Overcoming Life’s Challenges to Finish High School Makenzie’s high school journey was interrupted in 10th grade, right as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. At 16 years old, she worked 60-hour weeks while caring for her sick grandmother. With overwhelming responsibilities, school had to be put on hold. After her grandmother passed away, Makenzie—then just 17—found herself […]
Evie Lewis Finds Her Path to Helping Others At just 19 years old, Evie Lewis has already lived a story full of courage, perseverance, and hope. Now, as she prepares to transfer to Western Carolina University and begin a new chapter, she reflects on the journey that brought her here—and the people who helped along […]
Maycie Norman, a senior at Crest High and a CCC cosmetology student, is taking her talent for design from Shelby to the national stage—with hopes of heading to FIT in New York.
For Taejauna “Tae” Spearman, the road to a career in surgical technology wasn’t straight—it was a winding path filled with challenges, determination, and self-discovery. Now in the final stretch of Cleveland Community College’s Surgical Technology program, Tae is preparing to graduate in May with an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology and an Associate […]
After proudly serving for three years in the U.S. Navy, Michael Williams returned to civilian life ready to build a stable career. When he was unexpectedly laid off from his job, he seized the opportunity to pursue a new path and enrolled in Cleveland Community College’s Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology Programming and […]
Matthew Pasley began his journey in the HVAC field during high school in Kentucky. Although he had the option to graduate early, a school counselor suggested he take HVAC classes instead. He decided to spend his senior year learning about heating and cooling systems. Although he didn’t enter the profession immediately, he recognized that having […]
Twenty-two-year-old Cait’Lynn Crotts is a smart, ambitious young woman who welcomes challenges. Her career journey so far has been one of exploration, growth, and change. While still a junior in high school, Cait’Lynn enrolled at Cleveland Community College to study Cosmetology. By the time she graduated from high school, she had also earned her diploma […]
The energy level on campus jumped a notch with the arrival of Nikki Hudson, the new EMS Program Coordinator. Nikki officially joined the team on October 1 and brings over a decade of experience in emergency medical services and education. Her vision and passion are already setting the stage for an exciting future for the […]
How does an Ivy League graduate end up in the Electrical Lineworker Academy at Cleveland Community College? The same way as students from all over the country. He was looking for a new direction and a challenging but fulfilling career. When Matthew Archie decided to turn a new page in his life, he didn’t just […]
Jada Callahan, a 2024 graduate of Crest High School, found her passion in a class she took just for fun. Through the Career and College Promise (CCP) program, Jada registered for a Cosmetology class at Cleveland Community College without having to pay college tuition. The CCP program offers qualifying high school juniors and seniors the […]
After nearly five decades of dedicated service in nursing and nursing education, Avis Morrow is preparing to embrace a new chapter of life. At the end of this year, she will retire, having spent the last ten years shaping the next generation of nurses. With warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication, Avis has cared for patients […]
Allen “Al” Dunkleman has spent more than two decades fostering a love for learning and encouraging students to persevere, no matter their background or challenges. A Sociology instructor at Cleveland Community College since 2002, he is preparing for his last day in the classroom, at least as a full-time instructor. He’s making a “vocational transition” […]
