Fall 2026 PTK inductees

Twenty-six Ģ������Ƶ students were inducted into the Alpha Omega Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society during a recent ceremony that centered on the theme, “Embracing Challenges.”

Founded on the Ģ������Ƶ campus in 1994, Phi Theta Kappa promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among high-achieving community college students.

Ami Denton, Ģ������Ƶ’s program chair and director of nursing, served as keynote speaker and encouraged the new members to use their academic accomplishments as a foundation for personal and professional growth.

“Phi Theta Kappa recognizes your academic excellence, but it also challenges you to take that excellence beyond the classroom,” Denton said. “Through leadership, service, scholarship opportunities, and connections with others, you have the chance to grow in ways you may not have even considered yet.”

Denton shared her own journey from high school teacher to nursing professional, describing the challenges she faced as a first-generation college student balancing education, family and career goals.

“Some of the greatest opportunities in my life came from being willing to take a chance and step outside of what was comfortable,” Denton said.

To be eligible for Phi Theta Kappa membership, students must complete at least 12 credit hours toward an associate or bachelor’s degree, or six credit hours in a one-year certificate program. Members must also maintain a cumulative 3.5 grade point average and participate in service activities. Chapter members regularly support community projects such as Relay for Life and Adopt-A-Highway cleanups.

The Fall 2026 inductees are:

Zykira Barnes, Ka’miyah Bynum, Pamela Cox, Natyiah Cutler, Aylin De Leon, Kaliyah Dorsey, Tynae Evans, Ken’ Lexxus Faison, Brilynn Harrell, Madison Hicks, Hannah Irvin, Kayleigh Kennedy, Nevaeh Manning, Anajah Maye, Austin Merino, Samirah Merino-Sanchez, Kaylee Owens, Summer Pearce, Diamond Pittman, William Pollard, Victoria Ramirez-Zambrano, Ricky Smith, Mia Tobar Ariza, Joshua Valencia, Madalyn Wallace and Carlay Washington.

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Rosy Montejo

As the 2026-2027 Student Government Association president, Rosy Montejo is committed to representing and advocating for her fellow students while pursuing her own ambitious academic and professional goals.

A second-year nursing student from Tarboro, Montejo is expected to graduate from Ģ������Ƶ in May 2027. In addition to her studies and leadership responsibilities, she serves as a member of the North Carolina Army National Guard, balancing military service with her commitment to academic excellence.

After graduation, she plans to transition to active-duty military service upon completing her National Guard contract. While nursing is her current path, she views her degree as the beginning of a lifelong journey in healthcare and higher education. Her ultimate goal is to become a physician, building on the foundation she is establishing at Ģ������Ƶ.

Montejo’s drive is rooted in a strong sense of purpose and gratitude. As the daughter of parents originally from Guatemala, she is motivated to honor the sacrifices her family made to create opportunities for her success.

“My personal philosophy centers on achieving as much as possible academically and reaching one’s full potential,” said Montejo. “My parents came to this country with nothing, and I am deeply committed to ensuring their sacrifices were not in vain.”

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Three Ģ������Ƶ respiratory therapy students have earned statewide bragging rights after capturing the 2026 North Carolina Society for Respiratory Care (NCSRC) Sputum Bowl Championship and securing a spot at the national competition in New Orleans this November.

The Sputum Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition that tests respiratory care students and practitioners on topics ranging from anatomy and physiology to mechanical ventilation, pharmacology, critical care, as well as neonatal and pediatric respiratory concepts.

Ģ������Ƶ’s championship team consisted of Madison Beasley, Marlee Holloman-Proctor and Ulysses Puente. The students competed against teams from six North Carolina community colleges during the NCSRC State Conference, held Sept. 24-25 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. The victory marks Ģ������Ƶ’s first Sputum Bowl championship since the early 2000s.

“Our students have really taken the initiative and have been putting in some hard work for this competition and for our tests in class,” said Cecelia Aragon, respiratory therapy instructor.

Participation in the Sputum Bowl is voluntary, and only three students from each respiratory therapy program may form a team. To prepare, the Ģ������Ƶ team spent four weeks practicing with instructors, reviewing content areas, working through practice questions, and sharpening their response times using electronic buzzers to simulate the competition environment.

The championship run was particularly memorable because the team battled back after an early loss in the double-elimination tournament.

“Pure disbelief,” said Beasley, a second-year respiratory therapy student and Ģ������Ƶ team captain after winning the tournament. “We took a loss very early on and felt defeated. We rallied together, and we were able to come out of the losers’ bracket and bring home the win.”

Beasley said what began as a fun opportunity soon became much more.

“At first, I think we just decided to do it as fun,” said the 25-year-old. “As we began practicing each week for it, we began to see that we actually had a chance and used it as a challenge to help us dive deeper with our learning and understanding of respiratory topics.”

As state champions, the team received a championship trophy and scrub-store gift certificates. More significantly, the students earned the opportunity to represent North Carolina at the American Association for Respiratory Care National Conference in New Orleans, Nov. 14-16.

There, they will face approximately 30 teams from across the United States, including competitors from both community colleges and universities.

“I believe competing at the national level will help build my confidence in my abilities and better prepare me for my future career as a respiratory therapist,” Beasley said. “Being part of this team has already made my experience at Ģ������Ƶ more meaningful, and I’m excited to represent our school, make lasting memories, and continue growing in a program that I’m proud to be a part of.”

To help offset travel expenses for the national competition, the respiratory therapy program is hosting a fundraising campaign featuring a barbecue plate sale and raffle. Barbecue plates are $15 and may be ordered now for pickup or delivery from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 23. Raffle tickets are available for $3 with a plate purchase or $5 without a plate purchase.

to support the team’s trip to nationals.

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“You are economic development!”

That was the resounding message delivered by Tracey Crenshaw to 130 scholarship recipients during the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation’s annual Scholarship Convocation on Sept. 17.

Crenshaw, director of existing industries and workforce development for the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, served as the keynote speaker for the event, which drew a crowd of more than 200 students, donors and community leaders.

In her address, Crenshaw highlighted how often prospective businesses ask her where regional employers will find skilled workers.

“I can look at a room like this today and say, they’re right here,” Crenshaw told the audience. “What happens at Ģ������Ƶ reaches far beyond this campus. The student studying here today may help a local company expand tomorrow. The person learning a technical skill may fill a critical position, and the person preparing for a new career may change the earning potential of their whole household.”

At the start of the fall semester, the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation awarded more than $170,000 in scholarship funds. According to Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Board President Jean Bailey, the college distributed 76 endowed scholarships and nine annual scholarships to support student success.

“To our donors, thank you for driving this momentum and investing in the future of our students,” Bailey said. “And to our scholarship recipients, congratulations! You have worked incredibly hard to reach this moment, and we are all in your corner as you take the next steps.”

Ģ������Ƶ President Dr. Greg McLeod noted that while tuition assistance is a primary goal, Foundation support reaches even further.

“Your contributions do far more than help pay for tuition,” McLeod said. “They also provide funding to purchase equipment and uniforms, pay for testing fees, and support educational field trips, internships and other hands-on experiences that prepare students to excel long after they leave.”

Recipients represent a wide array of fields, including nursing, applied engineering technology, welding, collision repair, business and more.

To learn about available opportunities or to apply, visit edgecombe.edu/scholarships and complete an Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Scholarship Application.

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Ģ������Ƶ is helping make the path from high school to college simpler for students across Edgecombe County through NC College Connect, a statewide effort that provides eligible North Carolina high school seniors with a direct path to college admission.

This fall, 105,036 North Carolina public high school seniors who are on track to graduate with a diploma and meet program requirements are eligible to receive direct admission to their local community college through NC College Connect. That represents more than 95 percent of current Grade 12 and 13 students in North Carolina public schools.

The program has also expanded this year to reach more students. In the previous two years, NC College Connect was limited to public high school seniors with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. This year, 37,429 additional students are being reached because eligibility for community college direct admission has been expanded to all public high school seniors who are on track to graduate, regardless of GPA.

Through NC College Connect, eligible students are guaranteed direct admission to their local community college with no essays, ACT or SAT scores, or letters of recommendation required. In addition, more than 67,000 students, or 64 percent of eligible seniors, meet criteria to receive direct admission offers from additional participating North Carolina colleges and universities.

A total of 99 North Carolina colleges and universities are participating in NC College Connect.

“Anytime we can remove a barrier or streamline the process for a student to pursue opportunities that can be life changing for them and their families is a good thing,” said Ģ������Ƶ President Dr. Greg McLeod. “With so many high school students taking advantage of college dual enrollment, this presents an incredible opportunity for them to continue with us after their high school graduation to complete those degrees, certificates, or diplomas they started while in high school before going on to the workforce or a four-year college or university.”

NC College Connect is coordinated through a statewide partnership that includes the North Carolina Community College System, College for North Carolina, the UNC System, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.

“Ask a North Carolinian what a community college credential did for them, and you’ll hear about a career. NC College Connect makes that path easier to find. This year, it’s open to all students. Less time lost to paperwork, more time in the classroom, and a straighter line to a job that pays,” said Dr. Monty Sullivan, acting president & CEO of the North Carolina Community College System.

Eligible students can log in to their College for North Carolina account to view their direct admission matches and complete a short form to claim their spot. Applications to North Carolina community colleges are always free, removing another potential barrier as students take the next step in their education.

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The Ģ������Ƶ Foundation will recognize more than 130 scholarship recipients during its Scholarship Convocation, presented by Astemo, on Thursday, Sept. 17, in the Thomas S. Fleming Building on the Tarboro campus.

Tracy Crenshaw, an Ģ������Ƶ alumna and the director of existing industries and workforce development for the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, will serve as the keynote speaker. Crenshaw graduated from Ģ������Ƶ with an Associate in Applied Science in Office Management and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from NC Wesleyan University. In her current role, she serves as a liaison between industry, education, workforce partners and the community, helping employers address challenges, pursue growth opportunities and develop essential talent.

Tracey Crenshaw, 2013 graduate of Ģ������Ƶ

Crenshaw joined the Carolinas Gateway Partnership in 2013 and advanced from program coordinator to office manager and director of operations before being promoted to her current position in 2024. She is also the founder and executive director of Begin Again Literacy Ministry (BALM), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults through literacy, education, digital skills and personal development.

“A keynote speaker is featured at every Scholarship Convocation, and we strive to select an alumnus who has advanced in our local area,” said Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of Public Information and Institutional Advancement at Ģ������Ƶ. “Tracy Crenshaw was the perfect choice. Her story is inspiring, and her work aligns with the mission of Ģ������Ƶ—enriching the educational, training and lifelong learning opportunities for our community.”

More than $170,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to students at the start of the fall semester. During the Scholarship Convocation, each student will receive a certificate and have the opportunity to meet the donors who help make their educational goals possible.

Table sponsorships are being accepted. For more information, visit edgecombe.edu/convocation.

In Memory of C Rudolph Knight

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Ricky Smith

Two Edgecombe County high school graduates will attend Ģ������Ƶ tuition-free after being selected as recipients of the Dr. Hartwell H. Fuller Jr. Endowed Merit Scholarship, provided by Roger and Gaile Taylor.

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 Ģ������Ƶ President Dr. Hartwell Fuller, who led the college from 1994 to 2004, Roger and Gaile Taylor endowed the merit scholarship in 2011 to honor Fuller. It 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 Ģ������Ƶ.

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 Ģ������Ƶ, 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 Ģ������Ƶ.

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

Additional scholarship opportunities are available through Ģ������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

Ģ������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.

Ģ������Ƶ 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 Ģ������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. Ģ������Ƶ’s medalists received national recognition for excellence, and all five are members of critĢ������Ƶly 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 Ģ������Ƶ’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 Ģ������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 Ģ������Ƶ. “May you represent Ģ������Ƶ with distinction-not only through what you accomplish, but how you treat others.”

Washington served as the guest speaker for Ģ������Ƶ’s spring induction ceremony held recently. Established in 1994 at Ģ������Ƶ, 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 Ģ������Ƶ’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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