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!