Johnston Community College Recognizes Outstanding Graduates

JCC hosts first Honors and Awards ceremony for graduates who displayed excellence in several categories

Smithfield, N.C., (April 30, 2024) – Johnston Community College held its inaugural Honors and Awards Ceremony to recognize outstanding 2024 graduates.

Students and their supporters gathered in the Tart Great Hall for a keynote speech by JCC Trustee Lynn Ragsdale and the presentation of the awards by faculty and staff.

The Academic Excellence Award recognizes and encourages scholarship among the students of the North Carolina Community College System. This award honors students who have set the highest possible goals and attained the pinnacle of academic success. JCC’s recipient of the Academic Excellence Award was Jacob Coulter who is enrolled in our Computer Integrated Machining program. Jacob was also recognized at the NC Community Colleges Awards Dinner and Celebration.

The Dallas Herring Achievement Award was also established by the Community College System to honor the late Dr. Dallas Herring, whose philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go” is the guiding principle of the system. The system award is given annually to a current or former community college student who best embodies Dr. Herring’s philosophy. JCC’s nominee to compete for this state-wide award was Jose Bautista-Alvarez, a Radiography student.

Additionally, the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents created the Governor Robert Scott Leadership Award as a way to recognize student leadership on a statewide level. This is an award designed to highlight outstanding curriculum student leadership and service. JCC’s nominee to compete for this system-wide award was Robyn Matthews. Robyn is graduating with her Associate Degree in Nursing.

The JCC President’s Award is given to the student selected as most outstanding in scholastic achievement and leadership qualities and are nominated by faculty and staff. The 2024 President’s Award recipient was Dakota Williams, a Criminal Justice Technology student.

The college’s Citizenship Award is presented to a graduating student who is selected on the basis of leadership, service to fellow students, and participation in extracurricular activities. This selection is made from nominations submitted by faculty and staff. The 2024 recipient of the Citizenship Award for was Annika Autry. Annika is graduating with her degree in Criminal Justice Technology – Forensic Science.