SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2019 as the school observed its 56th Commencement Exercises on May 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford.

The graduating students entered the main hall to the skirl of a bagpipe, a CCCC tradition.

"Graduation represents the culmination of the efforts of all divisions of the College along with those of our graduating students, which truly makes it the most joyful day on the academic calendar for everyone. The administration, staff, faculty, and I want to say a hearty congratulations to each and every one of you for your hard work and achievement. It has been my good fortune to return to the College as President after a five-year absence, and I am honored to be with you today and celebrate your achievements," said CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman.

"As you go out in the community, you will see how beloved CCCC is in the three-county service area and the surrounding region. This admiration for the College should make our graduates feel proud of our institution and good about their decision to enroll at CCCC for their higher education experience. And as longstanding members of the community, my family and I will be consumers of many of the services you have been trained to perform, and we are blessed to know that you have received an outstanding education to provide these services in a truly exemplary manner. With several new programs and new facilities just now coming online, it is indeed a highly exciting time in the history of the College and we are so pleased and proud that our graduates today were a part of the College at this time," said Dr. Chapman.

The Class of 2019 has approximately 950 students -- including those expected to graduate after attending summer classes, who are expected to receive 1075 credentials (associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates).

Four commencement exercises, at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., were held to accommodate the number of graduates. That also allowed those who will complete their studies during the summer to walk in a graduation ceremony.

Ginger Harris Bartholomew, CCCC Faculty Member of the Year, was Chief Marshal and Mace Bearer.

Students presented the Commencement Address at each graduation.

Alexander Blanco (Dental Hygiene graduate) spoke at the 9 a.m. graduation. Blanco was chosen by his peers as class president of the Dental Hygiene program. A first-generation college student, he was chosen to speak before Gov. Roy Cooper during a visit to the College and told of his educational story.

Jason Kinkaid (Early Childhood program graduate), spoke at the 11:30 a.m. graduation. Kinkaid, a retired military veteran, joined the Toastmasters International organization. He is now in the process of pursuing his Master in Education at the graduate level.

Olivia Shaw (Associate of Science graduate) spoke at the 2 p.m. graduation. Shaw will follow her family's longstanding legacy of attending N.C. State University. She was a finalist for the prestigious STEM-based Goodnight Scholarship.

Jessup Overton (Welding graduate) spoke at the 4 p.m. graduation. Overton, from Harnett County, learned about the College's Career and College Promise program and joined the welding apprenticeship program. A Skills USA participant, he was chosen to speak before a committee at the N.C. General Assembly about the crucial nature and importance of trades' education.

Presenting the graduates were Lisa Godfrey, Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services Programs, at the 9 a.m. graduation; Scott Byington, Dean of Arts, Sciences and Advising, at the 11:30 a.m. graduation; Jairo McMican, Dean of Student Learning, at the 2 p.m. graduation; and Drew Goodson, Dean of Career & Technical Education, at the 4 p.m. graduation.

Conferring of Diplomas was by Central Carolina Community College Board of Trustees Chairman Julian Philpott.

The Invocation and Benediction were by Reverend Ricky Frazier, AME Zion Sanford District, Presiding Elder, at the 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. ceremonies, and Father Bruce Heyvaert, Rector, of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, at the 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. ceremonies.

The Lee County High School JROTC Color Guard had the Presentation of Colors. Miriam Bryant, Vocalist, and David Watson, Guitarist, performed The National Anthem.

Ken Hoyle Jr., Vice President of Student Services, presented special awards.

At the 11:30 a.m. graduation, Hoyle recognized retiring instructor Lori Rainforth of the Veterinary Medical Technology program. She came to CCCC in 1991.

During the graduation exercises, students with the highest grade point averages in their divisions were recognized. At 9 a.m. --Amanda Danielle Carr, Rachel Aleen Hatfield, Stacey Willis Hinman, Tammy Alexander. At 11:30 a.m., Diana Jersey Mattson, Maritical Shonta Spencer, Rebecca Jennifer Dillon, Rachel Angelina Stern. At 2 p.m., Darci Noelle Benchley, Michelle Anna Purkey, Olivia Grace Shaw. At 4 p.m., Frederick Cruz Bunao Jr., Elisabeth Lea Finch, Zachary Carlton Rollick, Emma Rebecca Stapleton, Kateyln Rencee Taylor, Wayne T. Cole, Daniel James Collins.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society graduates were also recognized at each commencement. At 9 a.m., Alexander Blanco, Tiffany Nicole Bohon, Amanda Danielle Carr, Rosemary Schuh Hilliard, Stacey Willis Hinman, Kaitlyn Rackley Kelly, Breanna Nicole Potter, Andreniki Nicole Ray, Taylor Lee Ridall, Aki Takemoto, Sabrina Annette Tillman, and Payton Hayley Winchell. At 11:30 a.m., Taylor Anne Baile, Carolyn Nicole Broedel, Madison Grace Cottrell, Rebecca Jennifer Dillon, Paula Lizeth Funes, Jamilyn Hamilton Gardner, Seth Womble Hoyle, Julie Anne Johnston, Kelsey Brianna Lyall, Diana Jersey Mattson, Kenzie Jayde Oldham, Justin Joseph Pedley, Dania Abigail Rosales Santos, Lisa Anne Ryan, and Carmen Gray Schoolcraft. At 2 p.m., Adrian Alexander Alcantara, Evan Harrison Aldridge, Nancy Almanza-Quiroz, Allison Nicole Armstrong, Darci Noelle Benchley, Madison Elaine Bullard, Rebecca Crabtree, Benjamin Job Falero, Victoria Leticia Malagon, Daniel Mushayamunda Matangira Jr., Tina Rochelle Riley, Taylor Alexis Schwab, Olivia Grace Shaw, Joshua Holland Smith, Emily Vilchis Moreno, and Crystal M. Williams. At 4 p.m., Jessup Colton Overton, George Alberto Perez, Hunter Avery Watson, Deborah Hannah Wilkerson, and Kilvet Augusto Zalavarria Cabrera.

Following each commencement exercise, family and friends gathered to take pictures of their graduate's special day.

Pictures from the commencement exercises can be downloaded at www.cccc.edu/slideshows.

For information about Central Carolina Community College and its programs, visit its website, www.cccc.edu or call the college at 919-775-5401.