#gastongrad26 Archives - ��

Alycia Evans – 2026 �� Dallas Herring Award Winner

randybrown — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:15:08 +0000

When Alycia Evans was discharged from her final duty station in Virginia with the United States Navy, she knew two things. She wanted to start a life in North Carolina and further her education.  

“My girlfriend, now wife, recommended ��, so I enrolled,” she said. “I started at �� two weeks after relocating here in August 2024.” 

The change of scenery and the transition from the military to the role of a student was tricky for Evans to master at first. 

“One thing that makes my journey at �� special is how quickly my life transformed,” she said. “Within months, I transitioned out of the military, moved to a new state, became a wife and a mother, and started college all at once.” 

Smaller class sizes and an encouraging atmosphere allowed Evans to grow without feeling overwhelmed.  

“It pushed me to adapt, stay focused, and fully commit to the path I chose,” Evans said. “Looking back, what stands out most is not just what I’ve accomplished, but how much I’ve evolved as a person. 

Although there was a learning curve with the start of her journey at ��, Evans quickly became a strong student with guidance from the college’s TRiO program and its staff, even earning the �� Dallas Herring Award for 2026. 

“With the support and resources offered here at ��, such as TRiO,” she said, “I was equipped with everything needed to quickly adapt and overcome those challenges.” 

Through TRiO, Evans earned a SAEOPP (Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel) Adult Learner Scholarship for this coming fall.  

“My advisor, Adele, has been a huge supporter throughout my time here, helping me stay focused and believe in my potential,” she said. “Balancing school with my responsibilities, especially as a parent, has also strengthened my discipline and resilience.” 

Evans graduated in May with an Associate of Arts degree and plans to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to pursue a bachelor’s in data science. With this degree, she hopes to become a professional sports analyst. 

“I’ve always been extremely passionate about sports,” Evans said, “and with my attention to detail, I feel like this career pursuit perfectly aligns with my strengths and interests.” 

Evans describes her experience at �� as empowering and feels like she ‘owns her momentum’ by achieving career milestones and setting new objectives. 

“Overall, �� has given me the support, confidence, and direction I needed to keep moving forward and take ownership of my future,” she said. “I didn’t just find my path at ��, I proved to myself that no matter how much life changes, I have the strength to rise, adapt, and succeed.” 

Jennifer Edens – 2026 Outstanding Graduate of Criminal Justice Technology – Forensic Science

randybrown — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:27:36 +0000

When Jennifer Edens decided to go back to school, finding a balance between her studies and personal life was non-negotiable. Despite facing challenges, she wanted to grow both personally and professionally. 

“Being close to home made it possible for me to manage everything I had going on, especially being a mom and running my own business,” Edens said. “It felt like the right place to start building something better for my future.” 

Jennifer graduated in May with an associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology - Forensic Science. She was drawn to the program by the level of mystery involved in everyday work, and she hopes to unlock the truth behind difficult cases. 

“I’m really interested in how investigations work and how evidence can tell a story when people can’t,” Edens said. “It’s not just about solving cases to me—it’s about finding answers, bringing clarity, and being part of something that matters. I wanted to go into a field where I could make a real difference, and this path felt like the right fit.” 

After graduation, Jennifer plans to gain real-world experience in her field and is excited to put her studies to use. 

“I feel like I need to step into the next phase and apply everything in a real setting,” Edens said. “That being said, I’m definitely open to continuing my education in the future if the opportunity feels right.” 

Jennifer hopes to make a difference in criminal justice and wants to keep balancing her professional dreams with her family life.  

“My goal is to build a career where I’m doing something meaningful and making a real impact. I want to be in a position where I can help uncover the truth and be part of something bigger than myself,” Edens said. “At the same time, I want to continue growing the life I’ve built—being a good mom, running my business, and creating stability for my family. For me, success isn’t just about a job, it’s about building a life I’m proud of.” 

Jennifer’s path at �� challenged her skills, and she summarized her time at �� down to one word: resilience. 

“My time here hasn’t been easy, but I didn’t give up. I’ve had to push through personal challenges, loss, and the everyday responsibilities of life, all while staying committed to school,” Edens said. “There were moments where it felt overwhelming, but I kept going. That’s what this experience represents for me—learning how strong I really am, even when things aren’t easy.” 

�� taught Jennifer to navigate difficult situations with discipline, focus, and to keep ‘owning her momentum’. 

“There were times I doubted myself, but continuing to show up and complete my goals helped build my confidence,” Edens said. “It reminded me that I’m capable of more than I sometimes believe, and that I can keep moving forward no matter what. 

“This experience changed me,” Edens said. “It taught me how to keep going even when things feel overwhelming, and it showed me that no matter what life throws at me, I have the strength to keep moving forward.” 

Mikhaela Gene Abarientos – 2026 Outstanding Graduate of Audio & Video Production Technology

randybrown — Tue, 26 May 2026 12:19:53 +0000

Mikhaela Gene Abarientos has been intrigued by movies and how they are made since she was a child. As a native of the Philippines and now a �� graduate, she’s on her way to follow her dreams in her home country. 

“I am passionate about filmmaking and that is the path that I want to take,” Abarientos said. “I want to be a film director somewhere in the future. I want to work at a studio and create my first feature film that would win many awards and inspire other people to pursue their dreams even though it seems impossible.” 

She graduated from Hunter Huss High School in 2024, with plans to pursue her interest in filmmaking, and it all came together when she received a scholarship to �� for an audio and video production technology degree. 

“I got some scholarships for different schools, but it was not enough to cover the costs,” she said. “But then I discovered �� and got the GC Promise Scholarship. That’s when I knew that this was the place I would go and the place where I would excel.” 

The GC Promise Scholarship helped cover in-state tuition and fees not covered by other aid. With the help of this scholarship, she immersed herself in the school’s audio and video production technology program and quickly connected with the curriculum. 

“I saw how hands-on it was and the skills I would learn and use in the future when I get to be a part of the filmmaking industry, hopefully, or anything related to the entertainment industry,” Abarientos said. 

She recently showcased her talents representing �� at SkillsUSA in Greensboro. Abarientos shared that one of her professors, Ms. Kate Carmody, encouraged her to take on this challenge, and she is grateful for the extra push.  

“At first, I was worried about the competition; it seemed terrifying to me. Ms. Carmody encouraged me that I could do it and that our team would do well,” Abarientos said. “With that, our team just did amazingly. We work great as a team, and I am truly grateful for her believing in me.” 

Abarientos and her classmate, Erika Danielle Shelton, placed first in the Video Production category and now have the chance to compete at SkillsUSA Nationals in June. 

“I am so proud to represent �� in the SkillsUSA Challenge. It is truly an honor, and I will forever be grateful,” she said. “As a Filipina, I am so proud to represent my country, the Philippines, and our excellence.” 

After the competition concludes, Abarientos plans to travel back to her homeland to further her studies. 

“I am going to the Philippines to study mass communications or filmmaking at a university there,” she said. “I am excited to apply and hopefully get into the universities there.” 

Abarientos reflects on how this career path has motivated her to represent herself, her community, and her heritage. 

“Everything happens for a reason, and the special thing about my journey here at �� is the connection that I have created with people here,” she said. “The people around me were truly amazing and I will cherish it forever.” 

Luke Balbosa – 2026 Outstanding Graduate of Welding Technology

randybrown — Mon, 04 May 2026 11:52:25 +0000

When Luke Balbosa graduated from Belmont’s South Point High School in 2023, he sought a college that fit his budget and offered classes that could turn a longtime interest into a career.

“I chose my program because I enjoy working with my hands,” Balbosa said, “and I know this program would give me a way to turn that passion into a career.”

When he graduates in May, he’ll be looking to enter the workforce and use his diploma in welding technology, but he’s got his eye on the future, too.

“My current career goals are to become established with a fabrication company and gain experience and knowledge, then maybe one day open up my own business,” Balbosa said.

Even though his interest in welding technology brought him to ��, it was the college’s work-based learning and placement program, which provides opportunities to connect students with local employers, that really helped him ‘own his momentum.’

“I learned a lot during those two months,” Balbosa said, “and it really helped me get a feel for a real work environment.”

The career experience created a real environment for Balbosa to grow in his field and hone his skills, and the encouragement from his instructors and classmates helped him feel comfortable and motivated him to grow his skills.

“I would say the best part of my experience with this school would be the people I’ve met and the instructors that have taught me what I know,” Balbosa said.

As he reflects on his journey and upcoming graduation, Balbosa shared that he is honored to be a �� graduate.

“I am definitely grateful to everyone who helped me through this journey, and I’m proud of the choice I made to go to ��.”

Brooklyn Thompson – 2026 Academic Excellence Award Winner

julieostrowski — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:42:59 +0000

When Brooklyn Thompson started at ��, she had big dreams and was excited to be attending school alongside her mother.

Thompson has excelled as a student and is now being recognized by the North Carolina Community College System as ��’s Academic Excellence Award winner. The award, given by the NCCCS after a committee reviews nominations, recognizes students in the North Carolina Community College System who show outstanding academic achievement.

A 2024 graduate of ��ia Highland Tech High School, Thompson was first drawn to �� when her mother, Melissa Poindexter, joined the nursing program.

“She would take me with her sometimes to run errands, and I thought it would be fun to go to college with my mama,” Thompson said.

Thompson found a home in Engineering as her goal is to become an industrial designer of children’s toys. Her interest in this field grew from her hobbies and personal projects.

“I’ve always loved crafting and building stuff,” Thompson said. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was in eighth grade, I would create replica props from my favorite movies and games. That’s when I realized that I could turn it into a career. I love building and blueprinting, but I also love being creative and making things fun, and I thought creating toys was a nice blend of both.”

Thompson’s award makes her one of 58 honorees statewide who will be highlighted on the NCCCS website. She will also be recognized at ��’s commencement.

Thompson is looking forward to her next step. “After graduating from �� with my associate degree, I’ll be attending N.C. State University for my bachelor’s degree in engineering,” she said. “I plan to major in either mechanical engineering or industrial engineering.”