Each month the Greene County Board of Education recognizes students from the different county schools with student spotlight. During the October Board meeting,  five Greene Early College students were recognized for leadership, citizenship, academic achievements, and innovative initiatives. Shown in the photo are (left) Superintendent Dr. Patrick Miller and (right) Principal Dr. Rodney McNeill.  Students are left to right: Lorien Stocks, Cara Walker, Madia Harris, and Jesse Valdez.  Not pictured is Colin Corbitt.

Each distinctive attribute of each student was described by Dr. Frank Creech.

Lorien Stocks and Madia Harris:

Co-Organizers of “Cougars Care Club”.  During the 2021 spring, these young ladies decided to reach out to the community in a special way.  Realizing the loneliness of residents in nursing homes and family members not being allowed to visit, Lorien and Madia organized this club.  They organized an ice bucket challenge among the teachers.  Students voted with money who was to get iced.  The proceeds, over $500, from this event funded 92  Easter baskets, one for each resident at Greendale Nursing Home.  These ladies are continuing the efforts of the club for this year with an activity plan:  the first event this year is to organize GEC students to help with Greene Central’s Band Day. Completing GEC’s five-year plan in four years while maintaining a 3.3 GPA, Lorien will graduate with her LCC’s Associate in Arts degree in May 2022. In addition to exceling in her academics while giving back to the community, Lorien enjoys working with rescue horses.  Likewise, Madia maintains a 3.5 GPA and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, will complete her Associate in Arts degree in four years.  Expanding her skill set, Madia has also completed the Pharmacy Technician and Computer-Integrated Machining Certificates.

Cara Walker:  Junior, Cara Walker, is the epitome of taking advantage of educational opportunities offered. Her strong commitment to academic excellence has earned her membership in LCC’s Phi Theta Kappa and GC’s Beta Club.  Expanding her skills, she has also completed certification in basic welding.  During the pandemic, and realizing the often disconnect of our students during the Pandemic, she organized student helpers to send a surprise e-Valentine on that special day so that each GEC student would receive one. Each of the 178 valentines were different.  She has also served as Class President for SGA her freshman and junior years.

Jesse Valdez has been preparing himself for the workforce while at GEC.  Jesse Valdez, a super senior, will graduate this spring with his high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree. 

But Jesse has also taken advantage of many specialty programs offered by Lenoir Community College.  He also already completed certification in Welding Basic Skills and Computer-Integrated Machining. He is on track to complete in Spring 2022 Certification in Intermediate Welding, Commercial Industrial Refrigeration, Business Administration, and Private Pilot Certification.

Colin Corbitt, a senior, excels in his academics, as evidenced by his membership in the Beta Club and Phi Theta Kappa.  But the extra twist about Colin is his extreme interest in social studies and the world of politics. Proving his interest, he placed fifth in the 11th grade state social studies competition at the 2021 BETA State Convention (virtual).  Moving into politics, do not be surprised to find Colin helping man voting sites during future elections. During national elections, Colin, the “Election Master”, creates YouTube videos about the candidates and his predictions.  Colin hopes to attend NC State to study political science.

Congratulations to these students!