Students Turn Tassels, Earn Awards

Wilson Community College has celebrated many graduations over the past couple of weeks, with two more to go. 

On May 19, nine cadets graduated from Basic Law Enforcement Training.  In fact, it was our 119th Academy.  On May 20, we had 30 Associate Degree Nursing students graduate.  And 272 students officially turned their tassels on the evening of May 20, earning a diploma or degree.  Of the 272 graduates, many of them are Wilson Early College Academy (WECA) and Wilson Academy of Applied Technology (WAAT) students, who not only earned their high school diploma, but also received their associate’s degree diplomas – for free!  Our youngest graduates are only 17 years old – several of them — and the oldest graduate this year is 60.  And this week, nearly 20 students will graduate with their High School Equivalency diploma or Adult High School diploma.  In a few short weeks, fire cadets in the 48th Fire/Rescue Training Academy will graduate too.

And also, each year, Wilson Community College faculty recognizes outstanding graduates through special awards in diploma and degree programs. Among these are the Faculty Cup, awards from the local community, and College departmental awards.

The Faculty Cup Award is given to associate degree and diploma graduates who have contributed to the betterment of all students at the College. This award is given by one of our standing governmental committees, the WCC Faculty Senate.  Recipients must have an overall GPA of 3.75, be outstanding students in all respects, and display good citizenship and consideration for their fellow students.

Michelle Matthews was chosen to receive the Faculty Cup Award in a degree program this year.  Michelle re-entered college and chose to take 8-week courses in order to complete her degree and transfer in a timely manner. She has already been accepted to NC State University through the C3 program. As a full-time student and working full-time in the medical field, she has also recently accepted a job with a new company that is encouraging her to complete a Master’s degree after finishing her Bachelor’s at NC State.  Michelle maintained a 4.0 GPA and just graduated with an Associate in Arts – College Transfer degree.

Anna Hill is this year’s recipient of the Dovey E. “Kim” Watson Award.  The award is given each year in memory of Kim Watson, a long-time Paralegal Technology instructor, to an outstanding graduate in the Paralegal curriculum and is chosen by the faculty.  Throughout her time in the program, Anna maintained a 4.0 grade point average, and has rightfully earned her Associate in Applied Science degree in Paralegal Technology.

And this year’s Chamber of Commerce Award, given at graduation, is given to an outstanding graduate in a business-related curriculum.  This award is chosen by the business faculty.  This year’s recipient is Anita Jones, who graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Administration. She is the owner of Anita’s Marketing Concepts here in Wilson, and has also served as the Wilson Chamber of Commerce President.

We are so proud of each one of them and wish them well in their next endeavor.

If you’re ready to earn your diploma, degree, or certificate, give us a call at (252) 291-1195. #WilsonCC We make Wilson work.

What’s Happening

  • June 2 – Adult Secondary Education Graduation
  • June 13 – Early Registration for Fall Semester Begins
  • June 29 – Fire Academy Graduation
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Severe Weather Alert

Due to the threat of severe weather, the college will be closed on Friday, September 7, 2023.