First Blind Student Among the High School Equivalency Degree Recipients
Since the College鈥檚 Founding in 1963
(Pinehurst, NC) 鈥� More than eighty adult students from 91影视, ranging in age from 18-50, from Moore and Hoke Counties received their certifications in various workforce areas to support economic growth and impact to the region. Two graduation ceremonies were held on Tuesday, December 10 in the Owens Auditorium at the BPAC on the 91影视 campus and additional ceremonies were held the following week, for 15 Basic Law Enforcement Academy students and 46 Nurse Aide I & II students.
At both ceremonies on December 10, High School Equivalency degree graduate Shyla Nelson spoke to her follow graduates. Nelson is the first blind student to attend Sandhills Community College and she said to the audience that she has grilled cheese to thank.
鈥淚 had a great life up until July 2019 and suddenly lost my vision due to diabetic complications,鈥� she told the crowd of graduates, parents, family, administrators and faculty. 鈥淚 started to get really down but one day decided to make my own grilled cheese sandwich and it was the best I鈥檇 ever had in my life. I realized at that moment, there was more for me in life and I could do more than just sit around the house. So, I reached out to Sandhills and started my journey to earn my GED.鈥�
Being the first blind student at the College, she said the staff learned and grew too as they discovered methods that helped her learn. She hopes to continue to take more classes and pursue a career in the disabilities arena.
鈥淢y story is not done and I am here to tell you to not let anything hold you back in life,鈥� Nelson added. 鈥淲e as students are up-bringing people and we are to hold each other up in life and make a difference on our community. This is not the end but the beginning of new chapter in our lives and wish your all the best.鈥�
Students earned certifications in the following areas of study: CDL Truck Driver Training, English Language Acquisition, High School Equivalency, HVAC, Plumbing, Healthcare Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Electronic Health Records, EKG Technician, Greenskeeper Apprentice Program, Fire Academy Basic Law Enforcement Academy, and Nurse Aide I & II programs.
鈥淲e are extremely proud of our students and the contributions they will make in our region,鈥� said Michelle Bauer, Vice Provost, who oversees the workforce curriculum. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e made an investment in themselves to better their outcomes in life and their future aspirations.鈥�
Registration for Spring classes starting January 13 is currently underway at sandhillscc-register.fundfive.com/course or by calling 910-695-3980. Childcare is available with more details at