Future teachers celebrated with pinning at RCC
The accomplishments of education students were celebrated with a pinning ceremony Thursday night at Robeson Community College. Many of these students will be going on to four-year institutions to further their education and earn a bachelor’s degree in Education and others will be entering the workforce to start careers working with children in daycares, elementary schools, and childcare centers.
“These are the future teachers of Robeson County,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler during welcoming remarks.
“I challenge you graduates to go forth, mindful of your need to engage in the learning process, and plan to use your credentials and all the knowledge and skills you have obtained, to contribute generously and meaningfully to the communities you are going to serve,” Singler told the graduates. “You have shown a true commitment to your profession not only through your coursework but through your attitudes and behaviors.”
Karen White, a graduate of the early childhood program, served as the keynote speaker.
“It is teachers like you that will look back at the close of each school day with a heart filled with joy knowing that you made a difference in a student’s life,” said White. “It is a teacher like you that will be loving, and accepting to your students. It is a teacher like you that will inspire and push your students to their own greatness… it is a teacher like you that will build our future for the next generation of doctors, lawyers, plumbers, and electricians and yes, you will even create a teacher like you.”
Eleven students were pinned during the ceremony.
During the pinning, students were also given a book titled “A Teacher Like You” by Frank Murphy and Barbara Dan and illustrated by Kayla Harren. They also received a stole to wear with their graduation regalia on May 10.
Several students also earned an additional four certificates through the education program during their time at RCC, which were presented during the ceremony. Those students are noted with an asterisk by their names.
AA – Teacher Preparation
Taylor Nicole Cooper
Kaitlyn Rose Johnson
AAS – Early Childhood Education Career Track
Megan Nicole Pittman
Tatiana Marca Clark*
Keondra D. Drayton*
Yasmine Renee Flores*
Layni Makenna Jones*
Sabrianna MaKayla Oxendine*
Chelsey Nicole Sampson*
AAS – Early Childhood Transfer Licensure Track
Summer Smith Bullard*
Beatriz Martinez Cortes*
Summer Bullard was also presented with the academic achievement award for the class of 2023.
