Danville, Va., June 25, 2019 — Danville Community College (DCC) recognized its 2018-19 Middle College GED graduates during a ceremony on Tuesday, May 14, on DCC’s main campus.
GED graduates were Mason Harvey, Chad Lovelace, Nevena Miljanic, Taniah Reeves, Christian Tucker, and Jecara Watlington.
Nevena Miljanic and Christian Tucker were recognized as honor graduates during the ceremony.
Special recognition was given during the ceremony to Steve Daniels and JTI, Inc., for their dedication and funding, and to the DCC Educational Foundation for its ongoing support.
“The DCC Educational Foundation proudly underwrites the Middle College and Great Expectations programs at Danville Community College,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Development Shannon Hair. “The continued support from JTI Leaf Services is vital to the sustainability of DCC's Middle College program. These two programs help adults obtain their GED and receive academic and career readiness training.”
The event was conducted by DCC Middle College Coach and Great Expectations Coach Trish Sawyer, tutors Byron Rawlinson and Joey Oliver, and Middle College Program Specialist Melissa Ireson.
“Our 18-to-24-year-old students, Middle College and Great Expectations, have experienced various obstacles and/or conflict with their education and/or family life, which follows them through young adulthood when they are ready for independence,” Sawyer said. “Many have minimal or no positive encouragement to pursuing college and their childhood experiences created barriers for them to even envision their future, much less reach a productive, independent adulthood. These programs give students a personal connection with a coach who helps them navigate the overwhelming process of completing their GED, if needed, discovering a desirable future career, and enrolling into a DCC program of study where they can earn a credential that will propel them toward their desired career. Introducing our students to various activities on campus while they are still pursuing their GED or participating in Great Expectations events prior to enrollment helps them connect and engage with other staff members so their comfort level increases and their confidence improves so they realize their goals are achievable.”
Danville Community College is a two-year institution of higher education under the state-wide Virginia Community College System. DCC's service area includes the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County. For more information about the college’s more than 100 programs of study, visit www.danville.edu.
