Ricky Smith

Two Edgecombe County high school graduates will attend 91ӣ����Ƶ tuition-free after being selected as recipients of the Dr. Hartwell H. Fuller Jr. Endowed Merit Scholarship.

Gabrielle Allen of Edgecombe Early College High School and Ricky Smith of SouthWest Edgecombe High School received the scholarship, which covers the full in-state cost of an associate degree, including tuition, books and a laptop computer.

Named for former 91ӣ����Ƶ President Dr. Hartwell Fuller, who led the college from 1994 to 2004, the scholarship is awarded annually to two graduating seniors from Edgecombe County public high schools who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

“I feel amazing,” Smith said after learning he had been selected. “This scholarship lifts a burden financially, and it truly blesses me.”

At SouthWest Edgecombe High School, Smith was active in academics, athletics, leadership and community service. He was a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, served as a group leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteered as a youth leader and social media coordinator at his church.

Smith also earned certifications in CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED), first aid and first aid for opioid overdose response.

His honors include the Animal Science Award, Public Safety Achievement Trophy, Edgecombe County Schools Golden Key Award, Rocky Mount Optimist Youth Appreciation Award, Mitch Mason Influence Award in football, Honor the Game Award in basketball, Sportsmanship Award in football and the 360ENC Internship and Volunteer Award for completing more than 115 hours of service.

“I can see myself working in a hospital or radiography facility,” Smith said.

The scholarship will help him pursue that goal as he begins his studies at ECC.

Gabrielle Allen

For Allen, the scholarship removes financial concern as she works toward a career in nursing.

Allen, a Pinetops resident, said her desire to work in healthcare grew through both personal experience and hands-on training.

“My grandma’s cancer had progressed and she was put in hospice care,” Allen said. “In her final days, I became her primary caregiver. The night she passed, I thought about how fortunate I was to take care of my grandmother when she needed it most.”

Allen has already earned certification as a nursing assistant. She said caring for her grandmother reinforced her commitment to a career dedicated to helping others.

“Helping people is a passion of mine,” Allen said. “I knew that I wanted to go into nursing, and I didn’t want to stress about getting through nursing school and how I was going to pay for it.”

After ECC, Allen plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and hopes to work as a pediatric nurse.

Her record of service and achievement includes induction into the National Honor Society during her junior year and participation in the Scholar Teacher Program. Through the program, she assisted a first-grade teacher at Martin Millennium Academy each week.

She also volunteered through ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital’s VolunTEEN Program, completed an internship at ECU Health Maynard Children’s Hospital and currently works as a certified nursing assistant at The Barclay House of Tarboro.

Applicants for the Dr. Hartwell H. Fuller Jr. Endowed Merit Scholarship must maintain a weighted grade-point average of at least 3.5 throughout high school, demonstrate active involvement in extracurricular activities and maintain at least a B average while enrolled at ECC.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship should contact their high school guidance counselor. Applications are reviewed by the ECC Scholarship Committee, and finalists participate in an on-campus interview.

Additional scholarship opportunities are available through 91ӣ����Ƶ. Information and applications can be found at edgecombe.edu/scholarships.

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Pictured l-r (center) Kimbely Byron-Barnes, program chair for medical assisting, Leaha Foltz, Taylor Batts, Je’Shayron Williams, Kathy Cruz and Julie Walker, instructor

91ӣ����Ƶ recognized its medical assisting graduates on May 7 during a pinning ceremony in Barnes Auditorium on the Rocky Mount campus. The four graduates recited the Medical Assisting Creed, affirming values such as trust, loyalty, service, compassion, courage and faith.

The ceremony marked the culmination of classroom instruction, laboratory experience and clinical training that prepare students for a rewarding healthcare career.

“Through dedication, hard work and hands-on training, the 2026 graduating class developed the knowledge, skill and confidence needed to begin successful careers in healthcare,” said Kimberly Byron-Barnes, program chair for medical assisting. “They consistently demonstrated compassion, professionalism and a commitment to learning while preparing to make a positive impact in the lives of their patients and communities.”

Medical assisting students are trained in clinical, administrative and professional competencies. Byron-Barnes noted that graduates learn to administer injections and medications, perform phlebotomy and specimen collection, manage patient information, process medical insurance and billing, and more.

ECC congratulates its 2026 medical assisting graduates: Taylor Batts, Kathy Cruz, Leaha Foltz and Je’Shayron Williams.

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Pictured l-r Jesus Cabrera-Hernandez, Daniella Ponce, Ajeda Thomas, Isabella De Leon and Alfredo Hernandez-Garcia

Five 91ӣ����Ƶ students returned home as national champions after competing in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), held June 1–5 in Atlanta, Ga. Three students earned Gold Medals in the Career Pathways Showcase–Industrial and Engineering Technology. Isabella De Leon, Daniella Ponce and Ajeda Thomas claimed the Gold.

Alfredo Hernandez-Garcia won Silver in Principles of Engineering–Postsecondary, and Jesus Cabrera-Hernandez earned Bronze in Principles of Engineering–Secondary.

SkillsUSA is a premier showcase of career and technical education, drawing more than 19,000 students, advisors and industry leaders each year. ECC’s medalists received national recognition for excellence, and all five are members of critECCly stable, the college’s high-altitude balloon team. They were accompanied by advisors Rebecca Stamilio Ehret, Dr. Johnica Ellis Kiser and Trey Cherry, who emphasized the personal, academic and workplace skills students gain through the rigorous competition.

“Our national medalists completed this work outside of their regular coursework, putting in long hours alongside their faculty advisors to achieve at this level,” said Cherry, who also serves as chair of Information Technology Studies.

The national conference follows the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, held April 15–17 in Greensboro. This year marked ECC’s largest participation, with 65 students competing and bringing home 19 medals, including four gold, four silver, three bronze, plus four fourth-place and four fifth-place finishes. Events showcased excellence in engineering, welding, cosmetology, carpentry and other technical fields.

“We are extremely proud of the medals our students earned this year,” Cherry said. “These results speak volumes about the extra time and effort that these students and their advisors put into preparing for competition.”

View the full list of national and state-level winners and advisors.

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Dr. LaShawnda Washington encouraged the 16 spring inductees of 91ӣ����Ƶ’s Alpha Omega Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society to embrace and embody fellowship.

“May you carry fellowship from this ceremony into every classroom, every meeting, every community space you enter,” said Washington, dean of College and Career Readiness and Human Resources Development at ECC. “May you represent 91ӣ����Ƶ with distinction-not only through what you accomplish, but how you treat others.”

Washington served as the guest speaker for ECC’s spring induction ceremony held recently. Established in 1994 at ECC, PTK promotes the development of scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

Washington challenged the new members to practice presence, build bridges, serve together, think globally, and encourage others consistently.

“The most powerful fellowship often comes through words,” stated Washington. “A simple ‘I believe in you,’ a handwritten note, a message of congratulations, a moment of grace when someone falls short.”

Washington’s message represents the core values of PTK.

Congratulations to the 16 new inductees of ECC’s Alpha Omega Nu Chapter of PTK:

Pictured l-r: Sierrea Fuller, Brooklyn Harris, Tequila Gorham, Tabita Ausby, Brandice Hoggard, Jalyssa Tate, Amelia Lynch, Destinee Williams, Gavin Allen and Chayce Bryant.

Not pictured are: Austin Bryant, Olivia Edwards, Abigail Jordan, Sierra Leaston, John Pollard and Laderrick Whitaker.

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Seventeen-year-old Amir Carr will attend 91ӣ����Ƶ this fall, saying the college’s proximity and sense of community helped shape his decision.

“I feel like it gives a feeling of community, family, and gives students the ability to feel comfortable,” said Carr, a North East Carolina Prep graduate. “I wanted to be closer to my home, my church family. I also wanted to go ahead and do a smarter way, in my opinion, of getting the career I desire.”

Carr was among the students from Edgecombe County high schools who took part in ECC’s Signing Day events on May 12 and 13. The national initiative recognizes students who commit to enrolling in community colleges and technical programs.

Students participating in Signing Day, including Tarboro High School graduate Natalia Parker, will begin classes August 13.

“I’m enrolled in the dual program for welding and majoring in welding in the fall,” Parker said. “I feel welcome, like I was meant to be here. It’s local. I didn’t want to move off, and I already know people at the community college.”

ECC administrators visited Tarboro High, North Edgecombe, SouthWest Edgecombe and North East Carolina Prep to meet prospective students. ECC President Greg McLeod, along with vice presidents and deans, introduced themselves during the visits — a gesture that 17-year-old Mayrin Nogueda-Pacheco said made her feel more at ease.

“I feel like I have learned a lot of things about everybody here, and it’s joyful to be here,” said Nogueda-Pacheco, who is already dually enrolled and plans to enter the radiography program. “I already love the environment and the few teachers that I’ve had so far, so I didn’t want to start anywhere new.”

SouthWest Edgecombe graduate Fernando Ramirez Zambrano said he is excited to begin his studies in accounting.

“It feels great. There are a lot of people here I know, and it’s great to see them coming to ECC with me,” said Zambrano, 18. He hopes to transfer to a university after completing his degree at ECC and eventually pursue a master’s degree.

For high school graduates interested in attending ECC, scholarship information and an online application are available at .

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“Built here. Now what?” That was the message delivered by Ron Green, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region, during 91ӣ����Ƶ’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8.

Green emphasized the role of community colleges in shaping students’ futures, telling graduates that being “built” at a community college carries meaning.

Tara Davis

“You see that word ‘community.’ It matters, because community colleges don’t just educate you. They elevate you,” Green said. “They don’t require perfection. They develop potential.”

Green, who has led the organization in the Tar River Region for 14 years, said he related to the graduates. He began his own academic journey at Itawamba Community College in Mississippi, an experience he said gave him confidence.

“It taught me that my starting point didn’t define my ceiling,” he said. “Where I began didn’t limit where I could go.”

ECC awarded credentials to 553 graduates in the Class of 2026. The college conferred 207 degrees, 123 diplomas and 223 certificates. Another 55 students completed Adult High School Equivalency or Adult High School diplomas.

ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod encouraged graduates to continue advancing toward their goals.

Eddie Batchelor IV

“Whether your next step is transferring to a four-year institution, returning here for another credential, or applying the training you have received in your career or business, don’t stop moving. Keep going,” McLeod said.

Among the graduates was Tara Davis, ECC’s Academic Excellence Award recipient. Davis earned an associate degree in applied science in surgical technology with a 4.0 grade-point average and is already working as a surgical technology associate at the ECU Health Heart Institute Cardiovascular Operating Room.

Other honorees included Eddie Batchelor IV, recipient of the Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award, which recognizes exemplary student leadership. Batchelor, a student ambassador and member of Phi Theta Kappa, will continue his studies at North Carolina Wesleyan University this fall.

Erma Battle-Mills received the Dallas Herring Achievement Award, presented to a student who exemplifies Herring’s philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.” Battle-Mills earned her high school equivalency at age 76 and is enrolled in ECC’s digital navigator’s course.

Erma Battle-Mills

Three graduates were recognized for having the highest grade-point averages in their academic divisions: Alfredo Hernandez Garcia (Arts and Sciences), Ashley Culbertson (Business, Industry and Technologies) and Taylor Batts (Health Sciences).

Green closed his remarks by encouraging graduates to remember the childhood game rock, paper, scissors as a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges.

“When life looks at you and asks ‘now what?’ remember this,” he said. “The rock—find the person who will hold you down. The paper—keep sharpening your pencil because your story is still being written. Scissors—identify the people, places and things you need to cut out of your life to reach your dreams.”

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Good Friday was an unforgettable experience for a group of 91ӣ����Ƶ students who traveled with ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod and Selwyn Spence, ECC’s occupational extension programs administrator, to Morehead City and Atlantic Beach. Sixteen students spent their day off from classes to tour Carteret Community College and more.

Known collectively as the ECC Explorers, these students immersed themselves in hands-on learning about marine life, ecosystems and the latest research. They toured the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences’ Coastal Field Station and Carteret Community College’s aquaculture and boat building programs.

This trip marked the second time McLeod took a group of students to the Crystal Coast. The inaugural trip of the ECC Explorers also took place in Morehead City, and McLeod says the primary reason for returning remains the same—exposure.

“These experiences allow our students to explore places they may have never been, learn about careers and work that are important and impactful, and gain a stronger perspective on and appreciation for the great things they are learning in our classrooms,” McLeod said. “Imagine how impactful and empowering it can be to see the ocean in person for the first time, which is the case for some students.”

The ECC Explorers also visited Fort Macon and the NC Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shores as part of their trip. Lunch was provided, and a stop for souvenir shopping was included. A fall trip to a destination to be determined is in the works.

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Two graduation ceremonies took place March 11 on the Tarboro campus of 91ӣ����Ƶ. Eight students in the college’s natural hair care program received their certifications, while four earned certifications in manicuring nail technology.

“Over the course of three months, our natural hair care and nail graduates have committed themselves to learning, practicing, and perfecting their craft,” said Georgina Bond, program chair for cosmetology. “They have not only mastered technique, but embraced the discipline, creativity and confidence required to thrive in this industry.”

Nail technology students receive instruction and practice in manicuring, nail building and pedicuring. Students in the natural hair care program have studied and practiced chemical-free hair styling.

“As they take this next step, they now prepare to sit for their state board exams, an important milestone on the path to becoming licensed professionals,” continued Bond. “With the knowledge they’ve gained and the dedication they’ve shown, they are well-equipped to succeed.”

The Spring 2026 graduates, pictured from l-r in the front row are: Mercedes Veltri (natural hair), Ashley Tyson (natural hair), Shaelah King (natural hair), Cynthia Noel (natural hair), Asia Alston (natural hair), Kanashia Arrington (natural hair) and Rhonda Ruffin (nail technology). Pictured in the back row are: Janiyah Slade (natural hair), Erica Shaw (natural hair), Treasure Cary (nail technology) and Akavia Leach (nail technology). Not pictured: Ambria Johnson (nail technology).

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Erma Battle

Life hasn’t always been easy for Erma Battle, but her determination has never wavered. The vibrant 76-year-old recently visited the Campus Store at 91ӣ����Ƶ to select the perfect frame for her diploma. After completing the High School Equivalency program, she is eagerly preparing to walk across the stage at ECC’s commencement in May — a milestone that has been decades in the making.

Battle recalls growing up with her grandmother and attending a small school during the height of segregation.

“Back in my day, they had a one-room class,” Battle said. “There was no mixing (of the races), and I helped by working in the kitchen.”

By 1965, the Whitakers native was pregnant and had to leave school. With a tenth-grade education, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for Trailways and later held jobs as a machine operator, cook and door greeter. After losing her oldest child at age 41, suffering an injury, and going on disability, Battle knew she wanted her next chapter to be about fulfillment.

“I promised my mother that if I lived to see it, I was going to finish my GED,” she said.

That promise eventually led her to ECC. After years of obstacles and a struggle with confidence, Battle says the instructors and fellow students became her support system.

“My hair might be gray, but one thing about it is, you will not stop me,” she said. “Mr. Sykes and Mrs. Sessoms gave me so much respect — not only them but the students.”

Known affectionately as “Grandma,” Battle studied diligently and met all requirements to complete the program. She now joins a family of women who have prioritized education, including a daughter, granddaughter, and niece who are nurses. Nursing was also her mother’s profession.

“I tell my daughter I am proud, and I talk to my mom, even though she is dead and gone. I told her, ‘Ma, I got it.’”

What’s next for the 76-year-old? She hopes to help others, possibly by training as a nurse’s aide.

“It’s so much you can do to help elderly people,” she said. “They need help, and they may not have the right help.”

Now a Battleboro resident, Battle is still taking classes at ECC and is currently learning about computers.

Look for Erma Battle during ECC’s graduation on May 8.

“I’m proud of Edgecombe,” she said. “I am proud of my experience.”

The High School Equivalency program at ECC assists adult learners in earning the equivalent of a high school diploma. The program is offered at no charge. For more information or to apply, call 252-618-6707 for the Rocky Mount campus or 252-618-6680 for the Tarboro campus.

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91ӣ����Ƶ announces its participation in the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program. This is a new initiative aimed at training the next generation of rural healthcare professionals.

North Carolina is currently facing a healthcare crisis, with nearly three million residents living in areas without adequate medical professionals. Rural counties are hit the hardest, often operating with half the number of providers per capita compared to urban areas. Projections show that by 2033, the state is expected to face shortfalls of over 12,500 registered nurses and 5,000 licensed practical nurses.

To address this challenge, UnitedHealthcare has invested $500,000 in a new scholarship program that will benefit 400 NC community college students across 35 North Carolina Community Colleges, including 91ӣ����Ƶ. The scholarship program supports students pursuing both short-term credentials and degrees in healthcare, specifically focusing on nurse aide I, nurse aide II, practical nurse and associate degree nursing
coursework.

“At 91ӣ����Ƶ, we see firsthand the passion our students have for serving their communities,” said Dr. Greg McLeod, president of ECC. “This partnership with UnitedHealthcare allows us to remove financial barriers like tuition and transportation, ensuring our local healthcare facilities are staffed by the talented professionals our neighbors rely on every day.”

This gift is the latest chapter in UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to North Carolina’s rural health infrastructure.

“By investing in the Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program, we are not only supporting the career aspirations of dedicated students, but also ensuring that North Carolinians in rural and underserved areas have access to the high-quality, local care they deserve,” said Anita Bachmann, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina.

The scholarships are designed to be comprehensive, covering costs ranging from tuition and testing to basic living expenses and transportation.

“This investment allows us to remove the financial barriers that often stand between a student and a healthcare career,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System. “It is a strategic investment in the future of our state’s economy and the well-being of our citizens.”

Students at 91ӣ����Ƶ who are interested in applying for the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program should call (252) 618-6660. The program will be effective starting summer 2026.

About the North Carolina Community College System

The (NC Community Colleges or System) is the engine for workforce development in North Carolina and the only public entity dedicated to providing affordable college access to anyone in the state. The System is governed by the with administration from the , and support from the , and is powered by the 58 community colleges and their respective foundations. Together, the System serves 600,000 students and awards more than 60,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates annually. For more information, visit .

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