Featured photo: Class of 2023 graduate Emma Robinson receives the Academic Excellence Award from Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura Leatherwood (Photo by Ben Rickert, Marketing and Communications Dept.).
Blue Ridge Community College Class of 2023 graduate Emma Robinson received the College’s Academic Excellence Award during the spring commencement on May 13.
Academic Excellence Awards recognize and encourage scholarship among the students of the North Carolina Community College System. Students are honored who have “set the highest possible goals and attained the pinnacle of academic success.”
Robinson began her journey with Blue Ridge as a junior in high school through the Career and College Promise program. She completed an entire semester of her college education before she even graduated from high school.
Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura Leatherwood commended Robinson for her achievements at the May 13 graduation ceremony.
“Blue Ridge was her first choice, and taking extra classes each semester, she earned two degrees in two years: an associate in arts for college transfer and an associate in applied science in horticulture technology,” Leatherwood said.
Robinson credits Blue Ridge for her ability to graduate on time, without debt, and prepared to pursue a career or continue her education.
“I’m so thankful for my time at Blue Ridge Community College and very honored to be the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award,” she said. “It is very rewarding to know that my hard work was recognized by my teachers and the staff.”
Currently, Robinson is attending Purdue University online to get a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition.
“Thanks to Blue Ridge I had 105 credits transfer, leaving me with only 75 credits to go,” Robinson said. “I got a tuition discount because I earned a degree from Blue Ridge, so even at my new school going to Blue Ridge has been a blessing.”
Students and parents interested in learning more about the Career and College Promise program can visit www.blueridge.edu/ccp.