🌲 Glamping, Leadership, and Learning: What’s Coming Up in the Carolinas Region!

Hey Carolinas Region! We’ve got a lot going on and we don’t want you to miss a thing. Whether you're looking for some outdoor fun, interested in leadership, or want to grow as a chapter advisor, we’ve got something for you. Check out what’s ahead!

🏕️ Glamping Fellowship Weekend at Singletary State Park

August 15–17, 2025 | Registration Deadline: August 10

We're heading back to nature for an unforgettable weekend of community and connection at Singletary Lake State Park! Whether you’re looking to unwind, bond with your chapter, or meet members from across the region, this is the event for you.

What’s Included?

• Lodging at beautiful Singletary State Park

• Meals from Friday lunch through Sunday lunch

• Fellowship activities, fun, and more!

• All for just $80 per person

Important Registration Info:

• Advisors- When you reach the registration summary page, use the “Add Group Member” button to include chapter members. You will be asked to fill out their information because we need a record of each attendee. Fill out registration the best you can. The members will be able to modify their registration.

• Guests aged 6–14 should register as Alumni.

• Children under 5 are free and should not be registered, but please notify Regional Coordinator Sylvia Hayes.

• Bringing more than 3 children (ages 6–14)? Email Sylvia at:📧 Mrs.SylviaHayes@PTKCarolinasRegion.com

🔗 Register Here

👉 Before registering, make sure to check with your school for any requirements or approvals needed for both yourself and your guests.

👑 Interested in Becoming a Regional Officer?

If you've ever wanted to make an impact on a larger scale, now's your chance. We’re looking for passionate leaders for these positions:

• President

• Vice President of Public Relations

• Vice President of Media and Records

A Zoom Info Session with current Regional Officers is coming soon! This is a great opportunity to hear about their experiences and ask questions before applying. Date to be announced—stay tuned!

🎓 Upcoming Advisor Training Sessions

Advisor development is key to chapter success, and we’re excited to offer several in-person training sessions across the region this fall. Here’s where you can catch one near you:

📍 Fall 2025 Schedule:

• Sept 12 – Fayetteville Technical CCGeneral Classroom Building, Room 108/114 Register here

• Sept 19 – Pitt Community CollegeRoom 224, Williams Building

• Sept 26 – Haywood Community CollegeHemlock Building, Room 1509

• Oct 24 – Surry Community CollegeShelton Badget Viticulture and Enology Building, Grand Hall

• Nov 7 – Cape Fear Community College

• Nov 20 – Wake Technical Community College

Registration links for sessions without one listed will be available soon—stay tuned!

We can’t wait to see you at these upcoming events! Whether you’re roasting marshmallows at glamping, running for a regional office, or attending advisor training, your presence helps make our region stronger.

Stay golden, Carolinas! 💛💙

Transfer Excellence Scholarship Winner Announced at Honors Institute Held at UNC Chapel Hill

Hello, Carolinas Region!

We had an amazing number of applications submitted this year for our annual Transfer Excellence Scholarship worth $500.00 USD. ELEVEN in total!!! The funds raised from the Transfer Fair Sponsors during the Spring and Fall Fair events are used to fund this amazing opportunity. The judges had some tough scoring, as this years applications yielded some of the best essays and recommendations we have seen in several years. We would like to first say congratulations to all of the applicants on their recent program graduations, and wish them all good luck at their four-year institutions! Without further adieu...

The alumni judges completed their scoring the Sunday prior to Honors, and the recipient was notified a few days later. The winner was also announced in person on Sunday June 29th, 2025 during the final General Session. If you were unable to attend in person, here is the write up from the Alumni Leadership Team:

This year's Transfer Excellence Scholarship recipient stood out to the alumni judging panel not only for facing adversity throughout their lives with housing insecurities, but by showing their innate desire to show the next generation that it is never too late to pursue their dreams and to become a better version of themselves, no matter what obstacles may cross their path. This individual’s journey has been described as one of perseverance and purpose; one who serves as a strong advocate to never give up on their dreams, no matter what. Their intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and critical thinking skills makes them particularly well suited for their intended field of study, which is to become a crime scene analyst or a forensic pathologist. One particular portion of this student’s essay stood out the most when discussing the difficulties associated with continuing their educational journey- “Does continuous learning mean countless late nights and early mornings? Yes. Does continuous learning mean making sacrifices for myself and my family? Yes. Does continuous learning mean listening to my seatbelt alarm beep because my car is telling me to buckle my backpack into the passenger seat? Yes. Am I lucky to have the opportunity to experience all these things? Wholeheartedly, yes!”  When asked about what motivates them to be successful academically as well as in their everyday lives, they offered this perspective: “ I have to keep my curiosity strong when I need to answer the little questions; I have to be inspired by those around me who help me achieve what once felt impossible; I am honored to be inspired by the pride they have in me and the grace they show me on the hardest of days.” It is a self-reflection that helps keep their focus on track and helps to focus on the reason they endure so much- to be an inspiration to those who come after us. This recipient will be transferring to University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) for the 2025–2026 academic year to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Unfortunately, she was unable to join us this weekend, but is humbled and excited to have been chosen for this award. From Beta Eta Lambda of Brunswick Community College, please join me in congratulating Valerie Thomas-Hand as the 2025-2026 Transfer Excellence Scholarship recipient!

Spotlight on Success: Michael King's Recent Scholarship Win

Michael King, a recent graduate of Cape Fear Community College, is celebrating a major milestone after being awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer scholarship, a prestigious honor recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and service. A proud member of Phi Theta Kappa since February of 2023, Michael served as resident mentor of the CFCC & PTK mentorship program and Vice President of Scholarship. This recognition reflects not only Michaels’s dedication to their studies, but also their passion for making a difference on campus and in the community. Michael will be starting in the fall of 2025 at Columbia University in New York City with a full ride scholarship.

Cape Fear Community College Press Release:

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:Christina Hallingse, Director of Media Relationschallingse@cfcc.edu | (910) 362-7256

CFCC Graduate Awarded Prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship

Wilmington, NC (DATE) – Cape Fear Community College proudly announces that recent graduate Michael King has been awarded the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. King is one of only 90 community college students across the nation to receive this prestigious scholarship, which provides up to $55,000 per year to support the completion of a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.

This fall, King will continue his academic journey at Columbia University, joining the ranks of Ivy League scholars and fulfilling a dream years in the making. King’s journey at CFCC began as an adult high school student returning to the classroom to finish his high school education. Recognizing his potential and passion for helping others, he later enrolled in CFCC’s Human Services Technology/Addiction and Recovery Studies program. During his time at CFCC, he excelled academically and embraced leadership opportunities, becoming a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and joining the CFCC Honors Program. On May 9, 2025, King graduated from CFCC with honors.

“Cape Fear Community College has forever changed my life, and I will be eternally grateful to all my instructors and advisors who have helped me along the way,” said King. “They saw potential in me before I could see it in myself, and their encouragement has made all the difference.”

The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is one of the most competitive scholarships available to community college transfer students in the United States. The scholarship not only provides financial support but also offers academic advising, access to a community of scholars, and networking opportunities to support continued success.

“Michael’s story is the perfect example of how community colleges like CFCC serve as a powerful pathway to the world’s most prestigious universities,” said Jim Morton, CFCC President. “We are incredibly proud of his achievements and can’t wait to see the positive impact he will make in the field of human services.”

For more information on the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit jkcf.org.

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For 65 years, Cape Fear Community College has served the citizens of New Hanover and Pender Counties with accessible, high-quality education, workforce training opportunities, and specialized services and support. With more than 24,000 students annually, Cape Fear Community College is the fifth-largest community college in North Carolina and a significant economic development partner in Southeastern NC. The college has four locations: Wilmington, Castle Hayne, Burgaw, and Surf City.