Pictured from left is graduate Alishia N. McNair, graduate Seaira Brooke Berry, graduate Vicky Ann Jones, College and Career Readiness instructor Penny Killough, graduate Jessica K. Quick, graduate Elizabeth Spencer and graduate Christopher Patrick Sullivan Jr. These Scotland County students graduated from Richmond Community College’s Adult High School diploma program.

Pictured from left are graduate Jacob E. Pate, College and Career Readiness instructor Scarlet Gibbs, graduate Tarrance Devone Wall and graduate John Efird. These Scotland County students graduated from Richmond Community College’s High School Equivalency diploma program.

Pictured from left is graduate Alishia N. McNair, graduate Seaira Brooke Berry, graduate Vicky Ann Jones, College and Career Readiness instructor Penny Killough, graduate Jessica K. Quick, graduate Elizabeth Spencer and graduate Christopher Patrick Sullivan Jr. These Scotland County students graduated from Richmond Community College’s Adult High School diploma program.

Pictured from left are graduate Jacob E. Pate, College and Career Readiness instructor Scarlet Gibbs, graduate Tarrance Devone Wall and graduate John Efird. These Scotland County students graduated from Richmond Community College’s High School Equivalency diploma program.

HAMLET — Richmond Community College held a graduation ceremony June 18 for students from Richmond and Scotland counties who completed either the Adult High School or High School Equivalency program.

RCC’s College and Career Readiness program awarded 150 High School Equivalency diplomas and 25 Adult High School Diplomas from June 2014 to May 2015.

College president Dr. Dale McInnis congratulated the graduates who attended the ceremony held at the Cole Auditorium.

“Your journey to arrive here tonight is one that deserves celebration and deserves this recognition,” McInnis said. “We are proud to have played a part in helping these graduates achieve this milestone. We look forward to having these students back at RCC as they continue to take the next step in getting their education.”

McInnis also recognized the many community partners in Scotland and Richmond counties who provide classroom space and support for the College and Career Readiness program. McInnis also asked the audience for a round of applause for RCC’s instructors and staff.

Director of College & Career Readiness Sherry Byrd led a tribute to the late Phillip Covington, a former program instructor who touched the lives of many students.

“Phillip came to us with 25 years with of wisdom and life experiences that were formed as a public school instructor and an adult education instructor in Knoxville, Tennessee,” Byrd said. “Phillip loved the position he held with RCC. It provided him with the opportunity to do what he loved doing: mentoring students to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.”

RCC’s Workforce and Economic Development Vice President Robbie Taylor presented scholarships to three students who will be continuing their education at RCC this fall semester.

Brandon Allan Knorr received the Barbara S. Conder Basic Skills Scholarship.

Nicole M. Cherry and Amber Grant both received scholarships from the Rockingham Civitan Club.

Speaking at the graduation was Sandra Huneycutt, who obtained her GED diploma from RCC in December 2013 and subsequently enrolled in college courses at RCC. By the end of the spring semester, she had made the President’s List and was selected as treasurer for the RCC Student Government Association (SGA). In May, Huneycutt was elected the president of the SGA and will serve as a voice for the 2015-16 student body of RCC.

“Society has this mentality that if you drop out of school, you should drop out of life because you will never amount to anything. No matter what, never give up,” Huneycutt said. “Stay strong, stay determined and no matter what path you choose, stay with it.”

Her educational goals are to transfer to The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and pursue a bachelor’s degree in applied physics.

Dr. Ron Hargrave, superintendent of Scotland County Schools, and Dr. Cindy S. Goodman, superintendent of Richmond County Schools, also attended the ceremony and assisted in conferring of certificates and diplomas.