January 29, 2025 – Students at Davidson-Davie Community College work hard to achieve their educational goals – overcoming obstacles, language barriers, balancing family, work and more. Three students at the college who have remained steadfast in their studies were recently nominated for awards given by the North Carolina Community College System that celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of students in the state’s community colleges.
Tabitha Long, Katrina Prickett and Magali Martinez-Cruz were selected from a number of applicants from Davidson-Davie for the Academic Excellence Award, the Dallas Herring Achievement Award and the Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award.
“Our students at Davidson-Davie are a prime example of what’s good in our community,” says Susan Burleson, executive vice president of academic and student affairs at the college. “No matter what challenges they may face in their personal lives, our students come here, eager to learn and earn a degree, and eager to either start or advance their careers. The students nominated for these statewide awards are truly driven to succeed, and we are honored to highlight their accomplishments.”
The Academic Excellence Award
Tabitha Long, a native of Thomasville studying accounting and finance, was nominated for the Academic Excellence Award. The honor is awarded to one student from each of the 58 community colleges in North Carolina who have completed at least 12 semester hours and have a cumulative GPA of no less that 3.25. Long will receive a plaque and medallion for her academic accomplishment.
Long has a story not unlike many others: She had many educational goals, but life got in the way. “After I graduated high school, I continued my education at a community college. I was eager and confident and quickly discovered I loved college,” she says. “Life happened and college had to be placed on the back burner.”
She enrolled in courses over the years, but nothing stuck, and she never earned her degree.
Then, 23 years after beginning her academic studies, Long made a life-changing decision – to go back and complete her degree. “I knew I needed face-to-face engagement … attending Davidson-Davie was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I encounter genuinely wants me to succeed; there is support for every need,” she explains. “I’ve never felt alone in my educational journey. Whether it’s face-to-face or webinar instruction, I have immediate feedback during learning. Additionally, the low student-to-instructor ratio allows professors to be more accessible.
Pam Vest, an instructor in business and accounting at Davidson-Davie, nominated Long for the award. “Tabitha has incredible work ethic and has always been excited to grow through her education,” she says. “Our faculty and staff are always available to answer questions, work through issues and any complications a student might face. Tabitha is inquisitive and genuinely loves to learn – and that makes her a deserving recipient of this honor.”
Long is currently working part time in the Davidson-Davie business office. After she graduates, she hopes to work in accounting at a business.
The Dallas Herring Achievement Award
Katrina Pricket, a native of Thomasville who is working toward an associate of science at Davidson-Davie, was nominated for the Dallas Herring Award. The award is given annually to a current or former student who best embodies Dr. Herring’s philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.” Dr. Dallas Herring, known as the “father” of the state’s community college system, was an advocate of establishing post-high school educational opportunities and created a system of industrial schools that eventually grew into the NC Community College System.
Prickett’s life is a prime example of Dr. Herring’s belief of supporting students where they are – she faced a difficult childhood in a troubled foster home system, left high school prematurely, became a single mother and has faced numerous other life challenges.
Despite these obstacles, Prickett enrolled at Davidson-Davie and joined the College and Career Readiness program.
She successfully earned her Adult High School diploma and even accepted the honor of speaking at the CCR graduation to share how she has overcome a lifetime of challenges. One of Prickett’s greatest challenges has been homelessness; she lived in a local shelter for women with children for nearly a year. While she now lives on her own with her son, through it all, she has continued to bring her positive spirit as a work-study student in the Transition Center where she serves as a role model for the students she serves. In addition to being a role model student, Prickett is actively engaged in student life, including the Student Government Association as secretary, the Trio program, Phi Theta Kappa, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and numerous other campus initiatives.
“Katrina’s campus involvement is an accurate reflection of her eagerness to actively pursue new adventures to grow by trying new things, meeting different people and pushing boundaries of her knowledge,” says Londa Pickett, director of the College Transition Center at Davidson-Davie, who nominated her for the honor. “She has done everything possible to provide a better home for her and her son. Her story is indeed a powerful testimony of courage and determination highlighted by her remarkable positivity.” John Rosenberger, a Spanish instructor at the college who also nominated Prickett, adds “Her instructors shared that her excellent academic performance and attendance, combined with her consistently genuine smiles, are model characteristics for her fellow students.”
Upon graduation from Davidson-Davie, Prickett plans to transfer to a four-year university where she will double major in sustainable agriculture with hopes of becoming a cosmetic chemist and farmer.
The Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award
Magali Martinez-Cruz, a native of Winston-Salem working toward an associate of arts, was nominated for the Gov. Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award. The Student Leadership Award is given annually to recognize student leadership and honor former Gov. Robert Scott. It’s designed to highlight outstanding curriculum, student leadership and service.
Martinez-Cruz is no stranger to student leadership and makes a habit of stepping out of her comfort zone to make an impact not only at Davidson-Davie, but also her peers. Serving as the first Mexican American, first-generation Student Government Association president has fueled her eagerness to learn and grow as a leader.
“I had to take ownership and be confident in the direction I was heading, even when it felt like it was a shot in the dark,” Martinez-Cruz explains. Through her role, she says she’s learned that leadership is not always about having all the answers, but rather about making decisions based on the best information you have at the time and trusting you can adjust along the way.
That attitude has served her well in her role at the college. Martinez-Cruz recognizes the wide demographic at Davidson-Davie and realizes everyone has a voice; everyone has an opinion. “Supporting everyone’s needs and ensuring different demographics have a voice on our campus has been a fundamental aspect of my leadership. Despite how unconventional they can be, I listen to everyone’s opinions because it sparks new ideas and perspectives.”
Lynne Watts, director of Student Life and Leadership at Davidson-Davie, nominated Martinez-Cruz for the award. “Magali has gone above and beyond as the SGA president. If there’s one word I could use to describe her, it would be dependable,” Watts says. “Magali stands out as someone who I could always rely on to be where she is expected and to complete her tasks assigned. She never says ‘no’ and is always willing to roll up her sleeves and assist in any capacity necessary to benefit the student body.”
Martinez-Cruz is also active in other facets of campus, including volunteering at the college’s food pantry. There, she encounters a variety of situations that opens her eyes to various challenges students at Davidson-Davie may be facing. She’s also bilingual and appreciates the value in being able to assist Spanish-speaking students. “These experiences have deepened my resolve to help in other ways,” she adds. “Leadership is about personal growth, and as I reflect on my journey, I can see how much I’ve grown – both in my confidence as a leader and my ability to make decisions that impact not just me but the students I lead. I’m still learning every day, and I think that’s a huge part of what makes leadership so exciting.”
Watts adds, “Magali’s leadership is a natural outgrowth of a positive spirit and energy she lends to any activity. She sees the best in others and enjoys being involved on campus.”
Following graduation from the college, Martinez-Cruz plans to transfer to a four-year university where she will work toward a bachelor’s in psychology with hopes of becoming a mental health professional for children and adolescents.
Davidson-Davie Community College (www.DavidsonDavie.edu), which incorporated Davie County into its name in 2021, is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, Davidson-Davie offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to four-year schools. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, Davidson-Davie is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields.
Jared Bowman
Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications
336.224.4664
Jared_Bowman@DavidsonDavie.edu