Featured Photo: Academic Excellence Award winner Victoria Dmytryszyn poses by the stage in the Blue Ridge Conference Hall of Blue Ridge Community College on her May 9 graduation day. (Photo by: Benjamin Rickert.)
Benjamin Rickert
Marketing & Communications Dept.
As the new academic year begins, Blue Ridge Community College congratulates recent graduate Victoria Dmytryszyn, recipient of the 2026 Academic Excellence Award, for her outstanding academic achievement and remarkable resilience throughout the 2025-26 academic year.
Dmytryszyn was honored by Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood during the College’s May 9 graduation ceremony, where she graduated summa cum laude with an associate in science college transfer degree, earning a GPA of 3.93.
“Also an Early College student, Victoria has balanced the demands of both high school and college coursework with remarkable discipline and focus,” Dr. Leatherwood said while Victoria stood to be honored by her fellow graduates. “Her success reflects not only excellence in the classroom, but also resilience in the face of significant challenges.”
Dmytryszyn attended Blue Ridge as a dual-enrolled student while also participating in the Innovative High School program, a partnership between Blue Ridge and Henderson County Public Schools. Even while balancing the demands of high school and college, she remained focused on her long-term goal of becoming a physician.
“I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, and that passion was really fulfilled coming to Blue Ridge and seeing all of the different science classes I was able to take,” she said.
This fall, she plans to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to major in neuroscience on a pre-med track and minor in business administration.
Finding strength through community
Dmytryszyn’s academic accomplishments followed a season marked by extraordinary personal challenges. In September of 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated her home, forcing her to navigate the disruption while continuing her education.
“Our house was devastated by seven feet of water, and the College was actually able to help,” she explained.
Following Helene, Blue Ridge’s Financial Aid office and Educational Foundation successfully distributed more than $2.5 million in emergency financial assistance to students affected by the disaster. This emergency aid allowed Dmytryszyn to stay in school.
For Dmytryszyn, the support extended beyond financial assistance.
“It was also the faculty that really helped me,” she said, “They pushed me and reminded me that I can do this, that I can continue moving forward.”
In her final semester at Blue Ridge, Dmytryszyn reflected on that experience in an essay, writing, “During my time at Blue Ridge, I also learned the importance of community. When Hurricane Helene destroyed my home, I was not sure how I would manage everything at once. But the faculty and staff stepped in. They checked on me, encouraged me, and celebrated every small win—and they continue to do so. That kind of support allowed me to stay focused on my academic goals and remain grateful for every opportunity.”
Dmytryszyn said earning the Academic Excellence Award was especially meaningful as a student in a high school program, particularly as one of the younger students in her classes. She also expressed gratitude for the sacrifices her family made to provide her with opportunities to succeed.
Recognized among North Carolina’s best
The Academic Excellence Award program recognizes outstanding students at each of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges. To be eligible, students must be enrolled, have completed at least 12 semester hours in a curriculum degree program, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
The North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation recognized all 58 recipients during the Awards Dinner and Celebration on April 15 in Raleigh. Each recipient received a plaque and medallion in recognition of their academic accomplishments.
“This award honors students who haven’t just mastered their curricula but have redefined what it means to be a scholar in an era of rapid change. They have navigated a shifting digital landscape with integrity and heart, proving they are ready to lead North Carolina into the future. Their success underscores the vital role our community colleges play in bridging the gap between potential and prosperity,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, who served as System president at the time.
For Blue Ridge, Dmytryszyn’s achievement represents more than academic excellence. It reflects the determination of a student who continued pursuing her goals through extraordinary circumstances—and the power of a college community committed to helping its students move forward.
“Victoria’s achievements reflect the very best of Blue Ridge: academic excellence, determination, and a deep appreciation for the power of community,” added Dr. Leatherwood.
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