Bestmann, Richardson among those honored with RCC academic awards

“From the first day of class back in August 2019, I knew the radiography department was not going to be a walk in the park,” she said. “After two semesters in the program, there was a new problem: COVID-19. All my classes were changed from in-person to being fully online, and we had to miss eight weeks of clinicals.

“Over the past two years, my teachers, tutors, and classmates have become family to me. We were all in the same boat. No one wanted to be online or miss clinicals, but it was something we worked through together. They have been the ones to encourage me and have found ways to help me be successful. Randolph Community College has given me lifelong friends and has provided me with the knowledge I will take with me to be successful in the work field.”

The Dallas Herring Achievement Award was established by the North Carolina Community College System 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.

Richardson, a 2018 Presidential Scholar, is currently pursuing not only a degree in Cosmetology, but also an associate degree in Business Administration. She also has worked at Hair Kutts Salon in High Point since 2019. Despite having a lot on her plate during a global pandemic, Richardson has made it onto the President’s List in both the fall and spring semesters in 2020, an honor that requires a Grade Point Average of 4.00.

“Although I’ve always wanted to be a hairstylist, I wanted to have a degree as a backup plan,” Richardson said. “I would recommend the community college route for anyone, especially if you know what field you want to go into. I thank RCC for making it possible for me to work my dream job.”

RCC also recognized student achievement with its annual Academic Awards and Curriculum Awards.

The Academic Award is based on the highest GPA in the degree and diploma program of study. Students must have been enrolled in two of the last four terms; have completed at least 40 credit hours at RCC in a degree program, 10 of which are major courses in their current program, or 10 credit hours in a diploma program; and have a program GPA of 3.5 or higher.

The Curriculum Award goes to a student in each degree and diploma program who is both outstanding in his/her academic achievement and has potential for success in the particular field he/she has chosen. To be eligible, the students must have been enrolled in two of the last four terms; have completed at least 40 credit hours at RCC in a degree program, 10 of which are major courses in their current degree program, or 10 credit hours in a diploma program; have a program GPA of 3.0 or higher; have demonstrated expertise in their field of study; and have participated in departmental and campus and community activities that promote the College.