Four CCCC students chosen for Goodnight Transfer Scholars program at NCSU

SANFORD, N.C. - Four Central Carolina Community College students have been chosen for the prestigious Goodnight Transfer Scholars program at North Carolina State University – Jon Astthorsson of Chatham County, Brianna Hickerson of Harnett County, Troy Howard of Chatham County, and Logan Lyon of Lee County.

These four students will be joining the Goodnight Transfer Scholars program in the fall. The Goodnight Transfer Scholars Program was founded in 2017, with generous support from N.C. State alumni Jim Goodnight and Ann Goodnight.

The students participated in a rigorous application process that included in-person finalist interviews.

According to the volunteer selection committee, scholarship recipients demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community engagement, and an affinity for STEM.

Here is information on each student, as provided by the NCSU Goodnight program:

• Jon Astthorsson will graduate from Central Carolina Community College with an Associate of Science degree. During his time at the community college, Jon was involved in strengthening communication skills through public speaking projects and supporting peers in developing their own presentation abilities. Jon was also involved in coaching girls' soccer, where he mentored young athletes, promoted teamwork, and encouraged personal growth. Jon plans to major in Computer Engineering.
   
• Brianna Hickerson graduated from Central Carolina Community College with an Associate of Science degree, the Academic Excellence in Science award, and was a commencement speaker for her graduation. During her time in community college, Brianna was involved in the Academic Assistance Center as a STEM lab tutor supporting students in STEM classes and worked within the Science and Math department as a Lab Assistant. Brianna was also involved in the Physics Club where she participated in the High Altitude Ballooning Challenge, as well as being involved with the Student Senate as the STEM Senator and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Brianna plans to major in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology.
   
• Troy Howard graduated from Central Carolina Community College with his Associate of Science and Associate of Engineering degrees. While on campus at CCCC, Troy served for three semesters as the vice president of the college's Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter. He also participated in the N.C. Space Grant's 2024-25 High Altitude Ballooning Challenge with CCCC's Physics Club, and currently serves his community as a volunteer firefighter. At N.C. State, Troy is majoring in civil engineering with minors in forest management and agroecology.
   
• Logan Lyon graduated from Central Carolina Community College with both an Associate of Science and Associate of Arts degrees. During his time at CCCC, Logan was involved in tutoring mathematics at CCCC’s Academic Assistance Center, founding and serving as student president of the CCCC Math Club, and participating in the High Altitude Ballooning Challenge. Logan was also involved in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and STEM outreach for K-12 students. Logan plans to major in mathematics.