provide resources for those people who don't have a large enough income to pay for their school needs. So, I think it's extremely important to support the Foundation," said Blalock.

Wayne Staton has donated both the William W. and Ellen B. Staton Paralegal Scholarships and the Allyn Moore Staton Memorial Scholarships.

"I think it's so special to see these hard working and deserving students get their recognition as they work to better themselves," said Staton, who added that he is proud that his family continues to make a difference in the community.

CCCC President Dr. T.E. Marchant expressed his appreciation to all donors. "Thank all of you for being here. Thank all of you for caring enough to make a difference in the students' lives that are sitting at the tables with you," said Dr. Marchant. "Thank you is such a simple phrase, but it means so much because you, through your generosity, are changing lives every day."

The student speaker for the event was Tammy Alexander, recipient of the William and Ellen B. Staton Paralegal Scholarship. Alexander said the scholarship will help her to accomplish her goal of becoming a paralegal. "Because of receiving the William W. and Ellen B. Staton Paralegal Scholarship, I firmly agree when George Washington Carver stated, 'Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.'"

Chris Ehrenfeld, CCCC Foundation President, provided welcoming remarks.

"I'd like to personally thank each and every one of you for your generosity. We recognize there are many different charities that you can support, so we're very appreciative that you choose to support the students here at CCCC," said Ehrenfeld. "One of the reasons I love supporting the students at CCCC is I get to see the direct impact on students' lives. ... Many would not be able to further their education without the scholarships that you are providing for. These scholarships are truly life changing. For me, it's very fulfilling to be able to give money which leads to a direct impact on a person's life and these scholarships are doing that. Thank you for your acts of kindness."

Ehrenfeld offered this challenge to the student scholarship recipients. "You have your career and life ahead of you. Make the most of it," said Ehrenfeld. "I hope that your experiences here at CCCC are another step in your continued journey to better yourself. Be the best person you can be. And be a positive impact on those around you. Growth and progress lead to happiness. So keep learning and keep growing."

The Foundation thus far has awarded $220,940 in scholarships to 224 students for the 2017-18 school year.

Recognition of donors/recipients was by Dr. Brian Merritt, CCCC Vice President of Student Learning & Workforce Development, and James French, of the CCCC Board of Trustees. Invocation was by Ken Hoyle, CCCC Vice President for Student Services.

The meal was provided by CCCC's Central Carolina Culinary Institute, led by Chef Gregg Hamm.

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, Central Carolina Community College. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of CCCC and uses them to promote the educational mission of the college and assist students through scholarships and grants.

"Like all schools, Central Carolina Community College depends on the generosity of our friends, donors, and alumni to help us handle our growth and plan for the future," said Dr. Emily Hare, Executive Director of the CCCC Foundation. "These gifts support CCCC's goals for educational excellence through student scholarships, faculty professional development, and the funding of state-of-the-art technologies.

"Our success has a lot to do with the leaders and citizens of our communities, like you, who step forward, get to know our students, and invariably decide to help many of them," said Dr. Hare. "By aiding today's students, you are making an impact not only on their lives, but on the community and region as a whole, strengthening our local community. Thank you for investing in our students, our community, and our future!"

For information on giving to the Foundation or its fund-raising events, contact Dr. Emily Hare, executive director of the CCCC Foundation, 919-718-7230 or ehare@cccc.edu. To apply for a scholarship, contact the CCCC Financial Aid Office, 919-718-7229.