Robeson Community College to graduate 21 future educators
With a shortage for educators in the State of North Carolina, Robeson Community College is proud to announce that 21 students will graduate from its education program on May 8.
Each of the graduates were honored with a special pinning ceremony earlier this week, with two students being recognized for going above and beyond in their academic studies.
Stacy Madison Williams and Regina D. Walters both received the Highest Overall Academic Achievement Award.
As students had a lapel pin placed on their graduation stole, they also received a copy of “I Knew You Could,” a children’s book “for all the stops in your life.”
During the pinning ceremony, Tiane Burns served as the guest speaker. Burns is a 2018 graduate of the Early Childhood Education program at Robeson Community College and a 2023 graduate from the UNCP School of education. She currently teaches third grades in the Public Schools of Robeson County.
“Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers… You will never have two days that will be the same,” Burns told the graduates.
“Teaching is an incredible act of service… you have chosen a job that will ultimately be of the greater good,” Burns said. “By becoming an educator, you have decided that you want to dedicate your life to literally making the world a better place. Your actions and words everyday will have the ability to affect a leader of tomorrow.”
“Today I would like to give you a piece of advice,” Burns told the graduates. “This is the biggest thing that has helped me so far to stay focused.”
“Love,” she said.
“This is one of the most important things that will help you find success in your classroom… this will help you find success and allow you the pleasure of staying in the profession for longer than a few years,” Burns stated.
“Always love,” she stated again.
“You see because without love, this job would be too hard. Without love, this job, it does ask too much of us,” said Burns. “And whether you realize it or not, when you choose to major in education, to become a teacher, you have already chosen love.”
Brandie Jean Bryant, Tyler Breanna Freeman, Alisha Renee Jacobs, Carmen Michaela Rodriguez, and Stacy Madison Williams will each graduate with an Associate of Arts in Teacher Preparation, allowing them to take the next step towards earning a bachelor’s degree in education and obtaining licensure as a teacher.
Kelly Ann Council, Bernise Flores, Bethanie Morgan Hammonds, Tinera Marie Hunt, Brianna Nicole Locklear, Dayla Makayla Marie Locklear, Khristona Leona Locklear, Lindsey Miranda Locklear, Nora Lynn Locklear, Sierra Rena Locklear, Cassandra McLeod, Katelyn Locklear Smith, Chasidy Strickland, Madison J. Strickland, and Regina Deanna Walters will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, the career track, and are ready to enter the workforce. They are qualified to work with children from infancy to middle grades as an owner/operator of a daycare, director or assistant director or a teacher.
Chaydon Layne Scott will earn an associate of applied science in early childhood education, the transfer licensure track, which will open up many doors of opportunity as well as give her the flexibility to transfer to a four-year institution to obtain a degree in education.
Many of the students also earned certificates, giving them additional stackable credentials to add to their resume.
“We thank you for supporting these students through the process, they couldn’t have done this without you,” stated Dr. Phoebe Chavis-Harris, the education program director as she addressed the families. “We hope you will continue to support them, as many of our students have plans to continue their education… We are excited about what you will achieve… Congratulations to you all.”
