The New College Institute (NCI) celebrated the graduation of nine students from their Longwood University education programs on April 30. These students completed their bachelor’s degrees in early childhood or Elementary education. The ceremony was almost an hour long, followed by a meal for graduates and their families to celebrate their accomplishments.
The Completion Ceremony started off with a message from NCI executive director Joe Sumner. “Students you are getting ready to embark on the next leg of your journey, it’s not going to always be easy, it’s not always going to be fun, but know that no matter what you encounter, you have everything it takes to be successful.”
“Everything is built on the foundation of learning and strong education, particularly strong public education,” said Dr. Angela Mc Donald. “You will change the life of a student at some point in your journey.” Many of the students received green cords that symbolized that they were first-gen graduates. All but a single student received a Green Cord.
Naarah Leghorn presented the graduate speech for the students, acknowledging the struggles of her peers. “Some of you have done this while pregnant, while raising kids, while juggling more than one job.”
She also praised the staff.
“We have some of the best professors,” Leghorn was acknowledged as the Joan of Arc recipient for her dedication.
The Completion Ceremony acknowledged that the students completed all of their coursework. The nine students will be invited to Longwood University to participate in the main graduation ceremony on campus. The attending graduates were also given gifts from NCI and Henry County Schools as they walked the stage.
Students graduating from the Early Childhood Education Program were Melissa Kellam-Wimbush, Devan Campbell, and Allyson Lawson. Graduates of the Elementary Education Program were Karina Altamirano Rodriguez, Hailey Harbour, Naarah Leghorn, Litzy Santiago Lopez, and Madison Todaro. Saira Wilson also graduated with a minor in Early Childhood Education.
Sumner thanked Longwood for continuing the education programs that allowed local students to finish their bachelor’s without traveling away from home.
The Longwood@NCI program allows students to earn a 4-year degree in education while staying in the Martinsville Henry County area. This program is done in conjunction with Patrick & Henry Community College. Applicants must have an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development, a GPA of at least 2.5, and earn a C or better in all courses before transferring to the NCI program.
An outline of the program can be found www.longwood.edu. For more information, interested applicants can contact Dr. Pamela P. Randall by calling (276) 403–5626 or emailing her at randallpp@longwood.edu.
