by Patsy Joyner

It’s always great to have good news to share regarding our students.

In today’s column, we salute Zachary Gurganus of Franklin, recipient of the R. Scott Carr Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship for 2010-2011.

The scholarship is named each year for the person most recently selected for the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy.

Paul D. Camp Community College’s 2010 recipient is Scott Carr of Suffolk in recognition his many forms of support of the college, which include serving as president of the PDCCC Foundation.

Commonwealth Legacy Scholarships

The Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship Program was established through the generosity of a number of private donors to the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education.

According to Dr. Jennifer L. Sager, vice chancellor for institutional advancement for the VCCS, “This program designates scholarship recipients who in each successive year will become mentors to a new class of Scholars — providing a legacy for years to come of community college graduates extending opportunity to future students. What better way to honor the history and the future of Virginia’s community colleges and the students and families they serve.”

Given to first-time college student at each of the 23 colleges in the Virginia Community College System, the Commonwealth scholarships are applied to tuition, books and fees. Students selected for the scholarships have demonstrated academic excellence during high school as well as a commitment to developing their leadership skills.

Recognition Luncheon

A luncheon is scheduled for Nov.16 in Charlottesville, where Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship recipients from across the state will be recognized. On hand to applaud Zachary will be members of his family, PDCCC President Paul Wm. Conco and Chairwoman of the Local College Board Meredith Felts.

Leadership Conference

In addition to receiving the scholarship, each Commonwealth Legacy recipient participates in the annual VCCS Student Leadership Conference from Nov. 5-7 in Richmond. The conference will include opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and peer interaction with special segments for Commonwealth Legacy Scholars, including breakfast with the Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System.

Legacy Scholar: Zachary Gurganus

Graduating 13th in his class at Southampton High School, Zachary began the fall semester at PDCCC in August.

He plans to complete his prerequisites, attend Virginia Military Institute to earn a civil engineering degree, join the U.S. Marines and complete an architectural engineering degree at Old Dominion University. Zachary was a National Honor Society member and is an Eagle Scout with Troop 125, Hunterdale Christian Church.

PDCCC Antique Car & Truck Show

Just a reminder of the PDCCC Foundation’s 2nd Annual Antique Car and Truck Show, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 30, on the Franklin Campus. Vehicle registration will be held from 9 a.m. to noon with a registration fee of $15, followed by the show from noon to 3 p.m.

Judging and presentation of trophies will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. There will be music, dash plates for all entries and refreshments for sale. There is no admission fee.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will provide scholarships, support college program initiatives and other projects that provide the opportunity for postsecondary education for area students, and off-set reduced government funding due to state revenue shortfalls.

Spring Scholarship Reminder

The application deadline for Spring Semester Scholarships is Nov. 3. The available scholarships and application form can be found at www.pdc.edu/paying-for-college/scholarships.php.

Spring Semester classes start Jan. 10.

For information on programs and other options available at PDCCC, call 569-6700, or visit the College website at www.pdc.edu.