Two VGCC Students receive Golden LEAF Scholarships
Vance-Granville Community College students Jayne M. Poythress of Henderson and Candace M. Thorpe of Creedmoor have both been awarded Golden LEAF Foundation Scholarships . Poythress and Thorpe are enrolled for their final semesters in the College Transfer program at VGCC this fall. They are among 215 students from across the state who were selected to receive Golden LEAF scholarships to attend participating in-state colleges or universities this year. Approximately 15 percent of those recipients are community college students transferring to a four-year institution, according to foundation officials. Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,000 a year for up to three years. Golden LEAF Foundation scholarships are awarded to students from rural, economically distressed North Carolina counties and are selected based on a number of criteria, including a review of school and community service activities, goals, and expressed intent to contribute to rural communities upon graduation.
Poythress (pictured above, right) is transferring to Appalachian State University in January with plans to major in Sustainable Development and minor in Sociology. “I chose to attend Vance-Granville because I knew I wanted to transfer to a four-year university and this was the best option for me, because it’s convenient and close to home, which is important since I’m raising a child, too,” Poythress said. “I knew that I would be able to get into a four-year school if I started at VGCC.”
Thorpe (pictured above, left) enrolled at VGCC after she was laid off from her job and decided to pursue the college degree that she lacked. “It was the right time, because if I had gone to college straight out of high school, I’m not sure I would have taken it so seriously,” she said. “I have enjoyed my time at Vance-Granville. All the people, including all my teachers, counselors, and tutors, have been wonderful, and if not for them, I wouldn’t have made it through. They have been a blessing to me.” Thorpe took most of her classes at VGCC’s South Campus , located near her home. She is transferring to North Carolina Central University in January to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. “I have a passion for helping both children and seniors,” Thorpe said of her career interests.
While at VGCC, both students have been named to the Dean’s List. Thorpe has also received two endowed scholarships from VGCC in the past.
VGCC’s College Transfer Program provides students with the first two years of a B.A. or B.S. degree program. Transfer courses are available on all four VGCC campuses and online. According to a recent state report, students transferring to a four-year state university from Vance-Granville tend to out-perform students who started at the public universities as freshmen.
