LCC's Dallas Herring Achievement Award nominee

Photo: Dallas Herring

Lenoir Community College graduate Laci Smith of La Grange was selected as LCC’s  2020 Dallas Herring Achievement Award nominee.

 The Dallas Herring Achievement Award was established by the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to honor the late Dr. Dallas Herring, whose philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go” is the guiding principle of the system. The award is given annually to a current or former community college student who best embodies Dr. Herring’s philosophy. 

An Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts graduate, Smith’s journey has been challenging. She has experienced homelessness multiple times in the past due to fire and flooding from hurricanes. She has also survived serious medical conditions, and years in an abusive relationship. “However, through it all, Laci has been resilient,” said Art Instructor Leigh Ann Parrish in nominating Smith. “In spite of all of her hardships, Laci demonstrates dedication and hard work. She is an immensely passionate person who has taken all that life has given her and created a bright, bold future for herself,” she said.

“I’m constantly amazed by her, and so very grateful to have met her at this moment in her journey,” Parrish said. 

Smith was a member of the Art Club while at LCC and is considering pursuing either a four-year degree or an associate degree in Graphic Design.