Apply Now
Current Students
Apply Now
Current Students
March 20, 2024 – Three students at Davidson-Davie Community College 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.
Ginger Wright, Rebekah Watts and Fatima Nadeem were selected from a number of applicants from the college for the Academic Excellence Award, the Dallas Herring Achievement Award and the Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award.
“These students are truly the embodiment of the values we uphold,” says Jenny Varner, president of Davidson-Davie. “Each day, these students put their best foot forward – overcoming any obstacle they may face head on. Not only are they an important part of our college community, but they’re also an integral part of the surrounding community. They’re the face of change, excellence, and passion, and we proudly nominated them for these honors to share their accomplishments.”
Ginger Wright, a native of Lexington, N.C., who is pursuing an associate degree in medical assisting, 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 than 3.25. Wright will receive a plaque and medallion for her academic accomplishment.
Wright explains that finding a balance between providing care for family with health needs, working full-time and being actively engaged in school has daily challenges. “With my determination and time management, success is achievable. Even though my days are long and my nights are late, the importance of my future keeps me strong.”
Davidson-Davie was an easy choice for her – not only does the college offer smaller classes and her program of interest, but she also notes that she’s getting the guidance and support she needs to be successful. “The nomination has given me the confidence to continue to strive and improve myself by accomplishing my educational objectives with hard work and determination,” Wright says.
Rebekah Watts, a native of Lexington, N.C., who is studying to become a certified pharmacy technician, 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.
Watts has remained steadfast in her educational journey despite facing many challenges along the way. While she serves not only as a mom, caregiver, healthcare advocate and adult learner, Watts has determination as strong as steel and remains focused on her goals. She says Davidson-Davie has provided the guidance and support needed along the way – everything from securing assistance for childcare, enrolling in courses and receiving urgent assistance.
“Being nominated for this award is a light in a long-lightly lit tunnel,” Watts says. “I found it to be a light of inspiration for myself. This nomination for me is the recognition that though I have struggled, fallen, and even broken a couple times, I have and will persevere.”
Fatima Nadeem, a native of High Point, N.C., who plans to study law and become an immigration attorney, was nominated for the Governor 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.
Nadeem, a child of immigrant parents, is fascinated with United States and world history and has been a motivated activist driven to promote civil rights and work toward social equity. She’s especially drawn to understand the immigrant experience and hopes to someday defend the rights of immigrants and assist them in a path to citizenship. She is actively involved in learning the intricate laws and policies of the state, and applied and was selected to serve as a page in the North Carolina Senate. She previously served as a page in the North Carolina House. Along with her experiences, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA and continuously looks for ways to make a difference in the world around her.
“Being nominated for the Robert Scott Leadership Award is truly humbling and meaningful to me. As a second-generation immigrant and first-generation college student, this recognition holds immense significance,” says Nadeem. “It represents the acknowledgment of my commitment to leadership and community service. Winning this award not only validates my hard work but also eases a significant financial burden for my family, allowing me to pursue my passions and continuing to serve others with even more dedication.”
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