SANFORD - Graham Stafford of Siler City, a student in the Central Carolina Community College Computer-Integrated Machining Program, has received a recognition award given in memory of Gilbert A. Toon. The gift - a Starrett 4-piece combination set-- was given through the CCCC Foundation by Mr. Toon's wife, Phyllis A. Toon of Pittsboro.

"While serving in the United States Air Force, Gilbert learned a trade that provided him with a successful career after his military service," said Mrs. Toon. "He took those skills along with his knowledge of the importance of self-motivation, teamwork and perseverance and built his future in his chosen field of heating and air conditioning.

"At the end of his career he found his true calling by becoming a teacher at the Monmouth County Vocational School in New Jersey. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experiences with his students while helping them prepare for their future," wrote Mrs. Toon.

"It is my hope that this small gift encourages you to continue to follow your dreams, to persevere and to look beyond the obvious to find solutions to problems encountered along the way."

Learn more about the CCCC Computer-Integrated Machining Program at www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/machining.

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, the college. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of CCCC and uses them to promote the educational mission of the college and assist students through scholarships and grants.

For information on giving to the CCCC Foundation, contact Dr. Emily C. Hare, Executive Director of the CCCC Foundation, 919-718-7230, or ehare@cccc.edu.