Vanessa Hughes, BCC Class of 2022, got the surprise of her life last week.
She arrived for what she thought was a quick photo opportunity. Instead, Vanessa learned from BCC President Gene Smith that she is a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s prestigious Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive national scholarship will provide Vanessa with up to $55,000 a year for three years to complete her bachelor’s degree.Vanessa was among 100 recipients selected from more than 1,200 applicants representing 332 community colleges.
The Foundation evaluated each submission based on students’ academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, and leadership.Vanessa, who lives in Shallotte, NC, began her BCC journey in 2017. “It was a big deal for me to return to school after such a long time but I was determined to earn my Associate degree, even if it took a while,” said Vanessa. “I told myself that I’d get that two-year degree, see what happens, and go from there. I can’t believe that I am now going to University.”Vanessa will attend North Carolina Central University in the fall to study Psychology. In addition to graduating with a 4.0 GPA, Vanessa’s accomplishments are many, including extensive volunteer work with Toastmasters International, the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, and Rescue Animals Community Effort (RACE). Vanessa served as a Brunswick Community College Student Ambassador and works full-time as the Content Manager for W.T. Cox Information Services.“We could not be more proud of Vanessa,” said President Smith. “We may be a small college, but we want to be the best that we can be in every area to help our students do the same.
I’m so happy that Vanessa filled out the application. I tell people that if you don’t try, you’re guaranteed not to get picked. Vanessa took a chance, put her best foot forward, and is being rewarded for that. She is an incredible young woman and student and a reminder of why we’re here, to support our students in every way possible.
”Congratulations, Vanessa!
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