The Halifax Community College Foundation, Inc. hosted the 15th Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on September 13th to recognize students who have achieved academic excellence and to acknowledge the donors and financial supporters who provide the prestigious awards through Foundation giving.

During the ceremonies, 135 recipients were recognized in the HCC Continuing Education Auditorium.

In opening remarks, Dr. Ted Gasper, HCC president, noted the record enrollment at HCC and thanked the donors who made the scholarships possible. He also noted the tremendous needs of many of the students.

Pam Ballew, executive director of the HCC Foundation, announced the following new scholarships that have been established this year.

• Evelyn Freid Memorial Nursing Scholarship
• Libby Grant Memorial Scholarship
• Halifax Electric Membership Corporation Scholarship
• Lake Gaston Computer Club Scholarship
• T. Mason & Vivian C. Woodruff Memorial Scholarship

Ballew also reiterated the purpose of the HCC Foundation – to provide financial assistance for students to enable them to continue their education in order to become productive members of the local workforce.

The audience heard testimonials from two women, both scholarship recipients at the College. Jennifer Midgette, a graduate of the HCC Nursing Program, is now a nurse at Halifax Regional Medical Center. Cynthia Easter is currently an HCC student who hopes to one day become an educational counselor. Both shared thoughts on "What My Scholarship Meant to Me."

For information on how to establish a scholarship or to make a donation, contact Pam Ballew, HCC Foundation Director at 536-7289.