2019-20 Student Ambassadors Preparing Year Ahead

WINTERVILLE—Pitt Community College’s newest group of student ambassadors met for the first time June 21 to begin preparations for their duties during the 2019-20 academic year.

The 10-member group features eight returnees and a pair of newcomers, who will assist PCC staff with recruiting and help out during various college-related events and fundraisers. The students, who receive full-time scholarships from the PCC Foundation, must also perform weekly service hours on campus and maintain at least a 3.2 GPA.

PCC Annual Fund/Alumni Director John Bacon, an ambassadors advisor, said the newest ambassadors group could best be characterized as “homegrown.” All 10 graduated from Pitt County high schools, he said, adding that each student was chosen for the program during the spring semester.

“Selecting students to represent PCC President Lawrence Rouse and the college, in general, is challenging, because there’s always a number of quality applicants to choose from,” Bacon said. “What made it a little easier this year, though, were the eight high-achievers from last year’s group that were eager to continue serving as ambassadors. The two exceptional students we added to the mix only made the group stronger.”

Bacon described the students as “motivated” and ready to carry on a tradition of excellence that began in 1992.

“PCC Student Ambassadors are the cream of the crop,” he said. “I really enjoy working with them. They’re some of our best students — they make good grades, they’re on track to graduate, and they enjoy serving as the face of PCC.”

Returning for a third year as an ambassador is Mickey Weathers. Josh Dees, J.J. Fisher, Madison Jones, Allie Moore, Owen Simpkins, Andrea Smith and Geromy Wright are back for a second go-round, while Joshua Furlough and Joshua Rogister are new to the program.

All of the students agree that ambassador service is a tremendous opportunity to develop leadership skills, support the college, serve the community and make connections.

“I love helping others and providing service to my community,” Weathers said. “What better way than as an ambassador?”

Half of the 2019-20 ambassadors group is preparing for health careers, including Weathers, Jones and Smith, who are studying to become nurses. Wright is pursuing a career as an X-Ray Technician, and Furlough is preparing for work as an occupational therapist.

Of the remaining five ambassadors, Dees, Fisher and Simpkins are pursuing careers in business. Moore plans to work in graphic design, and Rogister’s goal is to become a pastor.

Serving as an ambassador, Rogister says, is “an amazing opportunity to develop leadership and giving skills that I will need to work in the church.”

Later this summer, the students will participate in three days of leadership training that includes communication and public speaking tips, team-building exercises, a community service project, and meetings with PCC administrators.

07/02/2019